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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. On what commedia type is Bazile based?

2. Why does Figaro say he feels "Lindor's" passion?

3. What happens when Figaro makes an attempt at writing for the theatre?

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

5. What place does Figaro describe to the Count?

Short Essay Questions

1. Bartholo realizes "Alonzo" is not who he says he is, and "Alonzo" pretends to get upset, what does Rosine do? Do you believe this will happen?

2. What is Figaro's plan? Do you believe this plan will work? Why or why not?

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

4. What does the Count want Figaro to call him? Why? What might be Figaro's thoughts on this?

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

6. How does the Count feel about his position? Why does he feel this way? Will the Count succeed in what he wishes for?

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

8. How does Rosine react to the news about the man's love? Why does she tell Figaro the man must remain calm? Do you believe he will be able to remain calm? Why or why not?

9. What does Rosine do with the paper? How might this small prop draw the audience into the story?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Count sings to Rosine.

Part 1) Why does he sing to her?

Part 2) Is this typical of theatre at this time? Why or why not?

Part 3) Why is singing included in this play? How have plays evolved over time, regarding the use of music?

Essay Topic 2

Figaro describes his shop to the Count.

Part 1) How does he describe it?

Part 2) His motto is "By skill and Dexterity." To what could this refer, besides his abilities as a barber?

Part 3) Why is Figaro so thorough in his explanation?

Essay Topic 3

Bartholo seems to know everything that has been going on behind his back.

Part 1) How does he know all of this?

Part 2) What role does Bazile play in Bartholo's understanding?

Part 3) Why does the playwright allow him to know what is going on, yet be unable to stop it?

(see the answer keys)

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