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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 does Mr. Hardcastle expect from Diggory who was brought into the house from his work in the barn?

2. What is Hardcastle's reaction when Kate enters the room?

3. What does Tony urge his mother to tell Constance about the jewels?

4. Why is Mrs. Hardcastle trying to make a match between Tony and Constance?

5. Hardcastle does not recognize the insults at first and attempts to do what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain Tony's trickery with Mrs. Hardcastle when Constance is pressing her to relinquish her jewels.

2. What is so humorous about the conversation Kate and her father have about Marlow?

3. What does the audience learn right away of Kate Hardcastle's character.

4. Describe Tony Lumpkins' problem with his mother and Miss Neville.

5. How do Marlow and Hastings treat Mr. Hardcastle at what they suppose is an inn?

6. Using Mr. Hardcastle's speech at the beginning of act 3, define and explain the soliloquy.

7. How does the dialogue of the opening scene give the audience a clue as to Mrs. Hardcastle's character?

8. Discuss the initial conversation between Hastings and Mrs. Hardcastle.

9. What does Marlow say to Hastings about his ability with women?

10. Explain how the scene in the Three Pigeons is typical of an English pub.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Words have changed their meaning since Goldsmith wrote this play. For example, the word modesty is used in an entirely different way from the way we use it today. Find at least ten examples of words that have a different meaning today and write a paper showing how they are used in the play and how we might use those words today. In some cases, it might be that the word in the play is no longer used and you will need to provide a modern word that expresses the same idea.

Essay Topic 2

Research the 18th century British carriages. Specifically look up the post or mail coach that is mentioned several times in the play. In your paper describe the carriages and the social implications in the culture of the times. Write about how these carriages were precursors of modern luxury means of transportation.

Essay Topic 3

Education in the 18th century was limited almost exclusively to the upper classes. Using Mr. Hardcastle's servants and Tony's inability to read Hastings' letter, write a paper on the disadvantages of illiteracy. Carry the idea on to the 21st century and how important education is today.

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