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

2. When Agnes is in bed she swears she is comfortable, but then immediately changes her mind, saying what?

3. When Agnes goes to the dressing room and returns, what item does she bring with her in Act 2, Scene 1?

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

5. At the very end of Act 1, Scene 1, what do Michael and Agnes do?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is it that Agnes wants to do in relation to her marriage on the day of her daughter's wedding?

4. What is the purpose of the fourposter bed in the first scene?

5. In the beginning of the play, does it seem as if Agnes and Michael truly love each other?

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

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

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

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

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 2

Jealousy has a role in the marriage of Agnes and Michael. It motivates Michael and Agnes to act in certain ways. Use examples to support your response to the following:

1) What examples of jealousy are found in the play?

2) How have the consequences of the jealous actions of Michael and Agnes affected their marriage?

3) Has the author represented jealousy as a positive or negative force? Why?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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