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

2. Charlotte compares the privacy violation by Max to ________.

3. While Max and Charlotte are in the kitchen, Annie tries to get Henry to _________.

4. THE REAL THING refers to the ________ that the story is attempting to access.

5. Max becomes serious and turns down the _______before telling Annie something.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Annie do when she sees Henry during the beginning part of this scene?

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

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

6. What does Brodie have to say about the film's script as Annie walks into the scene with appetizers and dip?

7. When does Charlotte join in on the banter between Henry and Debbie during the course of this scene?

8. What are Henry and Debbie discussing as this particular scene begins?

9. What is Henry doing during the beginning of the scene as Annie walks in?

10. What is Henry doing at the start of the second scene of the first act of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

At times in this play, the idea of finding love seems clichéd, with people meeting on trains or when they work on plays together.

Part 1: How do you think the playwright feels about love after having read this play?

Part 2: Do you think love is portrayed as cliched in this play? Why or why not?

Part 3: Can love ever be a cliche? 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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