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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. What simile does Tobias use to describe Julia's failed marriage?

2. How old is Tobias?

3. How many acts are in this play?

4. What is the location of the play?

5. What is the setting for Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Agnes's perspective on daylight.

2. What are Agnes and Tobias's main points when considering whether or not to ask Harry and Edna to leave?

3. Who emerges as the voice of reason and calm in Act 2, Scene 1?

4. What does Agnes cite as the beginning of her marriage to Tobias?

5. How does Tobias respond to Agnes talk about going mad?

6. How does Edna retaliate against Julia for her rude behavior?

7. What is Julia looking for from Tobias?

8. Julia arrives home but does not understand something she encounters. What is it?

9. How old are Agnes and Tobias?

10. What announcements does Edna make regarding the bedroom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses some important instances of flashbacks in the story. Explain what a flashback is and cite at least two making sure to explain what makes each a flashback.

Essay Topic 2

Alcohol abuse seems to be an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the abuse? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the characters' lives? How does it affect the abusers? How does it affect those impacted by the abusers? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 3

Albee uses more than one instance of irony in the book. One example is the clarity with which the alcoholic Claire can view life. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the play and note why they are examples of irony.

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