View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. A servant draws his sword on Cornwall because of what action?

2. Kent asks who not to reveal his identity?

3. Who poisoned Regan?

4. Who was captured by the English army?

5. When told of the death of Cornwall, Albany says the death was what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Cornwall punish Gloucester for his villainy?

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

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

4. When Goneril hears of Cornwall's death, what are her concerns?

5. What plants the seeds of discord between Goneril and Regan?

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

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

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

9. What caused Lear's madness?

10. While Lear and his party are in the farmhouse, what action does Lear take that makes him appear to be suffering from madness?

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

In Act 4, Scene 6 we are told that there is reason in madness. Using examples from the play, discuss the truth or falsehood of this statement.

Essay Topic 3

There are several words that are repeated throughout King Lear. Choose two of the words from the list below and discuss what their use means to the play and the characters in the play.

-- nature

-- natural

-- nothing

-- bond

-- love

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 499 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample