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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 does Mrs. Smith recommend giving the Watsons for a wedding present?

2. In the story, "The Headcold", what was blonde Marie's profession?

3. According to Mr. Smith, what behavior do Mary and the Fire Chief demonstrate?

4. According to the Fire Chief, who is insured against fires?

5. What comment does Mrs. Smith make about the Fire Chief's story, "The Headcold"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What role does the clock play in the drama?

2. How does the play parody English society?

3. What argument centers around the Watson family?

4. How does the Fire Chief settle the argument over the doorbell?

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

6. What illogical elements exist in the play?

7. Describe the Smith children.

8. What ironic elements exist in the play?

9. Describe the Mr. and Mrs. Martin's daughter.

10. What topic begins the conversation of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are situations from daily life incorporated into the play? How does Ionesco use the setting of the play to create the illusion of reality? How does the setting of the play affect the dialogue and action?

Essay Topic 2

How does the lack of logic affect the dialogue and action among the characters? What effect does illogical reasoning have on the stability of the conversation? List at three specific incidents involving illogical reasoning or behavior and discuss how each scene supports the theme of the play.

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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This section contains 1,267 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample