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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 does Rosaura claim that Astolfo did to her?

2. Why does Basilio desire to abdicate the throne?

3. What has Clotaldo concocted?

4. By whom is Rosaura accompanied?

5. How does Rosaura feel about Segismundo's revelations?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the ways Segismundo demonstrates his unsuitability for the throne?

2. Are Segismundo's actions surprising?

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

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

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

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

7. What does Segismundo do upon hearing Rosaura's pleas for mercy?

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

9. Why does Basilio want to abdicate his throne?

10. What is Rosaura's response upon hearing Segismundo explain his predicament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of justice is quite complex in this play. Sometimes it seems the truly guilty are spared and/or forgiven (example Astolfo) and those who are not particularly guilty suffer (examples Clarnn's death and the soldier's imprisonment in the last act of the play.)

Define justice. Do you believe justice is meted out fairly in the area in which you live? Discuss one well-known example of a person not receiving justice (in your opinion) and one who suffers an injustice. How would you have handled each case? Have you been merciful to someone who deserved justice? How did you feel about offering mercy?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Scene 1, Segismundo has been transported to the palace while unconscious from the administration of a narcotic. When Estrella arrives, Segismundo attempts to get close enough to her to rape her. In the process, Segismundo flings a servant who is protecting Estrella to his death. Write an essay answering the following questions:

1. Should Segismundo be held accountable for killing the servant? Why or why not?

2. In centuries past, servants were considered less important, and hence less valuable than nobles. Is this an acceptable attitude? Why or why not?

3. Segismundo is only verbally admonished for killing another human being. What would you have ordered to have happened to Segismundo for killing another human being?

4. What would be fair compensation to the servant's family for his death? Explain your answer.

5. Along this same lines, at the end of the play, Segismundo orders a soldier who assisted Segismundo's victory on the battlefield to be cast into prison for the rest of his life for speaking up to his "betters," i.e., the king. History is replete with examples of commoners (and very often nobles) being killed at the whim of the sovereign ruler. Discuss the idea of one person being able to legally decide without trial or any kind of legal recourse, the fate of another. Is this fair?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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