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

2. What city does Gaveston declare that he loves as he would Elysium?

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

4. Who is the first noble that Edward publicly forgives after Gaveston is repealed in Scene 4?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How do the nobles respond to Gaveston's advancement?

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

6. How does Edward reward Gaveston when the two are reunited?

7. Why is Isabella distraught in Scene 2?

8. How does Gaveston die?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much of Marlowe's play deal with the relationship of the sovereign to his peers and vice versa. The plot is driven by two men whose understanding of this relationship is unsound. Write an essay about these men in two parts:

Part 1) How does Edward II represent a king who does not understand the responsibilities of his office? To what extent does he want to enjoy all of the perks of kinship without the responsibility? What conflict does this create? What end does Edward meet as a result?

Part 2) What duty does Mortimer Junior owe to his king that he is unwilling to bestow? How does he justify his unwillingness to respect this customary relationship? In what ways are his arguments reasonable, and i what ways is he simply an ambitious over-reacher? How is his demise brought about by this lack of respect for the sovereign-peer relationship?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of love - personal, genuine love - is ambiguous and somewhat dangerous element in Marlowe's play. Write an essay about the precarious, perverse ends that love brings in three parts:

Part 1) The most all-consuming love in Edward II is that between the King and Gaveston. Why is Edward so consumed by his love with Gaveston? What does he sacrifice for it? What are the end results of this love for both men?

Part 2) Lady Margaret genuinely loves Gaveston and longs to be his wife. How do Baldock and Spencer Junior use this love as something strategic? What advancement can they gain from it?

Part 3) Isabella genuinely loves Edward, who does not reciprocate it. Write a chronicle of the different reactions Isabella has to these snubs. How does she eventually avail herself of this unrequited love?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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