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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 the nobles in seem to, how is Gaveston normally positioned with the King in court?

2. At the end of Scene 1, whom does Edward depose in vengeance of his part in Gaveston's exile?

3. What does Warwick believe is the only mean the nobles have of challenging Gaveston?

4. How does Pembroke refer to Isabella when the nobles reenter in Scene 4?

5. Why does Mortimer say Gaveston will be more fearful of the nobles on his return to England?

Short Essay Questions

1. What revenge does Gaveston have on the Bishop of Coventry, and why?

2. What plans does Gaveston upon returning from exile?

3. How is Kent's attitude toward Mortimer and Isabella changing in this scene?

4. Describe the reassurances that the Abbot gives Edward II at the beginning of the scene.

5. What request does Edward make of the nobles via Arundel?

6. What orders does Mortimer give Matrevas and Gurney?

7. How does Mortimer Junior convince the other nobles that Gaveston should be recalled?

8. What is Warwick's plan at the end of Scene 5?

9. What is Baldock's attitude toward the court?

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

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

The character of Edward II seems at times to be a man with a kingdom thrust upon him. He does not want, initially, to concern himself with the acts of kinship. Write an essay on Edward's relationship with governance in three parts:

Part 1) Gaveston is Edward's dear partner, but he represents something more essential in Edward's personality. How is Gaveston indicative of Edward's desire not to be a leader? How does he represent Edward's egoism?

Part 2) Describe the larger political events that swirl around Edward as he focuses on his personal happiness. What happens with France and Scotland? How do the nobles react? What comments does Edward make regarding his attitude toward his realm?

Part 3) At the end of Edward II, the titular character is transformed. How does loss render Edward a new outlook on the realities of kinship? Whatis his deepest relationship after Gaveston and Spencer Junior are gone?

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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