1. 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.

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

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

4. 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?

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

6. Why is Basilio talking about his skills as a master astrologer?

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

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

9. What is Segismundo doing in this first scene?

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 the opening to Act 1, Scene 2, Cousins Estrella and Asolfo are niece and nephew to the king, who as far as they know, has no son or daughter of his own. Estrella claims the throne as the eldest child of the eldest daughter; Astolfo's claim lies in the fact of his gender. Were the situation reversed and Astolfo was the eldest child of the eldest daughter, there would be no question to his rights to the throne. Most monarchies of Europe are based upon preference to males as heirs to the throne even today. Choose one of the following to write a cohesive, detailed essay:

1. Write a cohesive essay detailing why you think men are or are not more capable of ruling than woman. Include some historical citations from at least two European countries.

2. Write an essay discussing how you think the ruling styles of men and women would differ. Which style would you prefer? Why?

3. Write an essay describing how you think the rules of ascension should be enacted and why you believe your idea is better than two European counties you research.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In Act 2, scene 2, a literary technique takes place called a narrative contrivance. Write a cohesive, coherent essay, answering the following, using detailed examples to illustrate your points.

1. Research and explain what a narrative contrivance is.

2. What is the most obvious narrative contrivance that takes place in this play?

3. Does this narrative contrivance work for you? Why or why not?

4. How might the author of this play used another way to deal with the narrative contrivance you have identified?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,240 words
(approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample