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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. According to the Fire Chief, who rang the doorbell the third time?

2. How long was the Fire Chief standing outside the house by the door?

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

4. According to Mr. Martin, what should a person do if he catches a cold?

5. What poem does Mary recite?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How is the play both a comedy and a tragedy?

4. What ironic elements exist in the play?

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

6. Describe the plot and the moral behind the story, "The Dog and the Cow."

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

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

9. How are the characters emotionally distant and disconnected?

10. Why are the Smiths angry with Mary when she announces the arrival of the Martins?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What cycle or cycles are evident in the play? How is dialogue and action used to develop the cycle(s)? What purpose do these cycles serve and how do they communicate the theme of the play?

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 irony used to advance the action of the play and express the theme? What role does sarcasm play in the play's irony? How are irony and sarcasm effective tools when used in the context of the play?

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