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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. Whom did Dr. Mackenzie-King operate on before he operated on Parker?

2. According to Mrs. Smith, what is the reason for a ringing doorbell?

3. What appears unusual about Mr. and Mrs. Martin's relationship during their first scene?

4. According to Mrs. Smith, what was saltier than the soup?

5. According to Mrs. Smith, why does she need to learn Spanish?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is mediocrity presented in the play?

2. What is the significance of the mirror?

3. Describe Mary.

4. Describe Mrs. Smith.

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

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

7. How does the conversation among the Smiths and the Martins change after the Fire Chief leaves?

8. How did Mary spend her day before the Martins arrive?

9. Who is Bobby Watson?

10. How are the characters emotionally distant and disconnected?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are situations from daily life incorporated into the play? How does Ionesco use the setting of the play to create the illusion of reality? How does the setting of the play affect the dialogue and action?

Essay Topic 2

Why is "The Bald Soprano" considered an "anti-play?" What elements of traditional script development have been changed? How does the "anti-play" express its theme without the traditional elements of literature?

Essay Topic 3

How is conversation utilized in the play? What topics are discussed throughout the conversation? How do characters interact with each other throughout the conversation? Is the conversation productive?

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