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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 does the Count "drunkenly" say is the only person in the house with whom he wants anything to do?
(a) The maids.
(b) Bartholo.
(c) Rosine.
(d) Bazile.

2. What does Figaro say is the man's only defect?
(a) He is too kind.
(b) He is crippled.
(c) He is in love.
(d) He has a limp.

3. At a performance of this play when it was first written, what expectations would the audience have had?
(a) How this greedy, old character would behave and how the other characters would react to him.
(b) How this dumb servant hads humor to the play.
(c) They would expect him to be young and handsome.
(d) They would expect him to be evil.

4. On what commedia type is Bazile based?
(a) The lover.
(b) The stupid servant.
(c) The self-absorbed, money-grasping old man.
(d) The fighter.

5. Why can Figaro easily gain access to Bartholo's house?
(a) He is Bartholo's brother.
(b) He is Bartholo's barber.
(c) He is Bartholo's servant.
(d) He is Bartholo's cousin.

Short Answer Questions

1. While Figaro is composing a song, through what does he go?

2. What does Bartholo suggest is the best way to deal with the Count?

3. For whom does Count Almaviva wait?

4. What does Rosine tell Bartholo is on the paper she is holding?

5. What does the Count vow to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rosine react to the news about the man's love? Why does she tell Figaro the man must remain calm? Do you believe he will be able to remain calm? Why or why not?

2. What does the Count say when he realizes they are trapped? Predict what will happen in the next scene.

3. What happens as the Count comes in, disguised as a soldier and pretending to be drunk? What is he trying to do the Bartholo to distract him? Is he successful?

4. What do the various characters do to keep Bazile from telling Bartholo this is all a ruse? How is Bazile's support finally won? How does this satisfy the audience of a commedia?

5. How does the scene open? Why is the Count dressed in a disguise?

6. What is Figaro's plan? Do you believe this plan will work? Why or why not?

7. What is Figaro and the Count's plan to free Rosine? Will this plan work?

8. How does his choice to follow with the original plan lead to seeing Rosine? What is his fear about her voice lesson? To what might this voice lesson lead, in the next part of Act 3?

9. How does the Count reveal he is feeling uncertain about the plan? About what is he uncertain? Does he make a good choice? Why or why not?

10. Why does Bazile take money from the Count? How does his desire for money help the characters in this story?

(see the answer keys)

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