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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 is another theme in this play, in addition to honesty?

2. When Oronte reads his sonnet to Alceste and Philinte, for what does he ask?

3. Of all the characters we've met so far until Act 3, Scene 2, who is the most insincere?

4. During the conversation in Act 2, Scene 4, why do Acaste and Clitandre ridicule Alceste?

5. At the beginning of Act 2, Scene 1, why is Alceste grieving?

Short Essay Questions

1. After hearing the news from Dubois about the note left by a friend, why does Alceste think there must be some mistake?

2. What is the reaction of the other characters toward Alceste being summoned to court?

3. There is a social game being played during Act Three, Scene Three. What are two reasons Alceste does not want to play the game?

4. In Act Two, Scene Four, what are the two opinions about loves held by Alceste and Eliante?

5. Alceste becomes very upset and decides to leave when Basque announces a second visitor. What should Celimene do to convince Alceste to stay?

6. At the beginning of Act 5, Scene 1, Philinte and Acaste are once again waiting for Celimene. What are Alceste and Philinte discussing?

7. After Celimene accepts a visit from Clitandre, how does Alceste test Celimene to see if she really loves Alceste?

8. What is notable about Célimène telling Alceste that he is not indispensable in Act 2, Scene 3?

9. In Act 4, Scene 4, Alceste and Celimene are once again interrupted during an important conversation. Who interrupts them, and why?

10. Why does Alceste say love is not decided by reason?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Celimene says that Arsinoe cannot catch a man, and therefore acts prudish. Is Arsinoe truly not interested in marriage, or does she lack the social skills to attract a suitor? How does Arsinoe's lack of social skills compare with Alceste's claim that he is not interested in social games? Use examples from Act 3, Scene 3, to support your view.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the play, other women come and go in and out of scenes. What is the general mood of the scene when the other women are present? Do they get along with Celimene and vise verse? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Based on the play, why do you think Celimene continues to see so many suitors? Why doesn't she want to settle down? Provide evidence from the play to support your answer.

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