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

Short Answer Questions

1. When Ferdinand descends into madness, what kind of creature does he think he is?

2. What role do the pilgrims play toward the end of the scene where the Cardinal resigns his position?

3. Antonio says he does not want to live his life "by halves." What does this mean?

4. What is the Duchess's last statement before she dies?

5. What does Ferdinand tell Bosola to do in regards to the Duke of Malfi?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pick a character from the list below. Examine 3 major choices the character made in the play, and state whether you would have made the same choices he or she did.

1) The Duchess

2) Antonio

3) Ferdinand

4) Bosola

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 320 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample