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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did Bosola think that he had proven that the Duchess was pregnant?
(a) Because she quickly ate the apricots he gave her.
(b) Because she wouldn't accept a tight dress he gave her.
(c) Because he made her cry with a sad story.
(d) Because she couldn't run after him very quickly.

2. What does Ferdinand finally decide to do at the end of Act 2, Scene 5?
(a) Hire someone to kidnap the Duchess and bring her back to the Cardinal's palace.
(b) Hire someone to kill the Duchess in her sleep.
(c) Leave immediately to seek revenge on the Duchess.
(d) Nothing, at least until the finds out who the father of the baby is.

3. How does Bosola treat the old lady who he meets in Act 2, Scene 1?
(a) With manners and respect
(b) With sadness and grief
(c) With surprise and excitement
(d) With contempt and rudeness

4. What does Antonio do to make sure no one knows what is happening with the Duchess?
(a) Orders all of the court gates shut.
(b) Lies and announces that she has died.
(c) Gives her a sleeping potion.
(d) Sends her away.

5. After the proposal, the Duchess and Antonio:
(a) Declare their marriage with Cariola as a witness.
(b) Run to tell her brothers before they've gone too far.
(c) Elope to Paris.
(d) Send Cariola for a priest.

6. What reason does Bosola give for being out of his room in the middle of the night (when everyone is supposed to be staying in their bedchambers)?
(a) He was trying to get his new baby to go to sleep.
(b) He always takes walks at night.
(c) He wanted to go to the courtyard to pray.
(d) He had a nightmare and couldn't sleep.

7. What does Ferdinand tell the Duchess she must do if she is to keep her husband alive?
(a) Lock him in a cell.
(b) Acknowledge him publicly as her husband.
(c) Divorce him.
(d) Go to confession at church.

8. The Duchess believes her reputation to be safe because:
(a) She is in fact married, even if it's a secret.
(b) She has never lied to anyone.
(c) She is very wealthy.
(d) Her brothers have a good reputation.

9. What does Bosola suspect is "wrong" with the Duchess?
(a) That she is pregnant.
(b) That she is going to run away.
(c) That she is spending lots of money in secret.
(d) That she is planning to join a nunnery.

10. What item does Ferdinand give the Duchess when he leaps into her room and surprises her?
(a) A dagger
(b) Flowers
(c) Jewels for her birthday
(d) Nothing

11. What do the Cardinal and Ferdinand tell the Duchess before they leave to go live abroad?
(a) That she must marry to reclaim her honor.
(b) That they will send for her within 3 months when they find a husband for her.
(c) That they have already found a husband for her.
(d) That she should not marry.

12. What two main characters are wandering around the palace in Act 2, Scene 3?
(a) Antonio and the Duchess
(b) Antonio and Bosola
(c) Bosola and the Cardinal
(d) Bosola and the Duchess

13. What reason did Julia give her husband for coming to Rome?
(a) For a relaxing vacation.
(b) Religious reasons
(c) To visit sick relatives.
(d) She wanted to get some new dresses in the city.

14. Which words best describes the Cardinal's reaction to the news?
(a) Unsurprised
(b) Grief-stricken
(c) Cold
(d) Joyful

15. After Ferdinand confronts the Duchess about her children, which of the following does the Duchess offer to Ferdinand?
(a) Information that Ferdinand is being spied upon by the Cardinal.
(b) That he can finally meet her husband -- and know who he is.
(c) Her promise never to disobey him again if he will only lend her some money.
(d) Nothing; she refuses to speak to him.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Duchess say to Antonio after eating the fruit Bosola gave her?

2. At the beginning of the play, we learn that the Duchess:

3. Ferdinand's behavior upon hearing the news foreshadows:

4. What rumor is going around the castle and being told by the servants?

5. In Act 1, Scene 1, which of the following men is described as very honest?

(see the answer keys)

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