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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. According to Mortimer Junior, what do the Mortimers never do?

2. Where is Isabella headed when Mortimer halts her in Scene 2?

3. What does Baldock protest he despises about the court?

4. Of what relation are the two Mortimers?

5. With what title do Spencer and Margaret refer to Gaveston throughout Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the space where Edward is kept in Scene 5.

2. Describe the relationship between Leicester and Edward.

3. What expectation does Edward have after giving up his crown?

4. Why does Isabella appeal specifically to Mortimer in this scene?

5. How is Edward dealing with Mortimer's escape?

6. Who is captured in the victory against Edward?

7. How does Gaveston become wounded in Scene 2?

8. To what extent is Mortimer's pride getting the best of him in Scene 4?

9. What fate befalls the nobles in Scene 3?

10. What fears do the nobles have regarding Kent in Scene 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Unlike many Elizabethan histories, Edward II does not feature a cast of royals with well defined aims and objectives. Write an essay on the haphazard strategies of the princes and nobles of the play, focusing on three parts:

Part 1) Edward II, from the beginning of the play, is unable to articulate why he should be king. What, for the first half of the narrative, are his objectives and reasons for going to war? At what point does governance and the crown become important to him?

Part 2) Mortimer Junior seems at times to be a conscientious man concerned with England. At other times he seems and ambitious rogue. What does Mortimer want throughout the play? In what ways and why does he so often reverse his own decisions?

Part 3) Kent is the everyman of Edward II. Why does he stand by the king long after most other peers have left? What is the final straw for him? Why does he try to make peace with Edward II?

Essay Topic 2

Edward III, the young prince of Marlowe's play, is portrayed as the closest thing to a hope for the future of England. Write an essay about this supporting but imperative character, his initial hesitancy to take power and his eventual moral rectitude int he final moments of the play. In the essay focus on the plot points: his journey to France with Isabella, his feeble defense of Kent, and his confrontation with Mortimer and his mother. How do these points demonstrate a strong character journey?

Essay Topic 3

Christopher Marlowe allows his characters an unusual amount of introspection regarding death. Write an essay regarding several characters ruminations on mortality in the moments before their deaths: Baldock and Spencer Junior, Edward II, and Mortimer Junior. How does each character approach death? How are his words intended to allay the fear that comes from entering the unknown? Is there any broader comfort to be found in these words?

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