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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. Who is Mary?
(a) The Smith's daughter.
(b) The next door neighbor.
(c) The Martin's cook and maid.
(d) The Smith's cook and maid.

2. According to Mrs. Martin, what does she prefer over a sparrow in a barrow?
(a) An eagle on the wing.
(b) A bird in the bush.
(c) A robin in a bobbin.
(d) A sprite in the night.

3. What is unusual about the lighting at the end of the last scene?
(a) The lighting turns red while Mr. Smith is speaking.
(b) The stage is black while the characters are speaking.
(c) The lighting turns blue while Mrs. Smith is speaking.
(d) The lights flicker on and off.

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

5. Who briefly begins the play again after the last scene?
(a) Mr. and Mrs. Martin.
(b) The Fire Chief and Mary.
(c) Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
(d) Mr. Martin and Mrs. Smith.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the final scene of the play, which bird name does Mr. Smith begin to chant?

2. What treatment does Dr. Mackenzie-King recommend for appendicitis?

3. According to Mrs. Smith, what other position does a Fire Chief hold?

4. According to Mrs. Smith, if paper is for writing and the cat is for the rat, what is cheese for?

5. What complaint does Mrs. Smith have about men?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the story of "The Snake and the Fox."

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

3. What is the significance of the Martins beginning the play at the end of the drama?

4. What drama unfolds as the Martins wait for the Smiths?

5. Describe the story of the calf that gave birth to a cow.

6. How are pity and fear used to evoke a response from the audience?

7. Describe the Fire Chief.

8. How does Mr. Smith know the Fire Chief?

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

10. Why are the Smiths angry with Mary when she announces the arrival of the Martins?

(see the answer keys)

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