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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. Where does Caltaldo go at the end of this scene?

2. What is ironic about Clotaldo's counsel to Segismundo?

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

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

5. Why is Clarnn a security threat to the kingdom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What transpires at the beginning of this scene?

2. 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.

3. What does Clotaldo reply when Segismundo bemoans his fate?

4. How does Segismundo respond?

5. 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?

6. When this scene opens what is happening with Clarnn?

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

8. What is happening to Segismundo when this scene opens?

9. Why is Clarnn cast into prison?

10. Does it seem likely that Segismundo would really believe Clotaldo when Clotaldo tells Segismundo he was just dreaming?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

In Act 3, Scene 2, Rosaura delivers a long soliloquy about her perceived dishonor at the hands of Astolfo. Many plays have one or more soliloquy's. Write a cohesive essay addressing the questions below using specific examples from the text and your personal life.

Define soliloquy and lists the times in this play when one occurs. List who is speaking, summarize the content of the soliloquy and how it adds to the plot. What do you think is the purpose of a soliloquy? Would you find them interesting or too non-active if you were watching this play? Rosaura's soliloquy is quite long. How do you think today's audience would react to hearing such a long speech? Do you think the audience of the time when this play was written would react differently?

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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