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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. How did they get Segismundo back to his cell in the tower?

2. Who in the play so far has the clearest grasp of what honor really entails?

3. What does Clarnn fail to do?

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

5. Where do Basilio and Estrella go?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is ironic about the ending of this scene?

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

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

6. How does Segismundo's treatment of Clotaldo reflect upon his future behavior if he gains the throne?

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

8. 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?

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

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 2, Scene 2, when Segismundo reveals his "dream" to Clotaldo, Clotaldo replies: "for even in a dream, remember, it's still worth doing what is right" (p. 339). Discuss the following ideas in a well-written essay citing examples from the play.

1. Do you believe the above statement for your own life?

2. Give examples when you have chosen to do something right when it wasn't important and when it was important.

3. Are there are times you did not do what was right and regret it? Can you still make amends? Would you try to make amends if you could?

4. Do you believe you could choose the right act over an unethical one even if you were the only one to do so in a group of friends? With your family?

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

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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