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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 are the Smiths doing while Mary recites her poem?

2. Which character suddenly says, "I've been goosed."?

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

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

5. According to Mr. Smith, what must one always think of?

Short Essay Questions

1. What conflicts arise in the play and how are they resolved?

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

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

4. Describe the discussion that centers around Dr. Mackenzie-King.

5. How is mediocrity presented in the play?

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

7. How is Realism used in the play?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Which characters from the play appear to be "imaginary?" What is the purpose of describing these nonexistent characters? How do the characters who are not physically present in the play affect the dialogue and action?

Essay Topic 3

How are satire and parody used to expose different aspects of the theme? What elements are exposed to ridicule and mimicked? How does Ionesco use humor to condemn the behavior of the characters?

(see the answer keys)

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