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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. Who sneaks into Constance's garden after Juliet leaves?

2. What does Juliet assume about Constance?

3. How did Professor Night treat Constance?

4. Why does Desdemona suggest that Romeo not go there?

5. What happens to Tybalt's sword?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is humorous about the ghost's appearance?

2. What is Tybalt's reaction to Romeo and Juliet's fascination with Constance?

3. How is Constance's return to her office with her head stuffed in a waste basket metaphorical?

4. How many ways has Juliet considered or attempted suicide in this scene? Why do you think this is so?

5. What is Juliet's response to learning of Constance's true gender?

6. How does the author of this play satirize the real Romeo and Juliet fight scene?

7. Who does Desdemona spot and what does she do?

8. How is it again intimated that Constance is playing the role of the Fool?

9. Describe what happens when Desdemona and Juliet arrive at the crypt and stand near Constance.

10. What is the irony of the scene where Juliet stands beneath Constance's balcony and woos her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The overarching theme of GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA is said by some critics to be that of the ideas of feminism. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Define feminism yourself and then look it up in a dictionary and note the definition. How closely do the two definitions coincide? Is there anything about the "official" definition that surprises you? That you disagree with?

2. Trace the theme of feminism throughout the play, citing examples of the theme of feminism and whether or not the portrayal is harmonious with the definition of feminism you created in question one.

3. Do you think the author had a feminist agenda in writing this play? Why? Did the feminist element appeal to you? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 1, Scene 1, a love triangle among Constance, Professor Night, and Ramona is revealed, which in and of itself serves more to foreshadow the love triangle in future acts among Constance, Romeo, and Juliet. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-organized essay using detailed examples from the text, your research, and personal experience to support your statements.

1. Compare and contrast the love triangles that exist in the play GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA.

2. Research and discuss two or three famous love triangles (for example: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Eddie Fisher or Lady Diana, Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles). Include why you think love triangles develop, whether they are harmful to the participants and if they ever work out well.

3. Answer the following in an essay: Could you ever see yourself caught in a love triangle? How would you respond if that did happen to you? Do you think a mutually-agreed-upon love triangle can work? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Homosexuality is a prominent theme in the Scenes that take place in Verona. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Do you believe any of the characters in this play are actually homosexual? Who? Why do you believe so? If not, why not? Support your statements with specific detail from the text.

2. Do you believe this play is homophobic or accepting of homosexuality? Explain your statements with specific examples.

3. Would it make any difference as to how you interpret the homosexual theme if you knew that the author is a publicly self-proclaimed lesbian? How would that change the way you interpreted the homosexual overtones?

(see the answer keys)

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