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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. Of what is Segismundo ignorant?

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

3. How does Segismundo respond to what Clotaldo tells him?

4. From where has Rosaura traveled?

5. What is a possible word to describe the elderly king of Poland's plan about Segismundo.

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the ways Segismundo demonstrates his unsuitability for the throne?

2. What is Basilio's decision regarding who the heir is to the throne?

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

4. Explain Clotaldo actions in regard to Segismundo at the beginning of this act.

5. What is Basilio's response to hearing about why Rosaura and Clarnn are brought before him in chains?

6. Of course, this type of scenario is quite unlikely to occur in one's experience today; however, what do you imagine you would think of finding a man in the state in which Segismundo is and how do you think you would respond?

7. Why does Basilio want to abdicate his throne?

8. What happens when Clotaldo spies the sword which Rosaura is wearing?

9. Why is Basilio talking about his skills as a master astrologer?

10. What is Segismundo doing in this first scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Act 2, Scene One offers some complex themes and behaviors that are worth examining. One interesting idea is the differences and similarities among three of the men who appear in this scene. Answer the following questions thoroughly using detailed examples from Act 2, Scene 1, and any other examples from the rest of the play.

1. Compare and contrast the attitudes and behaviors of Astolfo, Segismundo, and Clotaldo towards women.

2. What are the similarities among the three? The differences?

3. Who do you think would be most likely to actually rape Estrella at this point in the play? What about in other scenes?

4. At the beginning of the play, how likely is it that Segismundo will rape a woman? By the end of the play how likely? Explain your response.

5. What do you think is the difference between how Clotaldo treated Violente, Astolfo treated Rosaura, and what Segismundo wants to do first to Estrella and then to Rosaura?

Essay Topic 2

In several scenes in the play, Clotaldo is noted as being ever loyal to the king, willing to follow the king's orders not matter the cost.

1. Do you believe there is ever a justifiable reason to disobey a law?

2. Would you disobey a law if you believe it to be immoral even if you knew you would suffer severe consequences? Why or why not?

3. In the military, obeying orders is required, else one sits for a court-martial; however, one is obligated to disobey an order if the order is not lawful. Do you believe you would disobey an order if told to do something illegal or immoral even if you were uncertain if your actions would be condoned as correct? Discuss thoroughly, giving a hypothetical example.

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the three options below and write an essay using details and examples from the play:

1. Almost all fiction contains some form of the idea of good versus evil. Take three characters and explain why they are good, evil, or a mixture and provide examples from the book

2. How would the story have changed if Clotaldo had revealed himself as Rosaura's father at the very beginning of the play? Take two scenes where Clotaldo and Rosaura appear and rewrite them as if Rosaura knows Clotaldo is her father.

3. Most fiction contains some examples of foreshadowing. Carefully re-read the play and list five places you believe foreshadow a future event in the play. Give details and explain why you chose each instance.

(see the answer keys)

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