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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. Who enters Act 1, Scene 2 with a guest list?

2. Who does Madame Desmortes question about Isabelle?

3. Of what is Isabelle afraid in Act 1, Scene 2?

4. How does Romainville lure Isabelle's mother out of the conservatory?

5. Why does Romainville reluctantly agree to Hugo's scheme?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Which characters in this play represent "old money," and which characters represent "new money?"

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

4. What message comes to Messerschmann by telegram at the end of the play?

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

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

7. Why is Madame Desmortes worried about the appearance of impropriety regarding Messerschmann's presence at her estate?

8. What do Hugo and Isabelle discuss at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 1?

9. Describe the relationship between Romainville and Isabelle.

10. How do Frederic's early actions and words in the play indicate his insecurity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is Isabelle the heroine of this play? What personal values does she never violate, in spite of the fact that she lied about her true identity throughout most of the play?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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)

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