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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 does Bosola suspect is "wrong" with the Duchess?

2. What does Antonio think his sudden affliction is while he's speaking with Bosolo (when Antonio finds him out of his room)?

3. What does Antonio do to make sure no one knows what is happening with the Duchess?

4. When Delio and Julia are talking about a potential arrangement, someone walks in and interrupts. What does this person announce?

5. What does Delio tell Antonio about Ferdinand's anger over his sister's situation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Once Ferdinand has descended into madness, the Cardinal makes up a lie about why Ferdinand has gone mad. Why does he do this?

2. Is the Cardinal well respected by Bosola? Why or why not?

3. How does Ferdinand react when Bosola tells him that the Duchess has been murdered?

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

5. What is Ferdinand's reaction to finding out about the Duchess's baby?

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

7. Why did Bosola tell the Duchess's brothers about her baby being born?

8. Delio and Julia ask for the same piece of property. What is Pescara's reason for giving the property to Julia?

9. Why doesn't anyone intervene with Ferdinand and the Cardinal's plans to punish the Duchess?

10. What does the Duchess think will happen with her plan of sending Antonio away as punishment for supposedly stealing from her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the play, some characters are (1) admired but not respected, (2) respected but not admired, and (3) admired and respected. Choose one character for each description, and state who admires and/or respects them and why.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Antonio often acts on information given to him by others, and follows the instructions of other people. Is this wise on his part? Why or why not? Use at least 3 examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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