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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Harry confide to the two house guests after Claire exits?
(a) He does not want Claire to spend time with her daughter.
(b) He believes Claire is having an affair.
(c) He no longer loves Claire.
(d) He hopes to get advice from them regarding Claire.

2. What does the first character do after coming onstage?
(a) Lock the greenhouse door.
(b) Press a buzzer.
(c) Answer a telephone.
(d) Prepare breakfast.

3. What is the relationship between Harry and Claire?
(a) Husband and wife.
(b) Employer and maid.
(c) Brother and sister.
(d) Gardener and employer.

4. What is the one item that stands out in the greenhouse?
(a) A dead plant.
(b) A huge plant, clinging to the back wall.
(c) A gun.
(d) A broken window.

5. Which is the best description of Claire and Elizabeth's reunion?
(a) They laugh together at a private joke.
(b) They tend plants together.
(c) They embrace awkwardly.
(d) They stay on opposite sides of the room.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who tries to get Claire to come to the phone upon Elizabeth's arrival?

2. Who requested that breakfast be served in the greenhouse?

3. What is the first thing the audience sees in Act 1?

4. What does Tom advise Harry to do?

5. Who is the first character to come onstage in Act 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Claire unhappy, even though "The Breath of Life" bloomed beautifully?

2. When Claire and Tom are alone in the tower room, what does Claire admit to Tom, and what is his response?

3. What does Harry realize when Claire runs to Dick?

4. What is the connection between Claire and Elizabeth?

5. Describe the attitudes of Claire and Elizabeth when they first meet face to face in Act 1.

6. When the curtain opens for the second time in Act 1, what is the setting?

7. After being rejected by Tom and hearing the doctor's diagnosis, who does Claire turn to next for comfort?

8. What is the significance of the plant being called "The Breath of Life," and what is the symbolic importance of the act of blooming?

9. What does Harry realize when he sees that Claire has strangled Tom?

10. Regarding Claire's two lovers, what action does she take when she enters the greenhouse?

(see the answer keys)

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