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

Short Answer Questions

1. When the executioners enter the Duchess's chamber, what three items do they bring with them?

2. Julia gives Pescara a letter, which contains a request from the Cardinal. What does it say?

3. How does Antonion feel about confronting the Cardinal with the hope of reconciliation?

4. Ferdinand believes that the Duchess is damned specifically because:

5. During her imprisonment, what does the Duchess declare is the worst kind of torture?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ferdinand gradually descends into madness as the play progresses. Describe one thing each character listed below could have done to try to prevent his madness from progressing, and specify when they might have done it.

1) Bosola

2) The Cardinal

3) The Duchess

Essay Topic 2

What function does the chorus and the lack of dialogue serve in Act 3, Scene 4 (where the Duchess, Antonio, and their children are banished, and where the Cardinal decides to become a soldier)? 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 356 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample