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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. Annie tells Henry that he gets moody whenever he _________.

2. The character that Annie is reading in the play is called ________.

3. Charlotte says that the difference between plays and real life is __________.

4. Mary is one of the sisters. Annie states that of the others _________ are pregnant.

5. Henry is trying to find the tune that the orchestra was playing and he thought it was _________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Henry believe there are musical similarities between as he and Annie talk?

2. What does Charlotte say would actually happen if Henry were to catch her having an affair, rather than what happens in the actual play?

3. Why does Debbie not want Henry to come out to meet her boyfriend when the boyfriend arrives at the house?

4. What does Brodie assume Annie means when she says that the movie worked?

5. From where has Charlotte apparently returned when she enters the scene and is talking to Max?

6. What are the indications that time has passed as this particular scene opens up to the audience?

7. What is Henry supposed to do during his time on the radio program, which is what he is preparing for at the start of the scene?

8. What is the tangent that Charlotte goes off on when talking with Debbie and Henry?

9. Describe the position of Annie at the start of this scene. Where is she and what is she doing?

10. In relation to the play, what do Henry and Annie banter about during this scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many writers choose to write about what they know as they are much more able to capture their feelings within the context of a play than they might be able to capture their feelings in real life.

Part 1: Why do you think writing is a way in which people deal with their feelings?

Part 2: If the play is based on the life of the playwright, what do you learn about Stoppard from the play and its characters?

Part 3: Do you think it's possible that Stoppard may not have written about his life? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The character of Max is one that seems to take on the woes of his relationships, even though the women seem to be the ones who are doing the damage.

Part 1: Why do you think Max is so sensitive within his relationships?

Part 2: Do you think Max would make a good partner within the context of a relationship? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think Max will be happy when he gets married at the end? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The multiple meanings of many of the phrases and words in this play make the actual meaning more difficult to ascertain. At the same time, this allows the reader to take from the play what they will.

Part 1: Why do you think the playwrights used phrases and words with multiple meanings?

Part 2: Do you think it's possible to ever know exactly what the playwright meant? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think the play is affected by the multiple layered phrases and words?

(see the answer keys)

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