View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. At the beginning of the play, which two characters are engaged?

2. Who examines the guest list in Act 1, Scene 2?

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

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

5. Romainville interrupts Hugo and Isabelle with what news?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Romainville upset at the end of Act 2?

2. What impression does Hugo want to give the guests at the ball regarding his feelings and Isabelle's feelings?

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

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

5. What are Madame Desmortes' comments regarding the guest list for the ball?

6. What does the gardener threaten to do regarding the rhododendrons, and why?

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

8. What news does Romainville bring regarding Isabelle's mother and Capulet? What are the implications of this news?

9. Describe the tango scene between Patrice and Lady India.

10. Why does Madame Desmortes question Romainville about Isabelle's lineage, and what answer does she receive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the social implications of coming from "old money," like Madame Desmortes? Why do some members of society place a greater value on inherited money than on money truly earned?

Essay Topic 2

How do the frenetic entrances and exits of Frederic and Hugo impact the audience as they view this play? Is that impact harder to appreciate when reading the play than when viewing it?

Essay Topic 3

Why do both Hugo and Lady India fall in love (or rather, fall more deeply in love) with their romantic partners after they become poor? What does this indicate about their characters and about the playwright's message regarding the value of money?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 725 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample