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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 is Sophie de Palma?

2. Who drops to her knees and sings part of La Sonnambula?

3. Who can only sing one note before being interrupted by Maria in Act I?

4. What is Sophie lacking when Maria asks her to take notes on the scene?

5. Who brings a cushion for Maria's chair?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does being called "La Divina" mean to Maria?

2. What skill does Maria emphasize to Sophie in her master class?

3. Describe Sharon Graham.

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

5. How does Sophie respond when Maria criticizes her lack of emotion as a performer?

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

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

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

9. As a teacher, what does Maria want as compensation for her efforts?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Sharon's character. What does she expect to receive from the master class? How does Maria's criticism change that expectation?

Essay Topic 2

Maria values deep emotion in a singer. What examples can you provide that show her feeling great emotion in her singing career and in her teaching?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Manny. Besides playing the piano, what other functions does he serve in the play? Use one or two textual examples to explain his significance.

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