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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. When did the planes that Irene questions Weber about take off?

2. What nationality is the hotel's owner, Pittaluga?

3. How many blond girls is Harry Van accompanied by in Act 1?

4. Where does the beautiful model, Irene, say she is from?

5. Why is Dr. Waldersee distressed when he first enters the hotel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was different about Irene when Harry first met her? What was similar about her?

2. How does Quillery make his entrance in Act 2, Scene 1, and why is he upset?

3. What does the captain announce at the end of Act 1, and how does Harry respond?

4. What is Weber's role in Act 2, Scene 3, and what does it signify?

5. How does Irene introduce the phrase "Idiot's Delight", and what does it mean?

6. What was significant about Harry and the woman who reminds him of Irene's original meeting?

7. Why does Quillery object to Weber's line of work and what is his theory on who is paying for it?

8. How is Harry's response to Irene's stories different from what she received from the other guests, and what does it say about his character?

9. What is interesting about the exchange between Irene and the captain towards the end of the play?

10. What does Irene tell Harry about her fate at the hotel and why does she believe it to be true?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Irene is a central character in the play and the impact of her arrival can be felt immediately.

1) How does Irene cause the other guests to take notice of her? Describe three examples of how her character maintains a level of intrigue and mystery that sets her apart.

2) What is it about the hotel that impresses Irene? What is the significance of the view she appreciates in the main window and how does it foreshadow future events in the play?

Essay Topic 2

How does Harry contribute to the mood of the hotel guests? Describe three instances where he provided a diversion for them to shield them from the dangers of war. Why is this an essential part of his character?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 2, Scene 3, Irene and Harry finally have the chance to talk away from the other guests.

1) How were the two characters portrayed in a way that established a connection or relationship between them from the beginning of the play? Why is that important to the story?

2) Describe what makes Harry the person who understands Irene better than the other guests. How does his character traits make him the best person to connect with her?

3) In what ways are Harry and Irene similar? What are some important differences between them? How do these similarities and differences contribute to their connection? Why is their relationship so important to the play's central theme?

(see the answer keys)

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