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

2. Who represents the Turks at the meeting with the Maltese governor?

3. What reason was given for the Jews being ordered to meet at the senate house?

4. Why was Marlowe jailed?

5. What does Abigail think her father lacks?

Short Essay Questions

1. Do you believe Bellamira was interested in Ithamore as a customer or as a man?

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

3. Every nun at the nunnery died. How are some ways one might have lived?

4. How do you think Ithamore feels about delivering poisoned porridge to the nuns?

5. Why does Barabas lose his money and his home?

6. Why does Calymath ignore the possibility that the feast may be a trap?

7. Why is Friar Jacomo accused of killing Friar Bernardine?

8. What does Abigail say to Friar Bernardine?

9. What does the prologue reveal about Marlowe's ability as a playwright?

10. Why does Barabas object to Lodowick as a suitor for Abigail?

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

Using examples from the story, what are Barabas's attitudes about wealth when he considers

1. Himself.

2. Other people.

3. Material possessions.

4. Power.

Essay Topic 3

After helping the Turks conquer Malta, Barabas doesn't really want the governorship they have given him. Write an essay supporting three different reasons why Barabas feels this way.

(see the answer keys)

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