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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 Hardcastle say that girls like?

2. What has Tony done with his mother and Constance?

3. Why does Hastings say they must hurry if they plan to elope?

4. What does the maid tell Kate that Marlow thinks.

5. What does Kate propose that her father and Sir Charles do?

Short Essay Questions

1. While the three of them--Mrs. Hardcastle, Tony, and Constance--are talking, what is the unexpected turn of events?

2. What is the act Tony and Constance put on for Mrs. Hardcastle's benefit?

3. Explain how Constance knows Sir Charles is coming for a visit and Hastings' reaction to the news.

4. Explain how the jewels end back up with Mrs. Hardcastle.

5. What happens between Marlow and Hastings after Mrs. Hardcastle gets possession of the jewels once again?

6. How does Kate discover the misunderstanding that has been going on in the house?

7. What transpires between Mr. Hardcastle and Tony in the dark?

8. There is a great deal of shouting at one another about Tony's latest deception. What does Tony say that Mr. Hardcastle has to agree with?

9. Why have Marlow's servants all gotten drunk to the great displeasure of Mr. Hardcastle?

10. After Marlow leaves and Kate enters the room, what is the conversation she has with the two gentlemen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pretend you are a writer for an 18th-century newspaper and write a critique of Mr. Goldsmith's play. In your critique be sure to mention Goldsmith's departure from the sentimental comedy of his day. Note the passages in the play that would border on the scandalous in his time. Discuss the continuity of the play and the use of subplots. Detail your opinion about the believability of the characters.

Essay Topic 2

Do some research about 18th century English inns. From your research, explain how Mr. Hardcastle's house could have reasonably been taken for an inn. Continue your paper to show how this kind of plot would not work today. Then come up with an idea of how you could mislead someone about a private residence today, e.g., a rooming house.

Essay Topic 3

Jumping to conclusions is a thread that runs throughout the play. Select several instances of this and write a paper discussing the fallacy of jumping to conclusions. In your paper evaluate whether that is a fairly universal human trait. Give at least one example other than from the play when someone jumped to wrong conclusions and the effect it had on the people involved.

(see the answer keys)

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