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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. Which of the following is net an earldom that Lancaster holds?

2. According to Mortimer Junior, who is aiding the Scots?

3. How does Mortimer Junior characterize Gaveston in Scene 4?

4. At the beginning of the scene, Mortimer Junior brings news that what country is invading Normandy?

5. Which of the following nobles does not leave with King Edward in this scene?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Isabella greet the victory of Scene 5?

2. In what precarious situation are Spencer Junior and Baldock in Act 2, Scene 1?

3. How is the English war with Scots references in Scene 4?

4. What is Edward's state of mind in Scene 5?

5. What is the state of the Bishop of Coventry in Scene 2?

6. How does Isabella's position on Gavestone change during her soliloquy?

7. What request is made of King Edward by the nobles in Act 3, Scene 1?

8. Who is captured in the victory against Edward?

9. Describe the relationship between Leicester and Edward.

10. Why does Isabella want Edward dead?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between Gaveston and Edward II is both intense and ambiguous. Write an essay about it, dissecting its purpose within the plot. Does Gaveston ever make mention of his social advancement through Edward? What are the nobles' concerns regarding him? Does Marlowe ever make explicit reference to homosexuality in the play? What does Edward's passionate attachment to Gaveston represent in the world of the play?

Essay Topic 2

Marlowe adeptly connects the larger, international crises of Edward II's England to the private and domestic quarrels the are the centerpiece of the plot. Write an essay, focusing on the two foreign armies that plague England throughout the play. How does Edward react to news of their success? How do major victories for them affect his relationship with the nobles? How are certain of these defeats the result of poor decisions Edward makes throughout the play?

Part 1) France.

Part 2) Scotland.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay on the representation of evil in Edward II. Begin with the character of Lightborn as Marlowe's demonic creation; then examine some of the more subtle and ambiguous forms of evil in the story. Are there any major players that are completely malevolent? Does almost every major figure display some capacity for evil deeds? What is Marlowe saying about human nature with this cast of characters?

(see the answer keys)

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