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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. How does Mrs. Smith offer to help the Fire Chief?

2. Why did the Fire Chief stand outside by the door for a long time before ringing the bell?

3. What inconsistencies exist about Mr. and Mrs. Watson's children?

4. What does Mrs. Smith recommend giving the Watsons for a wedding present?

5. What rare item does the grocer Popesco Rosenfeld sell?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Mrs. Smith.

2. What cycle exists in the play?

3. Why does the Fire Chief have difficulty finding a fire?

4. What official business has the Fire Chief visiting the Smiths?

5. How are pity and fear used to evoke a response from the audience?

6. What revelation does Mary give about the Martin family?

7. How do Mary and the Fire Chief shock the Smiths and the Martins?

8. How is repetition used as a literary device?

9. Describe Mr. Martin.

10. How is mediocrity presented in the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What contradictions exist in the play? How do actions contradict statements? Describe how contradictions are used motivate the action and express the theme of the play.

Essay Topic 2

How does the lack of logic affect the dialogue and action among the characters? What effect does illogical reasoning have on the stability of the conversation? List at three specific incidents involving illogical reasoning or behavior and discuss how each scene supports the theme of the play.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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