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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. Who does not understand Agnes's actions in Act 2, Scene 1?

2. Tobias tells Julia that her parents are not _________________.

3. Which character seems to be the only steady person in the house?

4. According to Julia, Doug is opposed to _______________.

5. According to Tobias, Agnes will be the ________________ to plunge into any depths of madness.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Julia want her father to do?

2. How does Edna retaliate against Julia for her rude behavior?

3. Who is the voice of calm and reason in Act 2, Scene 2?

4. What is the setting for Act 3 and which characters are present as the scene opens?

5. What does Agnes consider to be a woman's responsibility in a marriage?

6. What does Agnes reveal about her previous night's sleep?

7. What are Julia's comments about the evening's dinner?

8. What is the topic that Agnes ponders out loud?

9. How have Harry and Edna behaved since they have arrived at Agnes and Tobias's house?

10. What role does Agnes feel she has in Julia's continuing disappointments?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Agnes seems to be the character who maintains the delicate balance in the play. How does Agnes do this? What is her internal code? What does Agnes do when things seem in danger or reaching a tipping point? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the play's title. What did the author mean by calling the play A DELICATE BALANCE? Cite an example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

A DELICATE BALANCE is a classic escape from reality story. What does that classification entail? Why does this play fit into this category? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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