View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What time is it when the clock strikes 17 times at the beginning of the play?

2. Whom did Dr. Mackenzie-King operate on before he operated on Parker?

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

4. According to Mr. Martin, where does charity begin?

5. What constantly interrupts Mrs. Martin's storytelling?

Short Essay Questions

1. What argument centers around the Watson family?

2. How does the play parody English society?

3. What is the point of the story, "The Headcold"?

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

5. What ironic elements exist in the play?

6. Describe Mrs. Smith.

7. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

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

9. What cycle exists in the play?

10. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is language altered in the play? What is the purpose of altering the language and how do the alterations affect the flow of conversation? Define three specific points where language is suddenly altered, and hypothesize as to the reason behind those sudden changes.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the characteristics of the style "Theater of the Absurd". How does absurdist drama communicate its theme? How does this style differ from other traditional forms of drama? What is the purpose of an absurdist play?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,089 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample