from The Emperor's New Clothes

Based on the stage directions in lines 6-9, which of the following words BEST describe Much and Little?

• lazy and greedy

• arrogant and critical

• wasteful and disorganized

• inconsiderate and untrustworthy

How does the reference to the spider's web in line 92 MOSTLY contribute to the central idea of the play?

• A spider's web suggests a trap for those who fail to notice it.

• A spider's web suggests a tool that is necessary for survival.

• A spider's web symbolizes a project that is difficult to complete.

• A spider's web represents a mistrust of those who lie to get an advantage.

Read the sentence from lines 96 and 97:

(As EMPEROR is being helped into "coat," EMPRESS moves downstage.)

What is the most likely reason for the quotation marks around the word "coat"?

• to suggest that the coat is not attractive

• to emphasize the weight of the coat 

• to indicate that the coat is not real 

• to show dialogue about the coat

What do lines 130 and 131 most likely suggest about the Emperor? 

• He is hoping to say something kind about the robe in a creative way.

• He is trying to use a clever approach to get more information about the robe.

• He is hoping to try on the robe without acknowledging that he does not want to pay for it.

• He is trying to show his expertise without revealing that he does not know much about designing the robe.

Read lines 154-161 below:

LITTLE: Watch out, sir, you're stepping on the train! (Alarmed, LORD jumps right.) No, no, not there! Get off! (LORD jumps left.) You're still standing on it! 

LORD (Backing upstage in confusion): I'm dreadfully sorry! 

EMPEROR (Glaring at LORD): Clumsy idiot! (To LITTLE) Has he ruined it with his dirty boots? 

LITTLE: No harm has been done, but we'd better put away the robe. (MUCH and LITTLE carry "robe" to dress form.)

What do the lines mainly show? 

• how effective Much and Little's performance is 

• how disrespectful Much and Little are to others 

• how curious the Lord is about the robe's materials 

• how indecisive the Emperor can be toward those close to him

Read the lines from the play below:

 

MUCH: (Smiling slyly)—but I'll warrant that you never have been dressed as you will be tomorrow. (lines 166 and 167) 

EMPEROR: (Exuberantly) Oh, I can hardly wait until tomorrow to show my people my new clothes! (lines 174 and 175) 

What is the main effect of the lines? 

• They heighten the conflict between the Emperor and Much. 

• They foreshadow a possible embarrassment for the Emperor. 

• They reveal a surprising similarity between the Emperor and Much. 

• They resolve a sense of uncertainty that has been bothering the Emperor.

Question Part A:

The playwright develops the different points of view in the play mainly by contrasting character traits. Select the phrase that best completes each sentence. 

The playwright illustrates the....

• tailors' hardworking attitude.  

• tailors' deceitful actions. 

• Minister's clumsiness.

• Minister's curiosity. 

Question Part B:

Then the playwright contrasts this with the other characters' ....

• fear of failing a challenge.

• reluctance to betray their values. 

• efforts to protect their reputations. 

• attempts to reach an important goal.