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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 is the topic of the joke that upsets Frederic?

2. What does the gardener intend to do with the shrubbery?

3. What is the relationship between Lady India and Messerschmann?

4. After Frederic and Diana exit the stage in the first scene, who enters?

5. Why is Patrice wary of Hugo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Isabelle say to Frederic after her fight with Diana when she thinks he is Hugo? What is the result of her confusion?

2. How does Madame Desmortes introduce Countess Funela to Hugo?

3. How does Hugo blackmail Patrice, and what does he want Patrice to do?

4. In what way does Hugo nearly foil the efforts of Madame Desmortes in Act 3?

5. What does Messerschmann come to understand after Isabelle refuses his payment offer?

6. What information do Hugo and Capulet discuss with Madame Desmortes in Act 1, Scene 1, regarding Messerschmann?

7. Why does the playwright refer to this play as a "charade with music?"

8. What does Messerschmann vow to do to help his daughter?

9. Why does Hugo acknowledge his love for Diana now that she is poor? How does this fit in with the theme of the play?

10. How does Romainville convince Isabelle's mother to leave the conservatory in Act 1, Scene 1?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of Messerschmann's unusual diet? When he alters his request ever so slightly at the end of the play, in celebration, why does the change seem so momentous?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the values held by Diana and Isabelle regarding money and position in society. Why is Diana better suited for Hugo, and Isabelle better suited for Frederic?

Essay Topic 3

What is a conservatory, as it exists in the mansion of Madame Desmortes? Why does the playwright choose to have the entire play take place in the conservatory, rather than allowing for a change of scene? Why does none of the action take place in the ballroom itself?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 892 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample