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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. Which character does Philip have questions about the moment he arrives home?

2. What quality of Philip has served as the backdrop for the tumultuous lives of his family?

3. How long has Mollie known her new love?

4. In the beginning of Act 2, what activity has Philip resumed?

5. What does John ask Mollie when he meets up with her in the house?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the blueprints that Paris carries from the barn into the house going to be used for?

2. What does Paris confide in John about?

3. What time does Philip wake?

4. What does John discuss with Paris that he considers the square root of sin?

5. What happens as a result of Philip's outburst of violence?

6. What are Hattie's comments regarding the white coverings over the furnishings?

7. What are Mollie and Paris planning to do now that Philip is dead?

8. What does Philip recall about his boyhood?

9. What is the point of tension about when Philip and John meet for the first time over dinner?

10. Who is John Tucker?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The allure of security is a driving force in the plot development of The Square Root of Wonderful. How important is security in a marriage or relationship in the present day? How important was the role of security in a marriage or relationship in the 1950s? Discuss how love and marriage differ in terms of needs and desires now versus then, weaving in security and safety in your response.

Essay Topic 2

The way the Lovejoys express their love is different for each character. Sometimes we are unaware that someone is trying to love us because they are going about it in a way we are not accustomed to. Discuss the love relationships between Mollie and Philip, between Sister and Philip, and between Paris and Philip. In what ways was love shown outwardly and in what ways was it hidden and how did this show of love affect the well being of each character?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the Man versus Self internal conflict of Philip Lovejoy. In what ways does he serve as his own worst enemy? In what ways has he turned down all offers of help for success? In what ways is he a friend to himself? Include 3 pieces textual evidence in your response.

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This section contains 662 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample