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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 was Clotaldo's long-ago sexual partner?

2. What has Clotaldo concocted?

3. Who arrives as Basilio departs?

4. Who is the man who has dishonored Rosaura?

5. With whom does Clotaldo probably sympathize?

Short Essay Questions

1. Are Segismundo's actions surprising?

2. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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.

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

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

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

When King Basilio enters in Act 1, Scene 2, one of the topics upon which he expounds is that of Astrology.

Write an essay answering the following questions:

1. Do you believe astrology is a valid way to plan one's day/life?

2. How often do you read your daily astrological prediction and would you alter your plans based upon the daily chart? Why or why not.

3. If astrology were proven to be true and accurate, do you believe you could change your fate as predicted by the stars? How would you do so?

4. If science proved astrology to absolutely false, would you still read your daily advice from the astrology column in the newspaper? Why or why not. If you do not read the astrology column, why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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