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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. Michael wishes he was lying where in Act 1, Scene 2?

2. What does Michael change into after Agnes retreats to the bathroom on their wedding night?

3. Why is Agnes mad that Michael is wearing a nightshirt?

4. What clothing are Michael and Agnes wearing in the very beginning of the play?

5. What does Agnes tuck into bed with Michael when he is not feeling well?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the conflict at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 2?

2. Why does Agnes wish she were dead at the end of Act 2, Scene 1?

3. Why does Michael say he is in love with another woman?

4. What is the purpose of the fourposter bed in the first scene?

5. What does Michael say about his daughter's choice of husband and how has he dealt with the upcoming wedding?

6. What is the nature of the young poet's poem and who is it apparently dedicated to?

7. What do both Agnes and Michael agree to do to calm down while waiting for their son to get home?

8. Why is Agnes joking about taking her baby to a home, or orphanage, when talking to Michael?

9. What unites Agnes and Michael in the attitude toward their son's behavior?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The sudden emergence into the realm of wealth is a life changing occurrence, and it affects the lives of Agnes and Michael. Use examples to support your response to the following:

1) How does the wealth and success of Michael's novel affect the lives and relationship of Michael and Agnes?

2) How do Agnes and Michael adapt to their new found wealth?

3) Does the author portray wealth to be a good or bad influence in people's lives?

Essay Topic 2

Agnes and Michael are parents to a son and daughter, a fact that influences their characters' decisions and actions. Support your essay with examples from the play and respond to the following:

1) What good parental characteristics are Agnes and Michael shown to have?

2) What bad parental characteristics are Agnes and Michael shown to have?

3) How has becoming parents changed the relationship between Michael and Agnes?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Agnes goes through many changes throughout the play. Beginning with her wedding night and ending with her gift at the end of the play, analyze Agnes' character by answering the following:

1) How is Agnes represented in her youth compared to her older years?

2) How has motherhood changed Agnes?

3) What ways have Agnes' religious beliefs influenced her decisions in life?

4) Is Agnes' character capable of acting selfishly? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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