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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 John think Philip has done to Mollie to keep her in love with him?

2. Which character tries to calm Philip down when he is upset with Mollie for wanting to leave him?

3. After John's proposal to Mollie, which character enters the home?

4. What happens when Philip grabs Mollie in a fit of anger?

5. Where are Mother Lovejoy and Sister staying in anticipation of Philip's homecoming?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the nightmare that Paris has in the beginning of the play?

2. What are the blueprints that Paris carries from the barn into the house going to be used for?

3. What are Hattie's comments regarding the white coverings over the furnishings?

4. Why does Philip want Paris to get dressed?

5. What is the primary reason why Philip wants to take Paris with him?

6. What is Philip's rationale for leaving before dawn?

7. How does Mollie react to Sister's blatant question of whether or not she loves Philip and if she plans to marry him for the third time?

8. How does Mollie react to John's question?

9. What time does Philip wake?

10. Describe the background of Philip Lovejoy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What are the implications of the falling action and resolution (or denouement ) of the play? How has the character of Mollie changed? How has the Lovejoy family accepted changed into their life? In what ways was the resolution inevitable?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the act of suicide in The Square Root of Wonderful. We know that Paris mentions that suicide is weakness. However, when someone is on the edge of despair where no rational thought takes place, could it be considered a sickness or a form of relief? Does Philip's suicide bring the family closer together or does it split them further apart. Does it serve it's purpose or is it the ultimate tragedy?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the confusion of the character of Mollie in terms of the decision she must make between John and Philip. Why is she is love with John? What does John provide that Philip does not? In what ways is Philip a perfect match for her? In what ways is Philip the wrong person for her to re-marry? Finally, how will her decision affect Paris?

(see the answer keys)

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