View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What comment does Mrs. Smith make about the Fire Chief's story, "The Headcold"?

2. What is Mrs. Martin's first name?

3. What does Bobby Watson do on Tuesdays?

4. According to Mr. Smith, why was the second Marie from the story "The Headcold" also named Marie?

5. What conclusion do Mr. and Mrs. Martin reach at the end of their discussion?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

3. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

4. Describe the Mr. and Mrs. Martin's daughter.

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

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

7. Describe the story of "The Cock."

8. What effect does the outcome of the play have on the characters?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is language altered in the play? What is the purpose of altering the language and how do the alterations affect the flow of conversation? Define three specific points where language is suddenly altered, and hypothesize as to the reason behind those sudden changes.

Essay Topic 2

How is the play's plot developed? What conflicts arise and how are they resolved? How does Ionesco's method of plot development compare to the traditional literary method of creating plot development? What effect does Ionesco's style of plot development have on communicating the theme of the play?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,226 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample