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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the first thing the audience sees in Act 1?
(a) A blizzard.
(b) A greenhouse.
(c) A telephone.
(d) An unusual-looking plant.

2. What does Claire ask Tom to do?
(a) Say something evil about God.
(b) Say something evil about the plants.
(c) Say something pleasant about the plants.
(d) Say something pleasant about God.

3. Which is the best description of Anthony?
(a) Husband of Claire.
(b) A house guest.
(c) A young man.
(d) A middle-aged man.

4. Who is Elizabeth?
(a) Claire's sister.
(b) Claire's daughter from a previous marriage.
(c) Harry's daughter from a previous marriage.
(d) Harry and Claire's daughter.

5. How does Anthony try to distract Claire from worrying about the plant that is not thriving?
(a) Reminding her what "The Edge Vine" is about to do.
(b) Reminding her that they can save the plant.
(c) Reminding her what "The Breath of Life" is about to do.
(d) Reminding her that the salt is missing.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is the first house guest uncomfortable?

2. Who worries that the cold weather will have adverse effects on the plants?

3. What does Harry confide to the first house guest?

4. Which character joins the first character after the curtain opens for the second time in Act 1?

5. Who requested that breakfast be served in the greenhouse?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the connection between Claire and Elizabeth?

2. Why is Anthony upset when Dick rushes into the greenhouse for shelter?

3. Adelaide says that she goes about in the world, free, busy, and happy, because among people she has no time to think of herself. Why is this statement distasteful to Claire?

4. What does Claire do as a result of her anger and disillusionment with Tom?

5. Describe the reaction of Claire when Anthony brings the blooming plant into the room, as contrasted with the reactions of the men?

6. Following Tom's rejection of her advances in the tower room, what does Claire do?

7. What is the symbolic meaning of "The Breath of Life" in this play?

8. For what two specific family-related matters does Adelaide chastise Claire?

9. Following the exchanges between Claire, Adelaide, and Harry, what does Claire do and how do other characters respond?

10. Describe the attitudes of Claire and Elizabeth when they first meet face to face in Act 1.

(see the answer keys)

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