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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bosola bring to the Duchess and Antonio once they have left Malfi?

2. What is unique about the structure of Act 3, Scene 4?

3. Why do the pilgrims think what they do about the Duchess's choice to marry Antonio?

4. How does the Cardinal believe the Duchess should be punished?

5. Who kills Antonio?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Religion is used throughout the play as a cover for hidden motives and secret plans. What message do you think Webster was trying to convey about religion at the time? Use 3 examples from the text to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

Bosola makes a lot of choices in the play that have very serious consequences. Write an alternate ending, of at least 4 paragraphs, of what would have happened if (pick one):

1) Bosola hadn't notified the Duchess's brothers when her first baby was born.

2) Bosola had confessed to the Duchess that he was spying on her at her brothers' request.

3) Bosola hadn't accidentally stabbed Antonio in the fog.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 322 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample