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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 halts Birdie's errand request?

2. What does Mr. Marshall say about life in the geographic region he is visiting?

3. What drink does the butler bring into the parlor in Act 1?

4. According to Ben, who is not very adaptable?

5. What unlikely marriage would make the family very happy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Birdie say about her marriage to Oscar in Act 3?

2. Discuss Ben's thoughts on the downfall of Lionnet.

3. Why does Horace return downstairs after arguing with Regina in Act 2?

4. Why does Mr. Marshall say he wants to build a mill in the southern town?

5. Discuss Birdie's dislike for her husband's shooting hobby.

6. Discuss Ben's thoughts on the Southern aristocracy.

7. Discuss Oscar's scheme to borrow Horace's bonds.

8. Briefly describe Addie.

9. Discuss Mr. Marshall's comment that Southern aristocrats stay together and keep what belongs to them.

10. Discuss Ben's idea of keeping the profits from their business deal strictly within the family.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the role of "love" in this play. Which characters embody the emotion and how do they show it?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Hellman's personal inspiration for writing the play. Where did she get the idea for the play's title and how does it relate to the story?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the exposition of the play.

(see the answer keys)

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