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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 comment does Mrs. Smith make about the Fire Chief's story, "The Headcold"?

2. What sound do the Smiths argue about?

3. What advice does the Fire Chief give the Smiths after the doorbell discussion has ended?

4. According to Mr. Smith, what is the reason for a ringing doorbell?

5. How does Mr. Martin bid the Fire Chief farewell?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How are nonsensical words used in the play?

3. What comedic coincidences exist in the play?

4. How is repetition used as a literary device?

5. Describe Mary.

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

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

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

9. Describe the Smith children.

10. Describe the setting of the play.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is irony used to advance the action of the play and express the theme? What role does sarcasm play in the play's irony? How are irony and sarcasm effective tools when used in the context of the play?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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