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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 complaint does Mr. Smith have about women?

2. What sound do the Smiths argue about?

3. What does Bobby Watson do on Tuesdays?

4. Why can't Mrs. Smith read the clock?

5. Why is the Fire Chief disappointed?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the story of "The Snake and the Fox."

4. How is mediocrity presented in the play?

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

6. How do Mary and the Fire Chief shock the Smiths and the Martins?

7. What is the significance of the mirror?

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

9. Describe the Fire Chief.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is "The Bald Soprano" considered an "anti-play?" What elements of traditional script development have been changed? How does the "anti-play" express its theme without the traditional elements of literature?

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

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