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. Besides Alceste, who also has a case pending in court?

2. With what does Alceste plan to change Celimene?

3. What is suggested by the appearance of Alceste's visitor?

4. What does Alceste state the other suitors does not do if they truly love Celimene?

5. Why did Oronte's work upset Alceste?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Act Two, Scene Two, why is Alceste upset with Celimene?

2. At the beginning of scene 1, Philinte is hugged by a man he barely knows. How does Philinte react and why?

3. How does Celimene represent the things that Alceste hates?

4. Why do Oronte and Alceste confront Celimene?

5. What possible symbolism could the fact that Alceste's visitor is wearing a uniform have?

6. Give an example of Célimène's hypocrisy in Act 3, Scene 4.

7. Alceste comes rushing into the room in Act 4, Scene 2. Why is Alceste so upset when he enters?

8. Act 3, Scene 2, is an example of a transitional scene. From what is the audience being transitioned?

9. Celimene is unable to make a decision about whether she prefers Alceste or Oronte. Why do you believe she cannot decide?

10. What do we learn is the result of Alceste's court case in Act 5, Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Alceste's eyes, what are Célimène's faults? Are these truly terrible faults or simply human nature?

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think all of the men continue to put up with Celimene's indecisiveness for so long? Why do they continue to compete with each other for her love? What does the lack of interest in the other women say about the men in the play? What does it say about Celimene?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character Arsinoe as she is seen by herself, and contrast that with how she is seen by Celimene. Explain how Moliere uses the character Arsinoe to show that honesty is no substitute for goodness.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 635 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample