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

7. Why do you think Astolfo praises Estrella's physical beauty?

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. What is Segismundo doing in this first scene?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Rosaura falls from her horse, she hears sounds from a tower and enters to find a man dressed in animal skins and secured with chains. The man acts insane and frightens Rosaura until he calms and they talk. Since you do not know any other information about who the man is at this point, it might occur to you that this person is insane. Choose one of the following to write a cohesive, detailed essay:

1. Research how insane persons were handled in the 1600s and write an essay describing what you learn.

2. Compare and contrast the way mentally ill people were handled in the 1600s versus in the United States or Europe in the 21st century.

3. Research and write an essay outlining the changes in how insane people were treated from the 1600s through the 1900s.

4. There are various differences among cultures as to their attitudes about insane people. Choose three diverse cultures and learn about and write an essay on the similarities and differences as to how an insane person was accepted/not accepted.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

After Basilio and his army is defeated, Basilio offers himself as a "sacrifice" in place of punishment for the rest of his followers. Write a cohesive essay addressing the questions below using specific examples from the text and your personal life.

Define the concept of sacrifice. Research the idea of sacrifice in the political arena. Write an essay describing several instances of someone who willingly sacrifices him/herself for the sake of the lives of others and/or the political careers of others. Have you ever had to offer to sacrifice something for someone else's well-being? How did you feel in doing so? Was the sacrifice willingly offered? What are some situations in which you would be willing to be a "sacrifice" for others?

(see the answer keys)

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