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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. Why do the characters in Act 3, Scene 2 challenge each other to a duel?

2. Why aren't the prisoners captured by the Spanish allowed to be sold?

3. What does Abigail remind Barabas of when she retrieves him?

4. What does Abigail ask the friar?

5. Why does Barabas want Ferneze's son dead?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Martin del Bosco's motivation for offering help to Malta?

2. Why does Barabas object to Mathias as a suitor for Abigail?

3. Why do you think Barabas watches the duel?

4. What does it say about Barabas that Pilia-Borza found his gold?

5. Do you think Barabas should trust Ithamore not to reveal Barabas's crimes?

6. What does Ithamore's reaction to the death of Mathias and Lodowick say about him?

7. What is Ferneze's motivation for accepting help from the Spanish?

8. If you were Ferneze, would you have told Del Bosca about Barabas's plan to kill Calymath?

9. What is unusual about Ferneze and Katherine working together to discover who instigated the duel?

10. What do Pilia-Borza and Bellamira decide after Ithamore tells them about Barabas's murders?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This play demonstrates the strife of religious differences, yet often these differences are overlooked to further a plan for wealth or power. Chose three instances in the play where religious differences are overlooked by the participants of a plot. Consider these points when writing:

1. The religions of those agreeing to plot together.

2. Former statements or actions used by individual plotters against the religion of those he is plotting with.

3. The individual motives that overcame a difference of religion that resulted in unexpected cooperation.

Essay Topic 2

Do you think Abigail's agreement to lie for her father will begin her corruption? Why or why not? Support your answer from the text of the play.

Essay Topic 3

Abigail abhors her father's murders but does not immediately betray him. Speculate three reasons why she remains silent. Support your reasons with logical thinking that is compatible with Abigail's character.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 745 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample