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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 Manny adjust at the beginning of Act I?

2. In Act I, who does Maria remember performing for at La Scala?

3. What does Maria tell the audience about Sophie?

4. What does Maria request during Act I from the stage hand?

5. What didn't Maria have as she walked back and forth to the conservatory during World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Lady Macbeth and the stage direction for Verdi's Letter Scene.

2. Describe Maria's physical appearance at the height of her career.

3. How does Maria describe the experience of performing in front of the world's dignitaries at La Scala?

4. Why does Maria think it's funny that Aristotle Onassis did not like opera?

5. What does Maria tell Sharon about applause toward the end of Act II?

6. How does Maria respond to Onassis' advice on what to do next after she loses her child?

7. What does Maria do when Sharon does not return to the stage?

8. How does the audience learn of Onassis' reaction to Maria's pregnancy?

9. In what ways does Maria engage with the audience at the beginning of the play?

10. How did Maria learn to be disciplined about music during the war?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how Maria's memories give background to help us understand her life and career. Which memory do you find most helpful in understanding Maria?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Maria's marriage to Battista. Why does Maria tire of him once she has become famous and successful?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the setting of this play and identify the props used. How do the props help reveal Maria Callas' character?

(see the answer keys)

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