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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. Why does Hugo believe he is a better match for Diana than Frederic?

2. What is the first topic of conversation in Act 1, Scene 1?

3. What is Madame Desmortes' primary interest, regarding Isabelle?

4. Who does Madame Desmortes question about Isabelle?

5. Lady India is a cousin to whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What Biblical story does Messerschmann share with Joshua, and why?

2. Why does Isabelle apologize to Hugo for her mother's behavior, and how does he respond?

3. Describe the dispute between Isabelle and Diana at the beginning of Act 3.

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

5. Who is Countess Funela, and why is Joshua upset by her presence?

6. Why does Patrice challenge Hugo to a duel?

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

8. How does the conservatory differ at the beginning of Act 1, Scene 2, as compared to Scene 1?

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

10. What romantic intrigue does Capulet reveal to Madame Desmortes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Frederic sleep in the rhododendrons beneath the window of his fiancee, Diana? Does this character flaw continue throughout the play? Will he be likely to follow a similar course of action after becoming engaged to Isabelle, or do they have a different kind of relationship?

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 774 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample