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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. Why is Agnes mad that Michael is wearing a nightshirt?

2. At the end of Act 2, Scene 1, what does Agnes do when she is on the bed?

3. In his sullen mood in Act 1, Scene 2, what does Michael compare his relationship to Agnes to?

4. What does Agnes tuck into bed with Michael when he is not feeling well?

5. What is different about Agnes from the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1 to Act 1, Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the shift in Michael's actions and treatment toward Agnes in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. Why does Agnes feel so betrayed by Michael?

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

4. What is the nature of the young poet's poem and who is it apparently dedicated to?

5. Describe the mood of Agnes during her wedding night.

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

7. Why is Michael so scared of the birth of the baby?

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

9. What does Michael set out to do when his son comes home, and what really happens?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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