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

2. Which of the following does Ferdinand propose be done to the subject of the news?

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

4. What rumor about Antonio and the Duchess is circulating among the nobility?

5. What response does Antonio give to Bosola about Bosola's excuse for being out of his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Ferdinand responded the way he did when the Duchess told him that she thought his warning was rehearsed?

2. Why does no one try to enter the Cardinal's room, even though the Cardinal is pleading for help?

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

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

5. Should Antonio and the Duchess have separated? Why or why not?

6. Why does Antonio lock up the palace?

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

8. Delio thinks there is still a small chance that the Cardinal will find compassion and reconcile with Antonio in Act 5, scene 3. What does Delio think might prompt this change?

9. Who is the symbol of hope for the future at the conclusion of the play?

10. Can Antonio's nosebleed can be seen as an omen? Why or why not?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think we never learn the Duchess's name in the play? What do you think the author was trying to say by not giving her a name? How would the play have changed, or not have changed, if she had been given a name?

Essay Topic 2

Was the Duchess right in living the life that she did? Pick 3 of the choices she makes in the play and then present an argument, using the choices as your evidence, supporting your position.

Essay Topic 3

Bosola is a very complicated character in this play. What do you think were the "good" choices he made in the story? Do you think any character in the play sees him clearly? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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