View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Whose presence in the approaching army grieved Edward in Scene 3?

2. At the closing of Edward's revenge pledge in Scene 1, whom does he adopt and bestow titles?

3. At the beginning of the scene, for what the only thing that Edward longs?

4. For what destination are the King and his remaining counselors bound according to Rice Ap Howell?

5. In the beginning of Act 5, which of Edward's possessions does he claim Mortimer defiles?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Edward II is a young and cocky monarch who inflames his country with a complete rejection of certain entrenched institutions. Write and essay about these institutions and how he subverts them, focusing on three. In what ways does he subvert the system? How do the vested interests of England rebel? What is the end result?

Part 1) The social hierarchy.

Part 2) The Church.

Part 3) The military.

Essay Topic 3

Edward II is a man who clearly does not have a clear definition of self. Write an essay exploring his quest for identity in the play. What do his passionate defenses of the unpopular Gaveston and Spencer Junior say about his sense of his place in England? Does he view himself as a king at the beginning of the play? What does his unwillingness to relinquish his crown at the end indicate about his progress over the course of the narrative?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 404 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample