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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. Annie tries to make Henry jealous by talking about the way ______ sticks his tongue in her ear.

2. As Charlotte begins to leave, Max asks her ________.

3. Charlotte believes that if Henry really caught her cheating he would _______.

4. Charlotte offers a toast to the collapse of ________.

5. After Max says he is sorry, Charlotte begins to leave to go to _______.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Max building as a door opens offstage at the start of this play's first scene in Act 1?

2. What does Annie respond when Henry asks her if the train was late?

3. Why does Henry fetch a cricket bat in order to explain the process of writing to Annie?

4. What is revealed about Billy and Annie as they continue to talk during this particular scene?

5. What shows that Annie and Billy have some emotional and sexual distance between them?

6. What is the family crisis that Henry reminds Charlotte they are discussing during this scene?

7. What are the indications that time has passed as this particular scene opens up to the audience?

8. What does Billy reveal about his feelings towards Annie as they are together in this scene?

9. How did Henry contribute to the movie that Brodie has written and that is being produced?

10. What is playing in the background as Annie and Max are talking with each other during this scene of the play?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The title of the play, THE REAL THING, seems to be almost a joke to the characters and to the author of the play.

Part 1: How do you define the idea of the 'real thing' in relation to this play and to its events?

Part 2: Are there any characters in this play who seem to have the 'real thing'? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think the title was chosen for this play? Do you agree that it's the best choice? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Relationships are never easy, but it seems that many of the characters within this play are making their relationships harder than they need to be.

Part 1: What do you think makes up a good, strong relationship?

Part 2: Why do you think the characters in this play are seemingly trying to make their relationships more difficult?

Part 3: Is there ever such a thing as a strong and easy relationship? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Max is one that seems to take on the woes of his relationships, even though the women seem to be the ones who are doing the damage.

Part 1: Why do you think Max is so sensitive within his relationships?

Part 2: Do you think Max would make a good partner within the context of a relationship? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think Max will be happy when he gets married at the end? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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