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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 does Agnes throw at Michael when she is mad at him in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. In Act 2, Scene 1, after Michael leaves and shuts the door, Agnes does what?

3. What has changed about the fourposter bed in Act 2 from Act 1?

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

5. Michael says that Agnes has changed from a "princess" to a what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the conflict at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 2?

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

10. How does the fourposter bed have importance in Michael's life before even meeting Agnes?

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Though it is clear that Agnes and Michael are in love on their wedding night, there is still a strong sense of uneasiness being alone with each other. Compare the couple's wedding night with the morning of their move to a new apartment in the last scene.

1) What has changed between Agnes and Michael in their relationship?

2) How do they act toward each other in each situation?

3) What, if anything, has remained the same?

(see the answer keys)

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