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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. With Spain supporting Mary Stuart and planning to invade England on her behalf, with what country is it important for Queen Elizabeth and England to form an alliance?

2. Who is murdered in the presence of the pregnant Mary Stuart?

3. How does Queen Elizabeth revive the Royal Navy?

4. Why does Mary Stuart refuse to divorce Lord Darnley?

5. What happens when Mary Stuart desires to return to Scotland through England?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Queen Elizabeth reluctant to behead Mary Stuart?

2. Discuss Queen Elizabeth's seizing of Spanish gold chests and the retaliation against England by Spain.

3. Discuss the demand for glass that arises during Queen Elizabeth's reign.

4. Why are Lady Lennox and Lady Shrewsbury sent to the Tower when their children marry?

5. As Queen Elizabeth ages and her old advisors die and are replaced, what kind of man is the queen most fond of and does this fondness differ from the kind of men she was fond of in her youth?

6. Discuss the downfall of Mary Stuart after her involvement with the Earl of Bothwell. How does it lead to her forced abdication of her throne?

7. Discuss the irony of the date of Elizabeth's death.

8. Although some historians have written that Queen Elizabeth was bald, the author of <i>Elizabeth the Great</i> does not think Elizabeth was bald. What are some of her reasons for thinking that the queen kept her natural hair throughout her life?

9. Who is Dr. Dee and why does Queen Elizabeth want to see his speculum of magic glass?

10. Explain Wyatt's rebellion. How does it affect Elizabeth?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ambition is one of the themes in Elizabeth the Great. Discuss how the theme of ambition is illustrated in each of the following characters' lives: Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex; Thomas Seymour, the Lord High Admiral; and Edward Seymour the Duke of Somerset. What do you think the author is trying to say about ambition through how she depicts these characters? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast any three of the following advisors to Queen Elizabeth: William Cecil, Sir Francis Walsingham, Robert Cecil, and Roger Bacon. What religion is each man and how does his religion influence his advising of the queen? Do the queen's advisors during her youth have a different relationship with her than her advisors during her later years? What advantages and disadvantages does being an advisor to the queen bring each man? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the cult that develops in Europe after 1588 exalting Queen Elizabeth to supernatural status with radiant splendor as Diana, or Cynthia, goddess of chastity and moonlight. What factors make her seem divine? How does her supposed divine status influence her reign? Cite examples from the text to support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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