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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. Who states that Angelique's music master is called out of Paris?

2. In Act 2, Scene 1, whom does Toinette tell to get out of the house?

3. How does Toinette plan to help Angelique marry Cleante?

4. Who does Beline bring to Argan's house?

5. Why does Argan ask God to forgive him?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is it demonstrated that Toinette is a trusted employee?

2. Why did Argan mysteriously leave the room for the second time in the play?

3. Beline appears to have no interest in Argan's will. What clues are given demonstrating this might not be true?

4. How does Beralde use Argan's own fears to help further Toinette's plans?

5. What two opinions do Beralde and Toinette have in common?

6. In Act 3, Scene 10, how does Toinette appearance demonstrate Argan's obsession with his illnesses?

7. Explain how the plot element of secrecy is introduced in Act 1, Scene 3.

8. How did Beralde use Argan's own illness to demonstrate that Argan was not ill?

9. As Angelique leaves, how do Argan's actions show his selfishness increasing?

10. How does the transitional scene, after Mr. Fleurant leaves, further inform Argan's hypochondria?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Devotion plays a key role in "The Imaginary Invalid". There is Angelique's devotion to Cleante, Argan's devotion to his illnesses and Beline's devotion to Argan's fortune to name a few. Is Moliere making the statement that devotion is always or never rewarded? What other characters in the play exhibit this characteristic and is their reward for their devotion?

Essay Topic 2

Secrecy is a recurring device used throughout the play. Write an essay detailing how one of the characters in the play hides their true intentions or motives. Why do they keep their motives secret? Is their secrecy successful in achieving their goal?

Essay Topic 3

Moliere is himself extremely ill at the time of the play's premiere, in which he plays Argan himself. After collapsing on stage toward the end of the fourth performance, he goes home and dies. Discuss the irony of Moliere writing a play about an imaginary invalid when he himself is actually ill. What do you think Moliere is trying to say?

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