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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. How old is the pupil in The Lesson?

2. Where is Mrs. Martin originally from in The Bald Soprano?

3. Not being able to rely on her reasoning, the pupil has done what with all possible multiplications?

4. What is the first story told by the fire chief in The Bald Soprano?

5. Who is the Rumanian grocer that Mrs. Parker knows in The Bald Soprano?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the ending of The Lesson relate to the other plays' endings in the collection?

2. As the lesson continues, how does the professor's and the pupil's demeanor change?

3. Describe the transitions of the professor and the pupil in The Lesson.

4. Describe the doorbell in The Bald Soprano.

5. Describe the fire chief's arrival in The Bald Soprano.

6. Describe the distinguishing qualities of the set and the Smiths in The Bald Soprano.

7. What does the professor do after the death of the pupil?

8. Discuss tension and satire thematically in The Bald Soprano.

9. What is Absurdism and how does it inhabit the four plays of the book?

10. What object does the professor take from the shelf? What does he do with it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the Smiths and the Martins in The Bald Soprano. How do these characters switch roles in the play? What is the meaning of this?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss satire in The Bald Soprano. How does this apply to the language in the play? How was it originated?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the plot structure of The Lesson. Describe the major plot points and how the actions of the characters propel forward the play and build tension.

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