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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. According to King Henry's will, what is the order of succession to the throne?

2. Who does Queen Elizabeth suggest as a potential husband for Mary Stuart?

3. If Mary Stuart agrees to accept the husband Queen Elizabeth suggests for her, what might Elizabeth consent to do for Mary?

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

5. How do others see Lord Darnley?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss Queen Elizabeth's attitude toward the persecution of Catholics in England.

2. How does Queen Elizabeth sidestep the issue of marrying when Parliament raises it?

3. What factors help the English prevail over the Spanish Armada?

4. When she breaks her promise to marry him, how does Queen Elizabeth gratify Prince Alenzon?

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

6. Why is Lord Darnley murdered and who is responsible for his murder?

7. Discuss Lord Darnley's claim to the English throne. What factors make him a potential husband for Mary Stuart?

8. Discuss the Earl of Essex's relationship with Queen Elizabeth.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the tragic fate of Mary Stuart. What factors keep her from the Tower for so many years? What factors eventually lead to her beheading? Is Mary a victim of the era in which she lived, or a victim of her own naivety and ineptitude?

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)

This section contains 1,052 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample