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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. Out of what can a unified soul be constructed?

2. Why does Constance think Romeo and Othello are not tragic figures?

3. Who tries to protect Desdemona from Iago?

4. What does Othello offer Constance?

5. What does the Chorus imply about Constance's mind?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens in the third vignette of the Dumbshow?

2. What idea does Constance develop in writing her dissertation at the opening of this scene?

3. What happens in the scene with the pet turtle and how is this symbolic of Romeo and Juliet's relationship?

4. What is happening as Constance arrives in Verona and what does she do about it?

5. What effect does Constance's dramatic appearance in the middle of the argument between Mercutio and Romeo?

6. How does the Chorus appear and what is its first action?

7. After Constance is interrupted a second time, she starts to read Romeo and Juliet; what happens as she reads?

8. What happens to Constance at the end of this scene and what is her interpretation of it?

9. What is the content of Constance's monologue at the end of this scene? Do you think she is setting herself up as a fool intentionally or unintentionally?

10. Why do you think Act 1 is titled "The Dumbshow"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Scene 1, Constance delivers a monologue, which is a dramatic devise. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. What is a monologue? Why would a playwright have a character deliver a monologue? Do you think monologues keep the audience attention as well as dialogue?

2. How many monologues are there in GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA? What is the purpose of two of those monologues? Are they effective?

3. If you were going to rewrite one of the longer monologues in GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA into dialogue, would you be able to impart as much information as in a monologue? Give an example of a monologue and what information in the monologue would be difficult to reveal in dialogue.

Essay Topic 2

In Act 3, Scene 4, Romeo and Juliet, as well as Constance and other introduced characters are attending a masked ball. Masked balls used to be quite common in past centuries but have seem to fallen by the wayside in the 21st century, excepting perhaps Halloween. Answer the following questions in a well-developed essay using examples from the book as well as personal experience:

1. Why do you think masked balls used to be so common? What do you think is the purpose of a masked ball--could it have had underlying socio-cultural reasons?

2. Why do you think Juliet's father would be putting on a masked ball to celebrate his daughter's wedding? Do you think this will help minimize fights between the feuding families?

3. Do you think you would enjoy a masked ball? Why or why not? What would you like about it? What would you dislike about it?

Essay Topic 3

Another figurative "alchemical process" takes place as Constance attempts to turn Shakespearean tragedies into farcical comedies. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-organized essay using detailed examples from the text, your research and personal experience to support your statements.

1. Define tragedy and comedy as it relates to the genre of drama. What are their similarities and differences? Do tragedies have a different purpose from comedies? What? Do you prefer to watch a tragedy or comedy? Explain why.

2. Where does Constance first mention the possibility of the tragedies becoming comedies? Do you as a reader think she is right? Why would she want to change the nature of the plays? Do you think Othello and Romeo and Juliet are more interesting as tragedies or comedies? Why?

3. What is the means that Constance thinks will change the tragedies of ROMEO AND JULIET and OTHELLO into a comedy? Do you think she is successful in her attempt? Give specific examples. Does Constance herself think she is successful? Why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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