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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 does Philip have the most difficult time controlling about himself?

2. How does Mollie react to the sudden and unexpected presence of Philip?

3. At the dinner table, what does Philip dissuade John from doing?

4. Which character tries to calm Philip down when he is upset with Mollie for wanting to leave him?

5. What is the main way the character of Sister is different from the character of Philip?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Mollie react to Sister's blatant question of whether or not she loves Philip and if she plans to marry him for the third time?

2. What becomes clear to be the main reason Philip wants to take Paris with him?

3. What information does John give Mollie that makes her brighten?

4. How is John is the voice of reason for Mollie?

5. What is the point of tension about when Philip and John meet for the first time over dinner?

6. What does Philip learns has happened in regards to Mollie after his evening spent in anger and rage?

7. What is the primary reason why Philip wants to take Paris with him?

8. What does John discuss with Paris that he considers the square root of sin?

9. What does Paris's friend Hattie think of Philip?

10. Where does Philip tell Paris they will go?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the time and setting of the play and how the setting has a direct impact on the characters. Name the historical prototypes that are used in the play and describe how the characters represent the time in history in which the play is set. Also, include an analysis of the farmhouse and how it relates to the plot of the play.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the act of suicide in The Square Root of Wonderful. We know that Paris mentions that suicide is weakness. However, when someone is on the edge of despair where no rational thought takes place, could it be considered a sickness or a form of relief? Does Philip's suicide bring the family closer together or does it split them further apart. Does it serve it's purpose or is it the ultimate tragedy?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and Contrast the characters of John Tucker and Philip Lovejoy. Include the ironies of their lives, including where they come from and who they have become. Discuss how their characters pull different, yet equally powerful emotions out of Mollie. Finally, include Mollie as the driving force of their decisions in your essay. Use 3 pieces of textual evidence in your essay.

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