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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. When Michael grabs Agnes' arm in Act 2, Scene 1, what happens immediately?

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

3. In Act 2, Scene 1, Agnes proclaims that she does not care about what fact?

4. As Agnes undresses on her wedding night, she gets distracted and comments about what?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Agnes realize about the bourbon after Michael takes a swig of it?

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

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

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

9. Why does Michael say he is in love with another woman?

10. Why did Michael react the way he did when he encountered his son returning home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

Throughout the play there are intense scenes of drama, but also lighthearted instances of humor. Respond to the following with examples to support your essay:

1) When has humor been used in the play?

2) Why are these situations humorous and are they as humorous to Michael and Agnes as they are to the audience?

3) Why is it important to the author and the audience to break up the dramatic scenes of the play with bursts of humor?

(see the answer keys)

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