View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Segismundo say he ought to do to Clotaldo?

3. What percentage of the people of Poland desire Segismundo as their king?

4. How is Segismundo dressed?

5. What does the character in the answer to #110 hear while complaining?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. About what does Rosaura speak to Clotaldo?

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

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

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

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

8. Does the king deserve Clotaldo's loyalty?

9. 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.

10. What does Segismundo do to Clotaldo?

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 2, scene 2, a literary technique takes place called a narrative contrivance. Write a cohesive, coherent essay, answering the following, using detailed examples to illustrate your points.

1. Research and explain what a narrative contrivance is.

2. What is the most obvious narrative contrivance that takes place in this play?

3. Does this narrative contrivance work for you? Why or why not?

4. How might the author of this play used another way to deal with the narrative contrivance you have identified?

Essay Topic 3

In several scenes in the play, Clotaldo is noted as being ever loyal to the king, willing to follow the king's orders not matter the cost.

1. Do you believe there is ever a justifiable reason to disobey a law?

2. Would you disobey a law if you believe it to be immoral even if you knew you would suffer severe consequences? Why or why not?

3. In the military, obeying orders is required, else one sits for a court-martial; however, one is obligated to disobey an order if the order is not lawful. Do you believe you would disobey an order if told to do something illegal or immoral even if you were uncertain if your actions would be condoned as correct? Discuss thoroughly, giving a hypothetical example.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,204 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample