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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. In Act 2, Scene 1, when Michael knocks on the door, what is Agnes doing?

2. Agnes describes Michael in what way when she is mad at him?

3. In Act 2, Scene 1 Agnes taunts Michael with what fact?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Agnes' description of Michael's new found fame as an author?

2. What is the setting at the beginning of the play?

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

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

5. What does Agnes do while Michael is taking their things to the car?

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

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

8. 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?

9. What do Michael and Agnes do as they are waiting for a car to come pick them up in the final scene?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The ups and downs of Agnes and Michael's marriage is illustrated throughout the play. Using supporting examples, answer the following:

1) Does the author portray an enduring marriage as something positive or negative?

2) What characteristics are a husband and wife supposed to learn in order to have a successful marriage, according to the play?

3) Is the marriage of Agnes and Michael realistically portrayed? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Michael is a successful author who seeks approval of his work from his wife Agnes. Crass words from a young poet woo Agnes and bring jealousy from Michael, leading to the strengthening of the couple's marriage. Please respond with examples to the following:

1) In what ways does Michael's profession as author influence his relationship with Agnes?

2) How does Agnes' response to the written works of the young poet and the works of her husband affect her marriage?

3) Does the author seem to be using his life as an inspiration for the play?

Essay Topic 3

There are only two characters with a speaking part in the play, but the fourposter bed can be interpreted as a third character. Using examples to support your response, write an essay answering the following:

1) What ways does the fourposter bed resemble a third character on the stage?

2) How does the fourposter bed influence the events in the marriage between Agnes and Michael?

3) What is the significance of the giving of the fourposter bed to the newlywed couple as a conclusion of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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