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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. Whose household does Princess Elizabeth live in after her father's death?

2. During her era, what is unusual about the way Queen Elizabeth bathes?

3. What religion is Queen Mary Tudor determined to reinstate as England's national religion when she ascends to the throne?

4. Who wants to marry Don Carlos, a criminal lunatic, to gain an alliance with Spain to help dethrone Elizabeth?

5. Who shows over familiarity with the queen by taking her napkin out of her hand to wipe his sweaty face during a tennis game?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Catherine Grey's pregnancy so upsetting to Queen Elizabeth?

2. By the time Queen Elizabeth is 60 years-old, what trait has become more pronounced in her?

3. What is the "Bloody Question" and how does it affect Catholic priests in England?

4. What is the author's intention in writing <i>Elizabeth the Great</i>? How does her intention affect the shape of the book?

5. Explain the role of Henry VIII in the establishment of the Church of England.

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

7. What factors lead to Mary Stuart's trial and execution?

8. Why does Mary Stuart consider herself queen of England instead of Elizabeth?

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

10. Why does the Duke of Anjou not want to marry Queen Elizabeth when his parents suggest the match?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Pick any three claimants to Queen Elizabeth's throne other than Mary Stuart from Elizabeth the Great. Discuss the hereditary and other reasons the claimants think they are in line for the English throne, their supporters, and any plots that arise to bring them to the throne in Queen Elizabeth's place. Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

Queen Elizabeth's refusal to marry and provide an heir to the throne results in much frustration for her and her advisors, Parliament, and her people. Discuss the queen's perpetual spinsterhood and the advantages and disadvantages it brings to her personally and as a leader. What advantages and disadvantages does her spinsterhood bring to England? Cite examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the rivalry between Queen Elizabeth and Lettice Knollys. Are the two women rivals on other levels in addition to being rivals for Robert Dudley? Cite examples from the text to support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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