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

Short Answer Questions

1. Billy says to Annie, "you would think with all of these ________ the train would be on time."

2. Charlotte responds to the grammar correction by saying that she thought Henry sent Debbie there so she would be a ____ longer.

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

4. Henry warns Debbie not to get too good at ________.

5. Annie stands at the door and is holding Brodie's _______.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The image of the house of cards is one that comes up several times during this play. The tenuous position of the cards is much like the position of many of the characters.

Part 1: Why do you think the house of cards is so appropriate as a prop in the play? Or isn't it?

Part 2: Why do you think 'house of cards' works so well as a metaphor for love in this play? Or doesn't it?

Part 3: Do you think a house of cards can ever be stable? Why or why not?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 382 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample