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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. What does Edward protest he will use to sign the writ of banishment?

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

3. What has Mortimer resolved to do to Gaveston by the end of Scene 2?

4. What entreaty does Mortimer Junior make to Edward when they enter in Scene 1?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe Isabella's and Edward III's reception in France.

5. What plans does Gaveston upon returning from exile?

6. Who is captured in the victory against Edward?

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

8. Why does Spencer Junior send Levune to France at the end of Act 3?

9. How does Baldock calm Spencer Junior at the end of Scene 6?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

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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