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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. When did Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend Bobby Watson's funeral?

2. Which machine does Mrs. Smith imitate in the last scene?

3. Why does Mrs. Martin want the Fire Chief to retell the story of "The Headcold"?

4. What did Mary buy for herself?

5. Who missed dinner with the Smiths?

Short Essay Questions

1. What role does the clock play in the drama?

2. Describe the setting of the play.

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

4. How does the Fire Chief settle the argument over the doorbell?

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

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

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

8. What argument centers around the Watson family?

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

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

What coincidences exist in the play? How are coincidences used to create humor? List at three specific incidents involving coincidences and discuss how each scene supports the theme of the play.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the mirror? How does each character view himself or herself? What fears exist among the characters when presented with the concept of personal reflection and how does that fear relate to the theme of the play?

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