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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. How do Bartholo's servants respond when he asks them why they did not tell him that Figaro had been in to see Rosine?

2. How does the Count meet Rosine?

3. How is the Count disguised?

4. What has the Count recently found out about Rosine?

5. Why is Count Almaviva disguised as a priest in a cloak and turned down hat?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rosine act when she sees the Count? How does she react when he tells her the letter was from him? Why does he still not reveal his identity?

2. What does Figaro learn, while in a cupboard? What does Bazile suggest to Bartholo? What would be the outcome of this?

3. What does the letter the Count gives to Bartholo reveal? How does Rosine react to this news? Does Bartholo seem to notice her reaction? Why or why not?

4. How does the Count reveal he is feeling uncertain about the plan? About what is he uncertain? Does he make a good choice? Why or why not?

5. 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?

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

7. Why is the Count worried that Rosine might not leave with them to be married?

8. How does the scene open? Why is the Count dressed in a disguise?

9. What is comedic in this scene, regarding Rosine's singing? How is this a display of commedia?

10. How does Figaro respond when Bartholo calls him a knave? What is a knave?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Figaro and the Count are frequently left surprised or in a panic.

Part 1) Why?

Part 2) What often surprises them or panics them?

Part 3) How does this change their plans?

Essay Topic 2

Rosine is alone at last and free to do as she pleases in Act 2, Part 1.

Part 1) How does she gain this freedom?

Part 2) What does she do with her freedom?

Part 3) How does this first moment of freedom begin the sequence of events that leads to her absolute freedom?

Essay Topic 3

The Count and Figaro know one another.

Part 1) How do they know one another?

Part 2) Why does Figaro offer his services to the Count?

Part 3) Why might the playwright have chosen a lowly barber and a prominent Count to be friends and cohorts?

(see the answer keys)

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