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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. Since she is widowed, Regan expects Edmund to do what?

2. Who loses the battle according to the news Edgar brings?

3. The doctor wants Lear to wake up and servants carry Lear into the doctor on what?

4. Kent asks who not to reveal his identity?

5. Gloucester greets the news of the English taking prisoners with what thoughts?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Cordelia respond to Kent's letter, according to the gentleman?

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

3. Although Lear does not want to see Cordelia, what is Cordelia's goal?

4. What warning does Regan ask Oswald to give to Goneril?

5. In terms of the plot, the description of Cordelia's response to Kent's letter paves the way for what?

6. At the end of the play, why is Lear happy?

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

8. How do Lear's and Gloucester's characters parallel each other?

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

10. How is Lear able to recover from his madness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the first things that King Lear does is give up his kingdom. The end result is chaos for England. Using examples from the play, discuss whether you think this was a mistake by King Lear and how the play shows whether this was a mistake by King Lear or not.

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

In what ways does King Lear symbolize a good king or a bad king, or both? What qualities does he posses that a king should (or should not) possess? What actions does he take that reinforces your opinion? Support your answer with examples from the text.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 493 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample