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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which noble does Edward immediately banish from his presence in the beginning of Scene 3?

2. Why does Mortimer interrupt Isabella in Scene 4?

3. How does the Earl of Kent refer to his brother Edward in Scene 1?

4. How many different ways can Mortimer's Latin death order be read?

5. From whom does Lightborn say he was sent when he greets Edward II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay about the character of Kent. Does Christopher Marlowe intend Kent to act as a surrogate for the audience, reflecting its sympathies and concerns? With whom does Kent side for the majority of the play? What are his reasons for betraying Edward II and later Mortimer's faction? Are these betrayals understandable? Who is the audience's reaction to Kent's final fate in the fifth act?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Queen Isabella is perhaps the most dynamic character in the play, moving from wronged woman to warrior to conniver. Write an essay charting this progress and focusing on these three manifestations. What does she want from Edward II at the beginning of the play, and at what point does she give up on this hope? What does her relationship with Mortimer Junior say about her position in the conflict between Edward and the nobles? How does her personality change in the final two acts?

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