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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. What question does the Fire Chief ask the Smiths?

2. When did Bobby Watson die?

3. Where do the Smith's live?

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

5. What does Mrs. Martin offer to trade for a coffin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

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

3. Why does the Fire Chief leave the Smiths' house?

4. What argument erupts over the doorbell?

5. What is the purpose of the meaningless banter among the characters?

6. Describe Mr. Smith.

7. Describe the stereotypes the characters represent.

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

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

10. What illogical elements exist in the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

How are emotional responses elicited from the audience during the play? List the emotional responses you feel Ionesco was attempting to elicit from the audience and the techniques he used to evoke those emotions. How do Ionesco's techniques compare to those found in more traditional plays? How important is the audience's emotional connection to the dialogue and action in communicating the theme of the play?

Essay Topic 3

What societal rules are broken in the play and how does the blatant disregard for other characters feelings reflect the value each character places on the others? Based on their actions within the society on stage, what value do the characters place on themselves? How does the disregard for others feelings contrast with the appearance of polite English society the characters attempt to emulate?

(see the answer keys)

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