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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. In Act 3, Scene 4, Chimene tells Don Rodrigue she never finds comfort in him again for what reason?

2. In Act 2, Scene 3. why is Chimene upset?

3. In what way are Don Rodrigue and Don Sanche similar?

4. In Act 3, Scene 4, who tries to comfort Chimene?

5. In Act 3, Scene 3, what does Elvire advise Chimene to do, regarding her desire for vengeance?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Act 5, Scene 4, Chimene complains that no matter how the duel turns out, she loses. Either she loses her last chance to avenge her father's death, or she has to grieve the death of Don Rodrigue. How does this statement reveal the character of Chimene? How does Elvire respond?

2. When Chimene learns that Don Rodrigue is in fact alive, what does she request? What arrangements are eventually made, by the end of Act 4, Scene 5?

3. How does the Infanta respond to Chimene's renewed desire for vengeance?

4. The Infanta, in her soliloquy, says that love outlasts and transcends hate. This goes against the logic of most characters throughout the play, who act more out of hate (in the name of honor) than out of love. How does this soliloquy reinforce the main theme of the play?

5. Describe the internal conflict described in soliloquy by Don Rodrigue, in Act 1, Scene 6.

6. Describe Chimene's reaction, when she believes that Don Sanche killed Don Rodrigue in the duel.

7. Act 1, Scenes 1 and 2, contain all dialogue and no action. What is the dramatic purpose of these scenes?

8. Why does Don Diegue believe he is the best choice of tutor for the King's son?

9. Describe the King's plan to test Chimene's love for Don Rodrigue. What is the result of the test?

10. How does Don Rodrigue respond, when Don Diegue tells him that honor is more important than love and that women are plentiful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the soliloquies in "Le Cid". Why are two of the soliloquies written in rhyming verse, as opposed to all other dialogue in the play? What is the effect of the rhyme on the audience? How do the soliloquies increase your knowledge of a character or advance the action?

Essay Topic 2

Who is the most admirable character in "Le Cid"? What qualities do you admire most about that character? Does the character you chose grow as a person or learn from mistakes over the course of the play? Is honor at or near the top of your list of admirable qualities?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of foreshadowing in "Le Cid". Does foreshadowing add to your enjoyment of the play? Does foreshadowing add to or take away from your sense of the characters and their free will? When the Infanta predicts that Don Rodrigue's victory in a duel leads to his later victory in battle, the idea seems far-fetched. When the prediction comes true, do you feel satisfied or manipulated?

(see the answer keys)

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