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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Billy messes up the line and they have to re-do the scene. Annie moves away from him leaving him feel ________.

2. Annie finishes with the lights and then goes into _________.

3. _________ cuckoldry is a difficult trick but it can be done.

4. Debbie has developed a habit of calling Henry _______ which he doesn't like.

5. Music as well consists in the ear as in the _______.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At times in this play, the idea of finding love seems clichéd, with people meeting on trains or when they work on plays together.

Part 1: How do you think the playwright feels about love after having read this play?

Part 2: Do you think love is portrayed as cliched in this play? Why or why not?

Part 3: Can love ever be a cliche? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The concept of a love triangle is introduced almost immediately within this play. The tension between lovers is a great dramatic effect for the audience, after all.

Part 1: Why do you think love triangles are so often used within plays and other stories?

Part 2: Do you think this play would have been as interesting without the love triangles? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you believe the idea of a love triangle is a realistic and prevalent part of love? 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)

This section contains 338 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample