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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 might Astolfo marry?

2. What does Basilio want to do?

3. In what is Clotaldo particularly interested?

4. How does Clarnn gain Segismundo's confidence?

5. Who enters on stage next?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. How does Basilio know the kind of ruler Segismundo would be?

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

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

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

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Rosaura falls from her horse, she hears sounds from a tower and enters to find a man dressed in animal skins and secured with chains. The man acts insane and frightens Rosaura until he calms and they talk. Since you do not know any other information about who the man is at this point, it might occur to you that this person is insane. Choose one of the following to write a cohesive, detailed essay:

1. Research how insane persons were handled in the 1600s and write an essay describing what you learn.

2. Compare and contrast the way mentally ill people were handled in the 1600s versus in the United States or Europe in the 21st century.

3. Research and write an essay outlining the changes in how insane people were treated from the 1600s through the 1900s.

4. There are various differences among cultures as to their attitudes about insane people. Choose three diverse cultures and learn about and write an essay on the similarities and differences as to how an insane person was accepted/not accepted.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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