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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. What do Astolfo and Estrella each desire?

2. Who faces each off in a hallway in the palace?

3. What do Segismundo's guards wear?

4. Who is Segismundo's tutor.

5. Who arrives as Basilio departs?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How likely is it that Segismundo could assume the throne and be a good, wise ruler?

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

7. Who has overheard Segismundo and what does this person do upon hearing Segismundo threaten murder?

8. What is Estrella's response to Astolfo's protestations of love and desire for marriage?

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

10. Because of some "portent" Basilio reads in the stars at his son's birth, he locks up his son, Segismundo, while still a baby and is determine to keep him confined for the rest of Segismundo's life. Is this a wise decision?

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

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 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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