View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Rosa Ponselled, Giudetta Pasta, Lotte Lehmann and Zinka Milanov?

2. What does Maria ask Sophie to translate after interrupting her aria?

3. Who says "know your limitations" in Act I?

4. Who walks to the edge of the stage in the beginning of Act I?

5. When does Manny appear on stage in Act I?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. While she's waiting for Sharon to make a final entrance, in what way does Maria engage with the audience?

3. What is Sharon's reaction to Maria's criticism of her singing?

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

5. What does Maria mean when she says, "Ah, Verdi! Ah, Shakespeare! Ah, my own ambition!"?

6. Describe Maria's entrance onto the stage at the beginning of Act II.

7. How did Maria defy all odds to become a famous operatic singer?

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

9. What did one student do out of admiration of Maria's singing at the height of her career?

10. Describe the setting of the stage for Act II.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Maria's philosophy about having presence, a signature or a look. What criticism does she have of the other characters' lack of a look?' Can you tell what kind of presence she has? Provide a few examples to explain your viewpoint.

Essay Topic 3

Why does Maria criticize Sharon about her gown when she says everyone should have a special "look" so that the audience will remember you. Do you think Sharon fulfills this requirement but still gets criticized for it by Maria?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 780 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample