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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 Figaro promise to do?

2. For what will Figaro use his knowledge of drugs?

3. How does Count Almaviva feel about his situation?

4. Why is Count Almaviva disguised as a priest in a cloak and turned down hat?

5. Why does Figaro say he feels "Lindor's" passion?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the letter the Count gives to Bartholo reveal? How does Rosine react to this news? Does Bartholo seem to notice her reaction? Why or why not?

2. Although Rosine is under the legal marrying age, why does the Count say the marriage is legitimate? What does this say about the wealthy at the time the play was written and about the playwright's opinion of the wealthy?

3. What does the Count want Figaro to call him? Why? What might be Figaro's thoughts on this?

4. How does Rosine react to Bartholo's accusations? How might this hurt her chances of being with the Count?

5. What does Rosine do with the paper? How might this small prop draw the audience into the story?

6. What do the Count and Figaro learn about the song? Why does Bartholo have such an interest in this song?

7. 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?

8. How does Figaro respond when Bartholo calls him a knave? What is a knave?

9. How does Rosine learn that her lover is not who he says he is? How does she misconstrue the information? Why does the playwright include this misunderstanding?

10. How does Rosine act when she sees the Count? How does she react when he tells her the letter was from him? Why does he still not reveal his identity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Count as "Alonzo" gives Rosine voice lessons.

Part 1) What is significant about the song he gives her to sing?

Part 2) How is this song used to add humor to the scene?

Part 3) How does this voice lesson reinforce aspects of commedia dell'arte?

Essay Topic 2

Rosine is locked up by Bartholo.

Part 1) Why has he locked her up?

Part 2) Is this a frequently used aspect of theatre? Why or why not?

Part 3) Is Rosine saved? Does she have any control over her freedom? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The Count disguises himself as Lindor, a priest.

Part 1) Why does he disguise himself?

Part 2) Why would he choose to be disguised as a priest?

Part 3) How does his disguise add to the comedic aspect of this play?

(see the answer keys)

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