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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 the orchestra keep doing in Act 1?
2. What does Elyot do to Amanda to calm her when she starts to panic about leaving?
3. To where do Elyot and Amanda plan to run away?
4. What is the view from the terrace?
5. What does Sibyl dislike?
Short Essay Questions
1. What is Amanda's outlook on the violence in her previous marriage that is so shocking to Victor?
2. What does Elyot's pastime of traveling the world imply about his character?
3. Amanda describes her marriage to Elyot as, "two violent acids bubbling about in a nasty little matrimonial bottle." Why would she use those words and what images do they provoke?
4. Why would Victor say to Amanda that she was frightening him?
5. Elyot remarks to Sibyl that, "Apart from loving me and all that, you must have plans." What does he mean by that and why would he accuse Sibyl of it?
6. At the start of the play, is Elyot in love with Sibyl? How can the reader tell?
7. Why does Sibyl keep asking Elyot about Amanda?
8. When Elyot implores Sibyl that they must leave the hotel, Sibyl is uncharacteristically firm and stubborn about staying. What happened throughout the act that may have given her more of a backbone?
9. What would be the best way to describe the relationship between each of the married couples?
10. What is the significance of "Solomon Isaacs?"
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
"Private Lives" is known for sharp, witty dialogue. What role does the dialogue play in this story? How does it add to the plot, humor, and character development?
Essay Topic 2
Amanda and Elyot's battles appear to be made up of petty jealousies. Can their love exist without jealousy? Why or why not? What is the point of it? How does it add or detract from their love?
Essay Topic 3
Elyot tells Victor that there is no point in fighting each other, as it never solves anything. However, Elyot and Amanda had, just the night before, fought each other violently. Why does Elyot believe that fighting Victor is pointless, but still fights with Amanda? For example, is it a matter of respect, love, or cowardice? Cite specific examples from the text to support your argument.
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This section contains 1,156 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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