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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. In the closing moments of Act 1, Scene 2, what is the status of Agnes and Michael?

2. When Michael goes to the washstand on his wedding night, what does he do?

3. What does the pillow in the bed have embroidered on it?

4. When Agnes goes to the dressing room and returns, what item does she bring with her in Act 2, Scene 1?

5. What does Agnes believe Michael has prepared for their wedding night?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the shift in Michael's actions and treatment toward Agnes in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. How does Act 3, Scene 1 conclude relating to Agnes and Michael's relationship?

3. Why is it important that Michael tells Agnes how much he loves the fact she has cold feet, hiccups and scratches her stomach in her sleep?

4. Why did Michael react the way he did when he encountered his son returning home?

5. What is the setting at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 1?

6. What is Agnes' reaction to the declaration of Michael's true feelings towards her on the day of her daughter's wedding?

7. Why does Agnes keep bringing up the fact that she smells gas from the lamps?

8. What does Michael turn around and do as he is about to leave to fetch the doctor?

9. How does the fourposter bed have importance in Michael's life before even meeting Agnes?

10. How is the relationship between Agnes and Michael at the very end of Act 2, Scene 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The setting of the play starts in 1890 and ends in 1925. This backdrop provides the author with the ability to use elements from this time period as an influence in the play. Answer the following with supporting examples:

1) What situations from the play are specific to the time period of the setting?

2) What situations from the play are unconditional in their setting and could take place in modern times as well?

3) How do the events and hardships of Agnes and Michael's marriage appeal to modern audiences, even though the setting of their marriage is a century in the past?

Essay Topic 2

Each act in the play closes with an embrace between Michael and Agnes. This display of repetition is a literary device used by the author. Respond using examples to support your answer.

1) Does the embrace at the end of each scene always come from the same emotion, such as relief, love or compassion?

2) What is the significance of the repetition of the familiar embrace to the relationship of Agnes and Michael?

3) What is the significance of the repetition of the familiar embrace to the audience of the play?

Essay Topic 3

There are only two characters with a speaking part in the play, but the fourposter bed can be interpreted as a third character. Using examples to support your response, write an essay answering the following:

1) What ways does the fourposter bed resemble a third character on the stage?

2) How does the fourposter bed influence the events in the marriage between Agnes and Michael?

3) What is the significance of the giving of the fourposter bed to the newlywed couple as a conclusion of the play?

(see the answer keys)

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