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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. Of what does Figaro remind the Count?

2. What does Bartholo say best friends will do?

3. How is Rosine alone at last and free to do as she pleases?

4. What does Figaro say is the man's only defect?

5. What does Rosine say as she stands at her window?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Count reveal his identity? How is her reaction? Why is she so easily able to change her feelings?

2. After Figaro tells his story, how does this first part of Act 1 end? How might Figaro's attitude help the Count?

3. How does Figaro reassure the Count about his desire to marry Rosine? Why is Figaro so invested in the Count's interests?

4. Why does Bazile take money from the Count? How does his desire for money help the characters in this story?

5. How is Rosine able to be alone and free? What might she be writing in her letter to "Lindor?"

6. Although Rosine is under the legal marrying age, why does the Count say the marriage is legitimate? What does this say about the wealthy at the time the play was written and about the playwright's opinion of the wealthy?

7. What do the various characters do to keep Bazile from telling Bartholo this is all a ruse? How is Bazile's support finally won? How does this satisfy the audience of a commedia?

8. What is Figaro's plan? Why will the Count's disguise get him into the house?

9. Where can the Count find Figaro after he is in his disguise? Why does Figaro give this much detail about his location?

10. How does the notary respond to the Count's new plan? Why does he seem so complacent?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Rosine is locked up by Bartholo.

Part 1) Why has he locked her up?

Part 2) Is this a frequently used aspect of theatre? Why or why not?

Part 3) Is Rosine saved? Does she have any control over her freedom? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Count disguises himself as Lindor, a priest.

Part 1) Why does he disguise himself?

Part 2) Why would he choose to be disguised as a priest?

Part 3) How does his disguise add to the comedic aspect of this play?

Essay Topic 3

Figaro devises a plan to get himself and the Count into Rosine's home.

Part 1) What is this plan?

Part 2) Is his plan successful? Why or why not?

Part 3) Would you imagine that his plan and behavior are fairly standard for commedia dell'arte? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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