IN CONVERSATION WITH RACHEL BONDS AND EMILY MANN
Reading Comprehension Questions
Lines 1-11
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What was does Bonds describe as being “in my blood” in Line 2?
According to this section, what inspired Bonds to write Five Mile Lake?
What prediction can you make about the occupation of one of the play’s characters?
What does the word “setting” mean?
In Line 11, to what “image” does Bonds refer?
How is Bonds connected to the play? In other words, what part did she play in its
creation?
Lines 12-28
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What is Mann’s role in this production of Five Mile Lake?
What life experience made Emily Mann connect to the play?
What does Rachel mean by the “shape of ambition?”
Based on this passage, how would you describe Jamie’s ambition? Mary’s?
What does the lake represent?
How does the setting mirror the characters’ ambitions?
How are Mary and Jamie similar?
Lines 29-39
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How are Rufus and Mary different?
What did Rufus need to get out of?
From Bonds’ perspective, why did Rufus need to get out?
Paraphrase this section.
Lines 40-50
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Compare Mary and Jamie’s approach to living a satisfying life.
Why does Jamie want to build a family?
Define the phrase “come to grips” in Line 48.
From Emily’s perspective, why is the setting important?
Lines 51-67
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Define the word “sentiment” on Line 53.
What detail supports Mann’s belief that people can change?
What does the word “seismic” in Line 60 mean?
In your own words, what does Bonds’ find appealing about this play?
Lines 68-76
 In your opinion, why are new plays the present and future of theater?
 What does it mean to “be in the present tense?” Why might that be important?