View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Scene 6, what name does Edward refuse to hear spoken?

2. What employment does Mortimer give Rice Ap Howell at the end of Scene 5?

3. What does Edward II intend to do as his armies are being defeated?

4. What does Spencer Junior state wills his and Baldock's arrest?

5. Who swears to protect Edward III at the end of Scene 4?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Betrayal is a constant driver of plot in Edward II. Power players of medieval England make vows to each other which they break quickly for political advancement or due to lack of resolve. Write an essay about betrayal in the play, in three parts:

Part 1) Mortimer Junior vows to his fellow peers that he cannot allow Gaveston to remain in England, but he relents soon thereafter. How is he so easily swayed to change his mind? How does this put the other nobles in danger? Does it display a weakness that will later destroy him?

Part 2) Isabella constantly swears fidelity and love to Edward, but by Act 4, he is championing the cause of Mortimer Junior. Why is this? Do you buy the justification of her betrayal? How does she pay for it in the final scene of the play?

Part 3) Kent twice betrays the side to whom he has sworn fidelity. How are these two betrayals the most understandable to the audience? Are they the result of conscience rather than ambition?

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

The world of Edward II, as presented by Christopher Marlowe, is one in which powerful men and women cannot control the forces that exist around them, try as they might. Write and essay about three attempts of powerful characters to control the world around them and failing. What tactics do they use? How do these tactics prove ineffective? What is the end-result for this character?

Part 1) Edward's attempt to control the nobility

Part 2) Isabella's attempt to influence the French aristocracy

Part 3) Mortimer's attempt to consolidate power in the English Court

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 525 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample