Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. The Infanta offers to use her authority as Princess to imprison which character?
2. What is the physical disability suffered by Don Diegue?
3. The King comments that he feels justice is served by the action of which character?
4. In Act 1, Scenes 4 and 6, which two characters speak in soliloquies?
5. In Act 3, Scene 1, which characters go into hiding?
Short Essay Questions
1. In Act 3, Scene 1, why do Don Rodrigue and Elvire hide from Chimene?
2. In Act 4, Scene 3, the King says he listens to Chimene politely, but no longer considers her request to punish Don Rodrigue. Why does the King make this decision?
3. Why does the Infanta encourage a relationship between Chimene and Don Rodrigue, even though she is in love with him?
4. In Act 5, Scene 1, Chimene asks Don Rodrigue why he expects to die at the hand of Don Sanche, when he is so successful against her father and in battle. Describe his response.
5. What does the sword represent, both in Act 1, Scene 5 and in Act 2, Scene 2?
6. In Act 1, Scene 5, what does Don Diegue ask his son, Don Rodrigue, to do? Why does he ask him to do this?
7. The two captured kings give Don Rodrigue the name, "Le Cid". This is, of course, the title of the play. Is this an appropriate title? Why or why not?
8. Describe Chimene's reaction, when she believes that Don Sanche killed Don Rodrigue in the duel.
9. It seems unlikely that Don Rodrigue, inexperienced in battle, suddenly becomes a great war hero. Prior to his duel with Don Gomes. In fact, Don Gomes is hesitant to fight against someone so inexperienced. Does this weak plot development hinder the integrity of the play?
10. Why is it ironic that Don Gomes admires Don Rodrigue's sense of honor?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Discuss the soliloquies in "Le Cid". Why are two of the soliloquies written in rhyming verse, as opposed to all other dialogue in the play? What is the effect of the rhyme on the audience? How do the soliloquies increase your knowledge of a character or advance the action?
Essay Topic 2
If Don Gomes is chosen to tutor the King's son rather than Don Diegue, how does the play progress differently? Is there still a duel between Don Gomes and Don Diegue? If so or if not, how does this outcome affect Don Rodrigue, Chimene, and the Infanta?
Essay Topic 3
The play "Le Cid" features two love triangles. Who are the three characters in each triangle, and what are their feelings for each other? Do the triangles overlap? Are the characters in the love triangles honorable? How could these characters best balance honor, love, and morality to achieve peace or joy?
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