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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. What rare item does the grocer Popesco Rosenfeld sell?

2. According to Mr. Martin, who is Nancy?

3. What line do all the characters on stage chant at the end of the last scene?

4. According to Mrs. Smith, why does she need to learn Spanish?

5. Why did the Fire Chief stand outside by the door for a long time before ringing the bell?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Fire Chief leave the Smiths' house?

2. How is repetition used as a literary device?

3. What effect does the outcome of the play have on the characters?

4. How did Mary spend her day before the Martins arrive?

5. How are the characters emotionally distant and disconnected?

6. Why does the Fire Chief have difficulty finding a fire?

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

8. What conflicts arise in the play and how are they resolved?

9. Why is "The Bald Soprano" also called "the anti-play"?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the characteristics of the style "Theater of the Absurd". How does absurdist drama communicate its theme? How does this style differ from other traditional forms of drama? What is the purpose of an absurdist play?

Essay Topic 2

Which characters from the play appear to be "imaginary?" What is the purpose of describing these nonexistent characters? How do the characters who are not physically present in the play affect the dialogue and action?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the effect the outcome of the play has on the characters. List examples of how the characters have been affected by their conversation. What effect might the outcome of the play have on the audience? Compare and contrast the audience's potential reaction to the play with that of the character's reaction to the evening.

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