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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. Why does the Infanta try to forget the man she loves?

2. In the opinion of the King, who dishonors the King's judgment?

3. In Act 1, Scene 4, which character speaks in soliloquy, a solo speech heard only by the audience?

4. In Act 1, Scenes 5 and 6, which character must choose between love and honor?

5. In Act 2, Scene 4, which character bursts into tears and exits, believing the duel begins?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it ironic that Don Gomes admires Don Rodrigue's sense of honor?

2. It seems unlikely that Don Rodrigue, inexperienced in battle, suddenly becomes a great war hero. Prior to his duel with Don Gomes. In fact, Don Gomes is hesitant to fight against someone so inexperienced. Does this weak plot development hinder the integrity of the play?

3. Why does the Infanta encourage a relationship between Chimene and Don Rodrigue, even though she is in love with him?

4. In Act 2, Scene 1, how does Don Arias try to help Don Gomes? Is his attempt successful?

5. In Act 2, Scene 8, given that Chimene and Don Diegue both present their arguments to the King, based on what is honorable, how can their requests be so opposite?

6. In Act 2, Scene 6, does the King believe Don Gomes' actions are honorable, since Don Diegue is appointed as tutor? Why or why not?

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

8. Act 1, Scene 3 includes obstacles to which two future events Chimene and Elvire anticipate in Scene 1?

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

10. In Act 3, Scene 1, why do Don Rodrigue and Elvire hide from Chimene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the relationship between Chimene and Don Sanche throughout the play. Does she care about him? Does she use him? Is she honorable toward him? Similarly, does he care about her? Does he use her? Is he honorable toward her?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the pros and cons of living a life based on honor above all else. Discuss the pros and cons of living a life based on happiness above all else. Which extreme do you choose to live by? Do you prefer to take the middle ground? Why or why not? Which character in "Le Cid" lives their life closest to the way you wish to live yours, in terms of the questions listed here?

Essay Topic 3

A cornerstone of democracy is the right of all citizens to question their government, and to protest or overturn laws when an injustice exists. In a monarchy, however, such as the one in "Le Cid", the people do not have such rights. In "Le Cid", a sense of honor causes some characters to act against the wishes of the King. Which characters come to mind, in this regard? Is it possible, by the end of the play, for those characters to balance personal honor against an obligation to honor the King's wishes?

(see the answer keys)

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