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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 constantly interrupts Mrs. Martin's storytelling?

2. Which machine does Mrs. Smith imitate in the last scene?

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

4. What is the name of Mr. Martin's daughter?

5. In Mary's poem, what was burning?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the plot behind Mrs. Smith's story of the man who bought flowers.

2. Describe the story of "The Cock."

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

4. How is the play both a comedy and a tragedy?

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

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

7. How is the plot developed in the play?

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

9. Describe Mr. Martin.

10. Describe the protagonist and antagonist of the play.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How are satire and parody used to expose different aspects of the theme? What elements are exposed to ridicule and mimicked? How does Ionesco use humor to condemn the behavior of the characters?

Essay Topic 2

What societal rules are broken in the play and how does the blatant disregard for other characters feelings reflect the value each character places on the others? Based on their actions within the society on stage, what value do the characters place on themselves? How does the disregard for others feelings contrast with the appearance of polite English society the characters attempt to emulate?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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