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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 does the interior of the greenhouse symbolize?
(a) The interior of Claire's heart.
(b) The interior of the house.
(c) Tom and Claire's relationship.
(d) Harry and Claire's relationship.

2. What is the special plant in the greenhouse called?
(a) "The Edge of Death"
(b) "The Breath of Life."
(c) "The Edge Vine."
(d) "The Breath Vine."

3. Who is the first character to come onstage in Act 1?
(a) Harry.
(b) Hattie.
(c) Anthony.
(d) Claire.

4. What does Claire try to explain to the first house guest?
(a) Why the salt is missing.
(b) The significance of the greenhouse plants.
(c) The effects of the blizzard on the greenhouse.
(d) Why the pepper is missing.

5. Who requested that breakfast be served in the greenhouse?
(a) Harry.
(b) Anthony.
(c) Hattie.
(d) Claire.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the curtain opens for a second time in Act 1, what is the scene?

2. What does the second house guest bring from the house?

3. What is the second sound the audience hears in Act 1?

4. Which is the best description of Claire and Elizabeth's reunion?

5. What does Claire want Elizabeth to do regarding the plants?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Claire say to Tom at the end of Act 1?

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

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

4. What is the significance of the names of the three men in this play who have been Claire's love interests?

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

6. At the end of the play, Claire has lapsed into madness. Why does the playwright choose to end with Claire singing the verses to a religious hymn?

7. At the beginning of Act 3, what does Hattie urgently tell Anthony?

8. What is the profession of Claire's lover, Tom? How is his profession indicative of his character?

9. What does Claire repeatedly try to explain to everyone regarding her plants?

10. Describe the setting of Act 2.

(see the answer keys)

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