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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. With whom does the person in #67 pick fights?

2. What is the relationship between Agnes and Tobias?

3. Who begins to pick little fights?

4. What is Tobias's response to what Agnes says about "when it will begin"?

5. Harry and Edna are ____________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Thomas reminded of when asked to speak to Julia and her husband?

2. What are Agnes and Tobias's main points when considering whether or not to ask Harry and Edna to leave?

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

4. What is the state of Agnes and Tobias's marriage?

5. How does Tobias respond when Julia picks on him?

6. What prompts the unexpected arrival of Edna and Harry?

7. What is Julia looking for from Tobias?

8. What is the setting for Act 1 of A DELICATE BALANCE?

9. What incident serves as some comedic relief during another one of Julia's whining episodes?

10. Why is Agnes and Tobias's daughter, Julia, coming home again?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Albee uses more than one iteration on the theme of loss. Identify at least two themes about loss in the play. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of married women in the 1960s when the women in the novel are living their married lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do the have? What freedoms did they have that twenty-first century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolism of Julia's bedroom. What does it mean for Julia? What does it mean that Harry and Edna have barricaded themselves in the room? Are there any other significant meanings that the bedroom adds to the story?

(see the answer keys)

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