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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. Whom does Mrs. Smith believe is dishonest?

3. What rare item does the grocer Popesco Rosenfeld sell?

4. Which part of the alphabet does Mr. Smith quote in the last scene?

5. When traveling to London by train, in which coach does Mrs. Martin sit?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the significance of the mirror?

4. What point is Ionesco attempting to make about conversation?

5. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

6. What dull story does Mrs. Martin tell to amaze Mr. Martin and the Smiths?

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

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

9. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

10. How is Realism used in the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the development of the characters throughout the play. How do the characters relate to each other emotionally? What factors motivate the characters throughout the play? What progress is made in developing relationships by the end of the play?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

What stereotypes are found within the play? What is the purpose of each stereotype? Is any change evident in the development of the characters, and how does character development affect the progress of the action?

(see the answer keys)

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