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. Why does Michael say that his love has changed for Agnes in Act 2, Scene 1?

2. Who does Michael say told him that everything in his life would turn out right and that he would have a happy married life?

3. When Michael goes to the washstand on his wedding night, what does he do?

4. In Act 1, Scene 1, what scent does Michael tell Agnes is on his breath?

5. In Act 2, Scene 1 Agnes asks Michael to do what for her?

Short Essay Questions

1. What faults in parenting do Agnes and Michael depict for each other?

2. What do Michael and Agnes do as they are waiting for a car to come pick them up in the final scene?

3. At the end of Act 2, Scene 1, what is the status of Michael and Agnes' relationship?

4. How does Michael describe his love for Agnes in Act 3, Scene 1?

5. What is Agnes' reaction to the declaration of Michael's true feelings towards her on the day of her daughter's wedding?

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

7. Why does Agnes wish she were dead at the end of Act 2, Scene 1?

8. What is Agnes' description of Michael's new found fame as an author?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The "God Is Love" pillow is first introduced as a wedding present to Agnes, who leaves it as a gift for the newlywed couple at the end of the play. Using examples to support your answer, compare and contrast the following:

1) What does the "God Is Love" pillow mean to Agnes throughout the play?

2) What does the "God Is Love" pillow mean to Michael throughout the play?

Essay Topic 3

Infidelity is an event that can ruin a marriage or bring spouses together. Michael confesses his infidelity to Agnes in the play, and the result is a closeness in their relationship for the couple. Using examples to support your answer, respond to the following:

1) What reasons does Michael give for why he cheated on Agnes? Are these reasons validated for Michael? For Agnes?

2) How do Michael and Agnes overcome infidelity and strengthen their relationship?

3) Does Michael's infidelity have a lasting affect on Agnes?

3) Does the author portray infidelity as something that is easily overcome in a marriage?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 911 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample