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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What explanation does Mary give for leaving the house?
(a) She was thirsty.
(b) She heard a beautiful song and followed the notes.
(c) The Smiths had given her permission to leave.
(d) She was sleepy.

2. When boarding the train to London, how did Mr. Martin assist Mrs. Martin?
(a) He placed her suitcase on the luggage rack.
(b) He held her coat.
(c) He helped her find her seat.
(d) He moved to give her the window seat.

3. How does Mr. Smith claim to know the Fire Chief's mother?
(a) She was Mr. Smith's first wife.
(b) They rode the train together.
(c) She courted Mr. Smith.
(d) She was in the kitchen when it caught fire.

4. According to Mr. Martin, who is Nancy?
(a) A monophysite priest.
(b) A shop-assistant.
(c) A typist.
(d) A clerk.

5. According to the Fire Chief, how does he know Mary?
(a) She poured him tea last Tuesday.
(b) She is his cousin.
(c) She was in the kitchen when he was putting out the fire.
(d) She extinguished his first fires.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom does Mr. Martin claim is going crazy?

2. What treatment does Dr. Mackenzie-King recommend for appendicitis?

3. According to Mrs. Smith, what must one look out of in real life?

4. In the story, "The Headcold", what was blonde Marie's profession?

5. Before he leaves, what comment does the Fire Chief make that causes embarrassment to the other characters?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the stereotypes the characters represent.

2. What ironic elements exist in the play?

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

4. What point is Ionesco attempting to make about conversation?

5. How do the characters deviate from their assigned stations in life?

6. Describe the story of the calf that gave birth to a cow.

7. Describe the plot behind Mrs. Smith's story of the man who bought flowers.

8. How is repetition used as a literary device?

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

10. How does the play parody English society?

(see the answer keys)

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