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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. What does Mr. Hardcastle expect from Diggory who was brought into the house from his work in the barn?

2. What suggestion is made that the landlady might do?

3. What does Mr. Hardcastle say Marlow has to do?

4. As soon as Hardcastle is out of sight, what do the servants begin saying?

5. Who comes to visit Kate as she is contemplating the evening and meeting Marlow?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Hastings insist that Constance continue the ruse that they are in an inn?

2. Tell how Tony describes the Hardcastle family.

3. Describe the argument Tony has with Mrs. Hardcastle in front of Constance and Hastings.

4. How does Hastings inject himself into the argument between Tony and his mother?

5. Explain why Tony is so sure he can handle Mrs. Hardcastle.

6. What is so humorous about the conversation Kate and her father have about Marlow?

7. How does the audience get a picture of Tony Lumpkin before he even enters the stage?

8. Explain Tony's trickery with Mrs. Hardcastle when Constance is pressing her to relinquish her jewels.

9. How is Mr. Hardcastle different from his wife?

10. How does the dialogue of the opening scene give the audience a clue as to Mrs. Hardcastle's character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the 18th century, women, especially unmarried women, had almost no civil rights. Using Miss Neville as an example, explain how she had almost no control over her own affairs. Also, explain why Mrs. Hardcastle came to be her guardian and have control over her inheritance. Explain why Mr. Hardcastle had nothing to do with Miss Neville's situation. Contrast Tony's situation to Miss Neville's. His mother controlled his inheritance, but he had the promise of getting out from under that control even without marrying. What is the difference?

Essay Topic 2

Pretend you are a writer for an 18th-century newspaper and write a critique of Mr. Goldsmith's play. In your critique be sure to mention Goldsmith's departure from the sentimental comedy of his day. Note the passages in the play that would border on the scandalous in his time. Discuss the continuity of the play and the use of subplots. Detail your opinion about the believability of the characters.

Essay Topic 3

Do some research about 18th century English inns. From your research, explain how Mr. Hardcastle's house could have reasonably been taken for an inn. Continue your paper to show how this kind of plot would not work today. Then come up with an idea of how you could mislead someone about a private residence today, e.g., a rooming house.

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