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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 is the name of the man who has requested financial help from Charles Surface and Joseph Surface?

2. What does Joseph want Lady Teazle to do?

3. What do Charles and Joseph Surface have in common relating to Sir Oliver?

4. What is the benefit of looking beneath the surface, according to the speaker of "A Portrait"?

5. What does Sir Peter think should make Lady Teazle happy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens at the beginning of the party in Act 2, Scene 2?

2. What is Lady Sneerwell's next project going to be, and why?

3. In Act 3, Scene 1, how does the ongoing argument between Maria and Sir Peter become apparent in relation to Maria's desire to marry Charles?

4. What is the significance of "A Portrait"?

5. In Act 3, Scene 1, how does the incessant arguing between Sir Peter and Lady Teazle continue to occur?

6. Describe Charles and Joseph's conversation in Act 4, Scene 3.

7. Is there any other piece of advice that Sheridan offers the audience in the Portrait section of his Play?

8. How is Lady Teazle able to escape a charge of infidelity, and possibly divorce from her husband after he discovers that she has been hiding behind a screen in Joseph's room?

9. How do Mr. Moses and Trip's business negotiations progress?

10. Why is Act 4, Scene 1 set in the portrait room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sir Oliver observes that any man of worth will have enemies, and since Joseph does not have any enemies, he cannot fully trust Joseph. Write an essay on whether Sir Oliver's observation can be considered to be basing a man's worth based solely on appearance. Compare and contrast Sir Oliver's method of character assessment, with that of Sheridan's, which is based on looking underneath the surface. In comparing Sir Oliver's method of character assessment with that of Sheridan's, can both methods be considered to be alike, or to be in contrast to one another? If so, how? If not, why not? Support your position with dialogue, text, and/or paraphrase from the play.

Essay Topic 2

Step back in time to the setting of the play in the late 1700's, when modern-day entertainment outlets such as radio, television, and tabloids were not available. Focus on the gossip sessions that Lady Sneerwell holds at her home, along with those who attended and participate in those sessions. Write an essay comparing and contrasting whether the participants in her gossip sessions were participating in the gossip gatherings for the sake of entertainment, or because they simply had less than a good heart? Support your position with text, dialogue, or paraphrase from the play.

Essay Topic 3

Lady Sneerwell and Mrs. Candour are both huge gossips, but they have very different motives. Compare and contrast these two women.

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