View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Terry was apparently on the staff at the school and he taught ________.

2. Annie finally admits that she had been having breakfast with one of the company at __________.

3. When Charlotte walks out she is carrying _______ postcards in her hand.

4. Annie stands at the door and is holding Brodie's _______.

5. Henry says that the fate of all artists is _______.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The structure used by Stoppard to show a play within a play is one that confuses the reader at times, though it might be easier for an audience member to appreciate.

Part 1: What did you think about the structure of a play within a play? Did you think it helped the play or hurt it?

Part 2: Why do you think Stoppard decided to use the play within a play structure?

Part 3: If the play had simply been straightforward without any play within a play structures, how might the story have been different?

Essay Topic 2

One of the most compelling parts of this play is that there is a fuzzy line between what is real and what is art. The differences between real life and art are subtle, but they alter the way the characters and the play are perceived.

Part 1: Can there ever be a true definition of reality? Why or why not?

Part 2: How do you define the idea of art? Is there just one definition that makes sense? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think what is real and what is art is such a serious question in this play?

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)

This section contains 375 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample