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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. Lear says that wickedness is only punished in the poor and that wickedness isn't punished in the rich because they are protected by what?

2. What emotion does Edgar feel when he sees that his father is blind?

3. The British armies are encamped near what city?

4. Kent asks who not to reveal his identity?

5. Where does Act 3, Scene 5 take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. The comments of the servants to Regan after Gloucester is blinded indicate what?

2. What plants the seeds of discord between Goneril and Regan?

3. How do Lear's and Gloucester's characters parallel each other?

4. Who opposes Albany's position with the King?

5. How does Cornwall punish Gloucester for his villainy?

6. What does Cordelia consider her father to be suffering from?

7. How did Cordelia respond to Kent's letter, according to the gentleman?

8. How does Cornwall link the villainy in Edmund's family?

9. How do Edmund's actions when turning his father in to Cornwall indicate that he is dishonest?

10. How is Lear able to recover from his madness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shakespeare wrote this play centuries ago. Why is this play still relevant today? Are there any themes or messages in the play that are timeless and universal? Please use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does King Lear symbolize a good king or a bad king, or both? What qualities does he posses that a king should (or should not) possess? What actions does he take that reinforces your opinion? Support your answer with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Using examples from the text, how are Goneril and Regan alike and different in their actions, characteristic, motivations, and reaction to their father?

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This section contains 448 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample