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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. Max asks Charlotte about the _______ in Geneva.

2. As Charlotte begins to leave, Max asks her ________.

3. Charlotte enters the room wearing ________ and looking generally disheveled.

4. Annie promises Henry that she is not there. However she then ________.

5. Annie asks Henry which opera it is and he guesses all of the following except ________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What shows that Annie and Billy have some emotional and sexual distance between them?

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

3. 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?

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

5. What does Annie happily comment on as she hurries out the door during the next scene?

6. What does Max tell Charlotte when she asks him if something is wrong during the first scene?

7. What does Max shout to the person who has opened the door at the start of the play?

8. What does Max confront Annie with during this scene, saying that it's Henry's and should be given back?

9. What does Annie say when Max accuses her of the action that he accuses her of in #17?

10. What is the family crisis that Henry reminds Charlotte they are discussing during this scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The image of the house of cards is one that comes up several times during this play. The tenuous position of the cards is much like the position of many of the characters.

Part 1: Why do you think the house of cards is so appropriate as a prop in the play? Or isn't it?

Part 2: Why do you think 'house of cards' works so well as a metaphor for love in this play? Or doesn't it?

Part 3: Do you think a house of cards can ever be stable? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The concept of a love triangle is introduced almost immediately within this play. The tension between lovers is a great dramatic effect for the audience, after all.

Part 1: Why do you think love triangles are so often used within plays and other stories?

Part 2: Do you think this play would have been as interesting without the love triangles? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you believe the idea of a love triangle is a realistic and prevalent part of love? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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