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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. Where does Antonio send Delio?

2. Before the play begins, the Cardinal and Bosola knew each other because:

3. What two main characters are wandering around the palace in Act 2, Scene 3?

4. What does Delio pledge to Antonio before he departs for abroad?

5. What relationship do Julia and the Cardinal have?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Bosola questions Ferdinand about Ferdinand's treatment of the Duchess in Act 4. What does Bosola request?

3. Why does Antonio lock up the palace?

4. Why does Antonio decide to marry the Duchess?

5. Does the Duchess trust Bosola in Act 2, Scene 1 or not?

6. How does Delio show his support and friendship to Antonio before Antonio leaves to demand a reconciliation with the Cardinal?

7. Why is the Cardinal not more admired by the people who work for him?

8. What does the Duchess think of her brothers at the beginning of the play?

9. 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?

10. What does the Cardinal's reaction to the news about his sister's baby show about his personality?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think the Cardinal and Ferdinand forbid the Duchess from getting married again? What were their motivations? Why do you think they refused to change their minds as the play went on?

Essay Topic 2

The character of Julia has a complicated role in the play. Using three specific examples of her actions, present an argument about why she is a respectable person, or why she is not a respectable person.

Essay Topic 3

What function does the echo serve in Act 5, Scene 3 (when Antonio and Delio are talking about Antonio's plans to confront the Cardinal about the Duchess's murder)? Describe 3 things Webster is able to convey to the audience by using this particular literary device. What other literary devices could be used to convey a similar message?

(see the answer keys)

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