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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 does Figaro offer the Count?

2. Why is the Count unable to hand Rosine the real love letter?

3. How does Figaro learn that Bazile tells Bartholo that the Count is in town, has taken rooms at a fancy hotel and is going out every evening in disguise?

4. For what will Figaro use his knowledge of drugs?

5. What story has Bartholo spread around to keep potential lovers away?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the only defect Figaro mentions this man having? How does Rosine react to this hint? Why does Figaro not tell her right away who this man loves?

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

4. What is Bartholo doing, as this scene opens? Why might she be refusing to take lessons from him?

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

6. Why does Rosine change her mind and decide to take a music lesson? Does Rosine know of the Count's plan? How does she react when she sees him?

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 does the Count know about Rosine? How does Figaro correct the Count about his knowledge of this woman? How does knowledge help the play progress?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Figaro sarcastically remarks on Rosine's cleverness.

Part 1) What makes her clever?

Part 2) Why does Figaro make sarcastic remarks about Rosine?

Part 3) How might an audience respond to Figaro's various asides?

(see the answer keys)

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