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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 Caltaldo's final word on the subject?

2. How does Clotaldo respond to Rosaura's rantings about Astolfo?

3. Who is probably relieved that Segismundo has been returned to the tower in disgrace?

4. How does Segismundo act about being in the tower and the palace scene being all a dream?

5. With what does the rebellion against the king begin?

Short Essay Questions

1. About what does Rosaura speak to Clotaldo?

2. Why is Clarnn cast into prison?

3. Does it seem odd that Clarnn is cast into prison even though several servants assisted the process of getting Segismundo back to the prison tower?

4. What does Clotaldo say to Rosaura and is this a reasonable response?

5. How do Clotaldo's actions in this scene give the audience a glimpse into a possible positive characteristic of the man?

6. Perhaps the most logical of all the character's words and actions takes place now as Rosaura rebuts Clotaldo's claiming honor as a reason he cannot harm Astolfo. What is Rosaura's rationale as to why Clotoldo can honorably help her.

7. How does Segismundo respond to the soldiers' errand?

8. How does Segismundo respond to the idea that the right thing should be done even if one is dreaming?

9. How does Segismundo respond?

10. What is one of the key ideas of the play that comes up in Act 2, Scene 2?

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 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 3

In Act 3, Scene 2, it is apparent that some sort of battle is going to take place between the lawful holders of power (King Basilio, Asolfo and Estrella) and Segismundo. Answer the following questions in essay form, using details and examples from the book and your own life.

1. If you were a noble in Poland during this situation, with whom would you side--King Basilio or Segismundo? Explain your answer.

2. How can this conflict can be settled without bloodshed?

3. Who do you believe should inherit the throne from King Basilio? Explain why you believe so.

4. If Segismundo were defeated, what do you think the King would do to him? What would you do to Segismundo were you the king if he were defeated in battle?

(see the answer keys)

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