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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 does Barabas prefer to be paid in gold rather than valuable goods?

2. As a result of Abigail leaving his house, what does Barabas believe about her?

3. Why does the Spanish armada come to Malta?

4. Who tells her son he shouldn't speak to Jews?

5. What happens to Jews who will not comply with the governor's order?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Abigail decide to convert of Catholicism?

2. After becoming the new governor, what deal does Barabas make with Ferneze?

3. How does Barabas react to Pilia-Borza, Bellamira, and Ithamore's blackmail?

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

5. How does Barabas get the money hidden in the nunnery?

6. What was the letter delivered to Ithamore?

7. Why doesn't Abigail tell the friar the complete reason she wants to convert?

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

9. In Act 1, Scene 1, identify and give examples of Barabas's most outstanding characteristic.

10. Do you believe Barabas would really rather die than be poor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain in detail three specific areas of life over which Ithamore has no control. What would be Ithamore's be attitude towards each of these three areas? Should Ithamore take action in any of these three areas?

Essay Topic 2

Why does Ferneze go to the Jews and not another source or sources to get the tribute money demanded by the Turks?

Essay Topic 3

In this play, Barabas's character is representative of Catholic's feelings towards and stereotyping of Judaism in Malta. Write an essay stating the Maltese Catholic's general attitude towards Jews using specific examples from the play to support your generalizations.

(see the answer keys)

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