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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 is Segismundo's tutor.

3. Upon whom did Clotaldo enact his concoction?

4. What does Basilio decide to do about Segismundo.

5. Where does Act 1, Second Scene take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Estrella and Astolfo act when the Basilio appears?

2. Why does Basilio want to abdicate his throne?

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

4. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Scene 1, Soldiers arrive at the prison tower and ask Segismundo to lead them in a rebellion against the king and his declaration of Asolfo and Estrella as joint heirs to the throne. Answer one of the following in a well-written essay using detailed examples from the book or other sources.

1. How often do you think a king or queen is overthrown by one is his/her children? What do you think are some of the reasons that a child overthrows his/her parent off a throne?

2. Would you be willing to depose your parent from the throne? Under what circumstances?

3. If you were the younger son/daughter and the older child was to inherit the throne but you knew he or she would be a murderous, tyrannous ruler, what would you do? Would you go so far as to have that sibling murdered?

4. Do you think the throne should be passed to the oldest child or to the child most able to rule? How would a parent decide who is most able?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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