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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. What is the charge of the men who are imprisoned?

2. Who does Mary speak to as she departs the court?

3. From whom does Mary receive a letter?

4. Mary has no regrets for marrying for love in a "world where women are bought and sold as __________."

5. Who ends up escorting Mary to court?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Anne's reaction when Mary tells her she is pregnant and married?

2. Why does Mary fear for George's safety?

3. What do Anne and George do to help Anne's stillbirth?

4. With whom is the King in hearings?

5. What is Anne promised if she signs the annulment papers quickly?

6. How does Mary describe Jane Seymour to William?

7. What does Mary say that the secret is of Anne and her success with the King?

8. How does George first experience the public's rejection of Anne?

9. Why does Howard think it is so important for Anne's child to be a boy?

10. What is the new law the Henry legislates?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Being a homosexual was a crime in the time of Henry VIII. And yet, there are homosexual characters in this novel.

Part 1: Why do you think being a homosexual was considered a crime?

Part 2: Why do you think George was so open about his sexuality, much to the dismay of his sisters?

Part 3: What do you think of the possible child that George and Anne created? What does that possibility say to you about these characters?

Essay Topic 2

Mary is the central figure of this story and also its narrator.

Part 1: Why do you think Philippa Gregory chose Mary as the narrator?

Part 2: Is the story hindered by its narrator? Why or why not?

Part 3: Is Mary a narrator that can be trusted? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

To some, this novel might be seen as a declaration of a need for a feminist movement, with Mary's mindset changing rapidly as the story progresses.

Part 1: What are some examples of female power in this story?

Part 2: What are some ways women are treated as lesser creatures?

Part 3: What does it say that Mary reveals "the triumph of Anne, the mistress who had become a wife, was an inspiration to every loose girl in the country"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 587 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample