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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. What smell keeps worrying Agnes in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. When Agnes is whispering to Michael, what does she see that disgusts her?

3. Why is Agnes upset over Michael taking off her shoes?

4. Why does Michael claim he is kneeling before Agnes?

5. What does Michael read to Agnes at the end of Act 1, Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why are there so many sudden changes of subject in the conversation of Agnes and Michael on their wedding night?

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

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

5. What is Michael's gift to the new couple and where does he leave it?

6. What does Michael get from the cellar and what are his and Agnes' original plans for it?

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

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

9. What message does Agnes want to tell the young couple by leaving the "God Is Love" pillow on the bed for them?

10. How do Agnes' feelings differ toward the writings of Michael and the writings of the young poet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several examples of foreshadowing in the play. Michael and Agnes' son seems to take after his father, while Agnes' threat of an affair on her end almost becomes fulfilled. Using examples, respond to the following:

1) What examples of foreshadowing are used in the play?

2) What impact does this have on the relationship between Agnes and Michael?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The setting of the play starts in 1890 and ends in 1925. This backdrop provides the author with the ability to use elements from this time period as an influence in the play. Answer the following with supporting examples:

1) What situations from the play are specific to the time period of the setting?

2) What situations from the play are unconditional in their setting and could take place in modern times as well?

3) How do the events and hardships of Agnes and Michael's marriage appeal to modern audiences, even though the setting of their marriage is a century in the past?

(see the answer keys)

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