View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does Michael finally go for the doctor?

2. What does Agnes hold in her hand that she has taken from her wedding cake?

3. In Act 2, Scene 1 Agnes taunts Michael with what fact?

4. In Act 2, Scene 1, when Michael knocks on the door, what is Agnes doing?

5. Michael blames Agnes for what transgression of his?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the setting at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 1?

2. Why does Michael say he is in love with another woman?

3. What unites Agnes and Michael in the attitude toward their son's behavior?

4. How does Michael act in the beginning of Act 1, Scene 2?

5. What is the setting at the beginning of the play?

6. What is the setting of the beginning of Act 3, Scene 2?

7. Why does Michael complain that he is feeling horrible pains in Act 1, Scene 2?

8. In Act 1, Scene 2, who does it seem has taken the leadership role in the marriage?

9. How do the words embroidered on the pillow affect the wedding night of Agnes and Michael?

10. What mood is Agnes in when she first enters in Act 2, Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Each act in the play closes with an embrace between Michael and Agnes. This display of repetition is a literary device used by the author. Respond using examples to support your answer.

1) Does the embrace at the end of each scene always come from the same emotion, such as relief, love or compassion?

2) What is the significance of the repetition of the familiar embrace to the relationship of Agnes and Michael?

3) What is the significance of the repetition of the familiar embrace to the audience of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Choose any two scenes from the play. Compare and contrast the portrayal of the love between Michael and Agnes using supporting examples. Be sure to address the following:

1) How do Agnes and Michael express their love to one another?

2) Has their love matured between these scenes?

3) What influences the confession of their love to each other in each scene?

Essay Topic 3

The ups and downs of Agnes and Michael's marriage is illustrated throughout the play. Using supporting examples, answer the following:

1) Does the author portray an enduring marriage as something positive or negative?

2) What characteristics are a husband and wife supposed to learn in order to have a successful marriage, according to the play?

3) Is the marriage of Agnes and Michael realistically portrayed? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 813 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample