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

2. What is Clotaldo's social status?

3. What other relationship is probably similar to that between Astolfo and Rosaura?

4. What is the relationship of the answer to question #4 to Astolfo?

5. What is Astolfo's suggestion to Estrella?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

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

4. Briefly summarize Rosaura's actions after this pardon and Clotaldo's response.

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

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

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

8. What is Segismundo doing in this first scene?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 delivers a long soliloquy about her perceived dishonor at the hands of Astolfo. Many plays have one or more soliloquy's. Write a cohesive essay addressing the questions below using specific examples from the text and your personal life.

Define soliloquy and lists the times in this play when one occurs. List who is speaking, summarize the content of the soliloquy and how it adds to the plot. What do you think is the purpose of a soliloquy? Would you find them interesting or too non-active if you were watching this play? Rosaura's soliloquy is quite long. How do you think today's audience would react to hearing such a long speech? Do you think the audience of the time when this play was written would react differently?

(see the answer keys)

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