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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. What weapons do the rebel soldiers carry?

2. What does Bodice say as she leaves Lear's prison cell?

3. How did the Gravedigger's Boy discover the water for the well?

4. What has killed one of the workers on the wall?

5. Who intends to overthrow Lear in Act 1, Scene 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the symbolic relevance of the cradle and the wall. Compare and contrast the two.

2. Describe the torture of the captured Warrington. What does this scene inform the reader or audience about the nature of the characters?

3. What does the Councillor tell Lear and the others is the fate of the Small Man? How does Lear react?

4. Describe how Lear is blinded in the prison scene. Why is he blinded?

5. How does Fontanelle react to being taken prisoner? What does she say?

6. Why does Lear tell Cornelia she must destroy the wall? What does he say regarding pity?

7. What is the significance of the location of Act 3, Scene 3?

8. Describe the Farmer and his family. How do they feel about Lear?

9. Why does the Ghost stay with Lear at the end of Act 2, Scene 2?

10. Why does Carpenter refuse to untie the prisoners once he has captured the soldiers in Act 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe how Edward Bond's childhood and world events influenced his writing and particularly that of Lear. How does his theme reflect his social and political beliefs?

Essay Topic 2

Describe how Bond uses Imagery in Lear to further illustrate his theme and characters. What are some examples from the play? Define the term "imagery" in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Lear and the Ghost. How are these characters similar? How are they different? What is ironic about their friendship?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 908 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample