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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 Paris confide in John that he has not confided in his father?

2. What happens when Philip grabs Mollie in a fit of anger?

3. What does Philip say he will do if Mollie leaves him?

4. What does Philip employ as a winning strategy when he tells Mollie that he will die if she leaves him?

5. What does Philip want to be in terms of a career?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Paris's friend Hattie think of Philip?

2. How does Philip describe his time at the sanatorium?

3. What is John trying to figure out about the relationship between Mollie and Philip?

4. What does Philip apologize to Paris about during their talk?

5. What information does John give Mollie that makes her brighten?

6. What happens as a result of Philip returning, startling Mollie, and speaking of their relationship?

7. Where does Philip tell Paris they will go?

8. How has Mother Lovejoy attempted to help Mollie get to the train station?

9. Where did Mollie find John?

10. How does Mollie believe Philip died?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the act of suicide in The Square Root of Wonderful. We know that Paris mentions that suicide is weakness. However, when someone is on the edge of despair where no rational thought takes place, could it be considered a sickness or a form of relief? Does Philip's suicide bring the family closer together or does it split them further apart. Does it serve it's purpose or is it the ultimate tragedy?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the tone and mood of The Square Root of Wonderful. What does the authors attitude imply? Discuss the elements of pessimism, optimism, earnestness, bitterness, joy, and seriousness that are embedded in the play. Discuss the choice of objects, details, images, and words that contribute to the mood of a play. Explain your answer by using specific scenes and characters.

Essay Topic 3

Family obligation is a heavy burden for many people. Mollie is passionate over Philip, but also feels a commitment to him because of their past and because of her obvious involvement with his family. Discuss how family obligation can sometimes blind us from our true hearts desire and can serve as the ultimate obstacle to happiness because of the weight of responsibility. How does Mollie represent that weight? Use examples from the text.

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