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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 Clotaldo say was all a dream?

2. What in this scene is a possible theme of this work?

3. What is the dominant tension in this scene?

4. How does Clotaldo respond to Segismundo?

5. Up to this scene by whom has Segismundo been controlled?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

3. Why has Clotaldo returned to the palace in such haste?

4. Why have the soldiers come to the tower prison?

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

6. What do you think Estrella's motives are in urging the king to personally go quell the rioting?

7. How does Clotaldo's waffling about this issue demonstrate the extent of the patriarchal culture in which he lives?

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

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

10. About what does Rosaura speak to Clotaldo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Scene 1, Segismundo perpetuates an act of clemency to Clotaldo, who has in the service of the king, wronged Segismundo over the years.

1. Do you believe you would have granted Clotaldo clemency had he participated in your imprisonment?

2. Is there a time you have, against the advice of others or your inclination, forgiven someone for a grievous wrong that person committed against you? How did you feel afterward? Were you glad to have forgiven that person?

3. Do acts of clemency from a king or president or ruler serve the greater good? Explain your answer and give an example, either real or hypothetical.

4. Just before leaving office, the president of the United States often grants pardons to numerous felons. Do you believe this power to grant pardons by the president is right? Does it benefit the nation or just the person receiving the pardon?

Essay Topic 2

Rosaura is dressed like a man on her quest to redress a wrong by Duke Astolfo. There have been numerous instances throughout history of women who have dressed as men in order to travel safely, pursue a career, or even to follow husbands to war. Choose one of the following to write a cohesive, detailed essay:

1. Discuss reasons why you think women would want to pass as a man during the 1600s when this play takes place. What would they gain and what would they lose?

2. Is there any reason in today's society that a woman might want to pass as a man? List three situations where it might be advantageous for a woman to pass as a man. Discuss why it would be helpful in each situation. What might happen if the woman did not dress and pass as a man in the same situation?

3. Research and write an essay on documented situations when a woman dressed as a man in the past when women were not as free to mingle in worldly affairs. One such situation is the fact of Pope Joan, who pretended to be male all the way from priesthood to being named Pope. Learn about her life and the consequences of her choice and write about it.

4. Today, there is much unisex dress--men and woman often wear jeans, tee shirts, tennis shoes, similar-style jackets, etc... Discuss the implications as to why most men would not consider clothing designed for women; whereas, women will do the opposite. What does this say about American/European cultural mores and gender issues?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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