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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 relationship between Harry and Claire?

2. What does Tom confide to Dick?

3. Who requested that breakfast be served in the greenhouse?

4. Which best describes the number of plants in the greenhouse?

5. What does Claire push off the table?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Claire say to Tom at the end of Act 1?

2. When the curtain opens for the second time in Act 1, what is the setting?

3. What is the profession of Claire's lover, Dick? How is his profession indicative of his character?

4. Why is Claire unhappy, even though "The Breath of Life" bloomed beautifully?

5. What does Harry realize when he sees that Claire has strangled Tom?

6. When Claire and Tom are alone with "The Breath of Life," what offer does he make to her?

7. When Tom realizes the greenhouse door is locked, what does he do?

8. Claire's internal struggle indicates her desire for what?

9. What is the symbolism of the tower room?

10. How does Tom respond to Claire's request in order for the door to be unlocked?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the playwright use sound to illustrate Claire's need to find meaning in her life at the expense of others? Consider the wind, the buzzer, and the Victrola as examples.

Essay Topic 2

The playwright plays with names in many ways, from naming Claire's love interests as "Tom, Dick, and Harry," to naming the two significant vines in the greenhouse, and even to Tom's last name, "Edgeworthy." Discuss how these name choices serve to reinforce the author's characterizations and symbolism.

Essay Topic 3

Why is Claire so unwilling or unable to show love to her daughter, Elizabeth? Do you believe Elizabeth was raised by Adelaide because there was too much tension between Claire and Elizabeth, or is there tension between Claire and Elizabeth because Elizabeth was raised by Adelaide?

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This section contains 677 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample