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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. In the Fire Chief's story, "The Headcold", what is the main subject of the story?
(a) A listing of genealogies.
(b) The work of a famous doctor.
(c) Fires.
(d) The cure for the common cold.

2. What question does the Fire Chief ask the Smiths?
(a) Where is the tea?
(b) Have you a light?
(c) Where is the door?
(d) Is there a fire here?

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

4. Why can't Mrs. Smith read the clock?
(a) She does not have her reading glasses.
(b) It is contradictory, and indicates the opposite of the hour.
(c) It is running backwards.
(d) She must pour the tea.

5. According to Mr. Martin, what time does the 8:30 morning train arrive in London?
(a) 8:30 a.m.
(b) 12:00 p.m.
(c) 4:45 p.m.
(d) 1:00 a.m.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the Fire Chief refuse to visit Mr. Durand?

2. Why does Mrs. Smith kiss the Fire Chief?

3. Who is at the door when Mrs. Smith opens it?

4. What excuse does Mrs. Smith give for Mr. Smith's ill temper?

5. According to Mrs. Smith, if paper is for writing and the cat is for the rat, what is cheese for?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the Martins beginning the play at the end of the drama?

2. What drama unfolds as the Martins wait for the Smiths?

3. What unspoken rules of society are broken by the characters?

4. What cycle exists in the play?

5. How are the characters emotionally distant and disconnected?

6. How are nonsensical words used in the play?

7. How do the characters react to Mary's poem, "The Fire"?

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

9. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

10. Describe Mary.

(see the answer keys)

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