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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When did Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend Bobby Watson's funeral?

2. What conclusion do Mr. and Mrs. Martin reach at the end of their discussion?

3. According to Mrs. Smith, what was saltier than the soup?

4. How does the Fire Chief act in response to Mrs. Smith's request?

5. What did Mrs. Martin see a man doing on the Underground?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Fire Chief settle the argument over the doorbell?

2. What official business has the Fire Chief visiting the Smiths?

3. What conflicts arise in the play and how are they resolved?

4. Why are the Smiths angry with Mary when she announces the arrival of the Martins?

5. How does Mr. Smith know the Fire Chief?

6. What argument centers around the Watson family?

7. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

8. How is mediocrity presented in the play?

9. What dull story does Mrs. Martin tell to amaze Mr. Martin and the Smiths?

10. What revelation does Mary give about the Martin family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is the play's plot developed? What conflicts arise and how are they resolved? How does Ionesco's method of plot development compare to the traditional literary method of creating plot development? What effect does Ionesco's style of plot development have on communicating the theme of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Which characters from the play appear to be "imaginary?" What is the purpose of describing these nonexistent characters? How do the characters who are not physically present in the play affect the dialogue and action?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the mirror? How does each character view himself or herself? What fears exist among the characters when presented with the concept of personal reflection and how does that fear relate to the theme of the play?

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