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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. At the beginning of the play, why does Michael claim that he is embarrassed?

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

3. Agnes tells Michael in Act 1, Scene 2 that he has changed into a what?

4. What does Agnes think Michael has given up?

5. What is special about the condition of the linens on the fourposter bed in Act 2, Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What unites Agnes and Michael in the attitude toward their son's behavior?

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

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

4. Why does Michael roughly grab Agnes' arm and then kiss her in Act 2, Scene 1?

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

6. How is the relationship between Agnes and Michael at the very end of Act 2, Scene 2?

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

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

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

10. Why does Agnes have a rose in her hand?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Michael confesses that Agnes has changed from the princess he married to his closest friend. Answer the following with supporting examples:

1) In what ways does Michael treat Agnes as a friend?

2) Does Agnes feel the same way toward Michael?

3) How does this strong friendship influence the marriage between Michael and Agnes?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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