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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. Who is the man who has dishonored Rosaura?

2. What has Clotaldo concocted?

3. What is Segismundo's reaction when Estrella walks in?

4. What does Basilio decide to do about Segismundo.

5. What do Rosaura and her companion hear?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does it say about the status of women in this country by the mission on which Rosaura is embarked?

2. Why do you think it is important to Rosaura to retrieve her locket?

3. Estrella claims to be the legitimate heir to the throne based upon her being the firstborn of the elder sister; whereas, Astolfo claims the throne based on the fact of his gender. Do you believe one claim has more legitimacy than the other?

4. Do you believe Rosaura should demand justice from the man who essentially rules the Dukedom in which she lives, or should she chalk the situation up to experience and get on with her life, as is later suggested by Caltalfo.

5. Briefly summarize Rosaura's actions after this pardon and Clotaldo's response.

6. Do you believe the solution for the two to marry and rule jointly is a good compromise?

7. Why do you think Clotaldo questions Clarnn about Rosaura?

8. How does Segismundo's state of mind change from wonder to rage?

9. Why does Basilio want to abdicate his throne?

10. Explain Basilio's response to Clotaldo's actions and how part of Basilio's statement is a theme of the play.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Scene 2, Rosaura basically states that honor that is based on lies deserves no return honor.

How would you define honor? What are 2 examples that you've read about of famous people who have behaved in an honorable fashion though it may have not been profitable? What about 2 who were dishonorable for profit or greed? Discuss a time you or someone close to you behaved in an honorable fashion despite peer pressure and a time when you or someone did not behave honorably. Why did you/they choose to disregard their honor?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of a quest is a very old one--there are numerous reasons why one might go upon a quest. In this first act, Rosaura states she is on a quest for justice. Choose one of the following to write a cohesive, detailed essay:

1. Pretending you have not read the play even if you have, read this first act carefully and try to think of several reasons Rosaura might be seeking justice. Discuss each one and evaluate how important you think each quest is. Examples: To find redress for a land dispute. To seek relief from a tyrannical authority figure who perhaps overtaxes his subjects.

2. Choose two diverse cultures who have a tradition of vision quests, (e.g., a Native American tribe in the plains versus the Eskimo tribe of Alaska) and research the two traditions. Compare and contrast the two groups.

3. Some cultures have actual methods in place for young men (and sometimes women) to go on a quest to mark the passage from childhood to adulthood. Other cultures, such as that of the United States, do not have a homogeneous population and therefore there is not a formal tradition for questing; however, young people still quest, though it may not be recognized as such. Write an essay about ways you think young people in high tech societies carry out a quest to mark their passage into adulthood. Do you think these ways are as valid as the ways of those cultures who have methods set in long centuries of tradition?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 3, Scene 2, Segismundo again struggles with his feelings of lust. Write a cohesive essay addressing the questions below using specific examples from the text and your personal life.

Do you believe that lust if ever an excuse for raping a woman? Compare and contrast how Segismundo responds to his feelings of lust this time compared to the other times. What does the difference in his behavior suggest? Discuss the irony of how Segismundo is dressed versus how he handles his lustful urges. Many people who fall in love are said by others to have "fallen in lust." What do you think this statement means? Is it more or less likely that a relationship based on lust rather than love will be successful?

(see the answer keys)

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