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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. In the second part of Act 1, who enters after Harry exits?

2. What is the special plant in the greenhouse called?

3. What is the special plant about to do?

4. What does the second house guest do when he sees that no one can help him enter the greenhouse?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Anthony explains to Harry that Claire gave him what two orders?

4. How does Tom respond to Claire's request in order for the door to be unlocked?

5. When Claire and Tom are alone with "The Breath of Life," what offer does he make to her?

6. What does Claire do as a result of her anger and disillusionment with Tom?

7. Describe the reaction of Claire when Anthony brings the blooming plant into the room, as contrasted with the reactions of the men?

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

9. What is the connection between Claire and Elizabeth?

10. What does Harry confide to Tom and Dick, and what response does he receive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are light and sound used to forward the plot and atmosphere of "The Verge"?

Essay Topic 2

How do Claire's plants illustrate her emotional state and the dissatisfaction of some women during the era of the play?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how the professions of the main male characters reflect or amplify their general personalities. Is it significant that Claire's liaisons outside of marriage are with artistic types?

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