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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Act 1, Scene 1.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who receives a few lines of a letter to use in the assassination of someone's reputation?
(a) Miss Clackitt.
(b) Mrs. Candour.
(c) Benjamin Backbite.
(d) Maria.

2. What does the speaker of the Prologue say will be the subject of the play?
(a) Family.
(b) Scandal.
(c) Marriage.
(d) Friendship.

3. What is the point of a dedication, such as "A Portrait"?
(a) "A Portrait" is not a dedication.
(b) To give a short biography of the author.
(c) To provide background of the play.
(d) To give the audience an idea of the play.

4. Why is Sheridan attacking this subject with his pen?
(a) To spread the message.
(b) To gain fame.
(c) To bring it under control.
(d) He does not attack this subject with his pen.

5. Upon hearing the name of whom of the following being gossiped about does Maria react by leaving the room where the gossiping is taking place?
(a) Charles Surface.
(b) Benjamin Backbite.
(c) Joseph Surface.
(d) Peter Teazle.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the speaker in the Prologue say that Sheridan is acting foolishly?

2. How do people's reactions to the subject of the play affect the subject itself?

3. When Backbite and Crabtree enter, what does Crabtree regale the party with?

4. Who is Richard Brinsley Sheridan?

5. What were playwrights trying to build through the use of prologues during the historical time period in which the play was written?

(see the answer key)

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