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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. The British armies are encamped near what city?

2. Goneril thinks that Gloucester should suffer what punishment?

3. Who tells Goneril that she is becoming a monster and only her shape as a woman protects her?

4. Who gives Edmund the office of Earl of Gloucester?

5. Oswald reports that Albany smiled when he heard what news?

Short Essay Questions

1. Goneril and Regan dismiss Albany's desire to not hurt the King and say that what matters?

2. Gloucester meets the news of Lear and Cordelia's capture with what?

3. What does Edgar pray for while Lear is asleep in the farmhouse?

4. When Edgar sees that his father is blind, what does he offer to do?

5. Who opposes Albany's position with the King?

6. The comments of the servants to Regan after Gloucester is blinded indicate what?

7. What happens to Cordelia, Regan, and Goneril by the end of the play?

8. What does Edgar mean when he says "Yet better thus, and known to be contemned, Than still contemned and flattered."

9. How does Edgar use his father's blindness to trick him?

10. How does Cornwall link the villainy in Edmund's family?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using examples from the text, what are the connections between the main plot and the subplot in the play?

Essay Topic 2

How does the role of the Fool emphasize and/or relieve the tragedy of the play? Support your reasoning with examples from the play.

Essay Topic 3

What role does nature play in King Lear? Support your answer with examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 501 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample