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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. In Act 1, Scene 2, what is Michael's selfish concern?

2. What does Michael tell Agnes that he has crawled and begged her for?

3. What does Agnes throw at Michael when they have a fight in Act 2, Scene 1?

4. What is Agnes carrying into the room when she is first seen in Act 1, Scene 2?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What do both Agnes and Michael agree to do to calm down while waiting for their son to get home?

2. What is the author saying about Agnes' character when she is more concerned about the laundry outside than her labor pains?

3. What message does Michael say he got when he first saw the "God Is Love" pillow on his wedding night?

4. Why does Michael think it is a bad idea to leave the "God Is Love" pillow behind?

5. Why does Agnes feel so betrayed by Michael?

6. Why is it important that Michael tells Agnes how much he loves the fact she has cold feet, hiccups and scratches her stomach in her sleep?

7. Why does Agnes have a rose in her hand?

8. What is Agnes' reaction when Michael recounts his encounter with their son?

9. How does Act 3, Scene 1 conclude relating to Agnes and Michael's relationship?

10. Why does Agnes keep bringing up the fact that she smells gas from the lamps?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Agnes and Michael are parents to a son and daughter, a fact that influences their characters' decisions and actions. Support your essay with examples from the play and respond to the following:

1) What good parental characteristics are Agnes and Michael shown to have?

2) What bad parental characteristics are Agnes and Michael shown to have?

3) How has becoming parents changed the relationship between Michael and Agnes?

Essay Topic 2

Agnes and Michael are portrayed as characters who embody the labels of male and female. Support you answer with examples from the play and respond to the following:

1) In what ways does Agnes exemplify femininity?

2) In what ways does Michael exemplify masculinity?

3) What are the positives and negatives associated with femininity and masculinity as presented by the author?

Essay Topic 3

There are only two characters with a speaking part in the play, but the fourposter bed can be interpreted as a third character. Using examples to support your response, write an essay answering the following:

1) What ways does the fourposter bed resemble a third character on the stage?

2) How does the fourposter bed influence the events in the marriage between Agnes and Michael?

3) What is the significance of the giving of the fourposter bed to the newlywed couple as a conclusion of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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