View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What constantly interrupts Mrs. Martin's storytelling?

2. Which character suddenly says, "I've been goosed."?

3. What is unusual about the dialogue on the last page of the play?

4. What would Mr. Martin rather do than steal an ox?

5. According to the Fire Chief, who puts out the Vicar's fires?

Short Essay Questions

1. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

2. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

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

4. Who is Bobby Watson?

5. Describe Mr. Smith.

6. Describe the discussion that centers around Dr. Mackenzie-King.

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

8. How are nonsensical words used in the play?

9. What argument erupts over the doorbell?

10. How are the characters emotionally distant and disconnected?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is "The Bald Soprano" considered an "anti-play?" What elements of traditional script development have been changed? How does the "anti-play" express its theme without the traditional elements of literature?

Essay Topic 2

How is language altered in the play? What is the purpose of altering the language and how do the alterations affect the flow of conversation? Define three specific points where language is suddenly altered, and hypothesize as to the reason behind those sudden changes.

Essay Topic 3

What stereotypes are found within the play? What is the purpose of each stereotype? Is any change evident in the development of the characters, and how does character development affect the progress of the action?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,337 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample