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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After Ferdinand returns to the Duchess's palace to confront her about her children, which of the following does The Duchess finally confess to Ferdinand?
(a) That she is very sick and may die soon.
(b) That she has had 3 children by 3 different men.
(c) That she desperately needs money.
(d) That she is married.

2. In Act 1, Scene 1, which of the following men is described as very honest?
(a) Antonio
(b) The Cardinal
(c) Bosola
(d) Ferdinand

3. What rumor about Antonio and the Duchess is circulating among the nobility?
(a) That Antonio is stealing from the church.
(b) That Antonio has murdered someone.
(c) That Antonio is cheating the Duchess out of her money.
(d) That Antonio has several wives.

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

5. Antonio and Delio are:
(a) Good friends
(b) Enemies
(c) Father and son
(d) Brothers

Short Answer Questions

1. What key piece of information do the Cardinal and Ferdinand finally have in Act 2, Scene 5?

2. What sound was supposedly heard from the Duchess's room that caused Bosola to be suspicious?

3. What is the big news at the end of Act 2, Scene 2?

4. What relationship do Julia and Castruchio have?

5. What first causes Bosola to be suspicious of Antonio?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Antonio lock up the palace?

2. What can a reader learn about Antonio in just the first scene?

3. How does the Duchess react when she sees her husband and children (supposedly) murdered?

4. What reason does the Cardinal give for asking Pescara, Malateste, Roderigo, and Grisolan not to enter his brother's chambers? What is the real reason?

5. What does the Duchess think about her brothers' declaration that she should not marry? What does she do after they leave?

6. What does the Cardinal take violently from the Duchess? What does this tell us of his intentions?

7. Both Ferdinand and the Cardinal react strongly to the news of their sister's baby. Who reacts in a more gruesome manner? Please refer to the text in your answer.

8. What unique literary device does Webster use to convey what is happening when the Cardinal resigns?

9. What does the birth of the Duchess's son mean?

10. How do the pilgrims respond to the news of the Duchess's marriage to Antonio, and their consequent banishment?

(see the answer keys)

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