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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. Which part of the alphabet does Mr. Smith quote in the last scene?
(a) Consonants.
(b) Vowels.
(c) The second half.
(d) The first half.

2. Which machine does Mrs. Smith imitate in the last scene?
(a) A bulldozer.
(b) A tractor.
(c) A lorry.
(d) A train.

3. Which character suddenly says, "I've been goosed."?
(a) Mr. Smith.
(b) Mrs. Martin.
(c) Mr. Martin.
(d) Mrs. Smith.

4. In the last scene, where does Mr. Smith wish to live?
(a) In a treehouse in London park.
(b) Somewhere over the rainbow.
(c) In the south of France.
(d) In his cabana among his cacao trees.

5. Why didn't Mr. Martin see himself in the mirror that morning?
(a) He wasn't there yet.
(b) He did not have his reading glasses.
(c) He was downstairs finishing his tea.
(d) He was too busy.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Mr. Smith calm the agitated Mrs. Smith before the Martins arrive?

2. How does Mr. Martin bid the Fire Chief farewell?

3. How long was the Fire Chief standing outside the house by the door?

4. What does the Fire Chief expect to see later that evening?

5. Who is at the door when Mr. Smith opens it?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the characters deviate from their assigned stations in life?

2. What revelation does Mary give about the Martin family?

3. How does the play parody English society?

4. What point is Ionesco attempting to make about conversation?

5. What dull story does Mrs. Martin tell to amaze Mr. Martin and the Smiths?

6. What is the purpose of the meaningless banter among the characters?

7. How does the conversation among the Smiths and the Martins change after the Fire Chief leaves?

8. What cycle exists in the play?

9. What is the point of the story, "The Headcold"?

10. How is mediocrity presented in the play?

(see the answer keys)

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