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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 excuse does Mrs. Smith give for Mr. Smith's ill temper?

2. According to the Fire Chief, who is insured against fires?

3. In the last scene, where does Mr. Smith wish to live?

4. To what does Mr. Smith compare doctors and their patients?

5. In the Fire Chief's story about the young calf, why did the calf give birth to a cow?

Short Essay Questions

1. What ironic elements exist in the play?

2. What comedic coincidences exist in the play?

3. Why is "The Bald Soprano" also called "the anti-play"?

4. Describe Mary.

5. What argument centers around the Watson family?

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

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

8. What cycle exists in the play?

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

10. Describe the story of "The Cock."

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 1,275 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample