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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. Charlotte says that the difference between plays and real life is __________.

2. Max goes to help Charlotte in the kitchen and she allows him to _________.

3. The character that Henry is reading in the play is called _______.

4. Max's project collapses when _______ slams the door and enters the room.

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Henry believe there are musical similarities between as he and Annie talk?

2. What does Brodie have to say about the film's script as Annie walks into the scene with appetizers and dip?

3. Why does Debbie not want Henry to come out to meet her boyfriend when the boyfriend arrives at the house?

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

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

6. What does the conversation between Annie and Henry reveal about the film's shooting schedule?

7. What is the tangent that Charlotte goes off on when talking with Debbie and Henry?

8. Describe the position of Annie at the start of this scene. Where is she and what is she doing?

9. What do Annie and Billy think about the writing talent of Brodie, according to their conversation?

10. What does Max realize after he apologizes to Charlotte who says she feels violated?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Brodie is an interesting one since no one in the audience sees him until the very end of the play.

Part 1: Why do you think the character of Brodie is necessary for the play?

Part 2: Do you think leaving out the character of Brodie would have been possible? Why or why not?

Part 3: Why do you think the character of Brodie isn't introduced to the play until the very end?

Essay Topic 2

Many writers choose to write about what they know as they are much more able to capture their feelings within the context of a play than they might be able to capture their feelings in real life.

Part 1: Why do you think writing is a way in which people deal with their feelings?

Part 2: If the play is based on the life of the playwright, what do you learn about Stoppard from the play and its characters?

Part 3: Do you think it's possible that Stoppard may not have written about his life? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The structure used by Stoppard to show a play within a play is one that confuses the reader at times, though it might be easier for an audience member to appreciate.

Part 1: What did you think about the structure of a play within a play? Did you think it helped the play or hurt it?

Part 2: Why do you think Stoppard decided to use the play within a play structure?

Part 3: If the play had simply been straightforward without any play within a play structures, how might the story have been different?

(see the answer keys)

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