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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. : For what day is the duel set?

2. What is Gaunt's final line?

3. For whom does Richard reduce Bolingbroke's sentence?

4. How long is Bolingbroke originally banished from England?

5. What is the major concern of Act 2, Scene 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize what Bolingbroke claims to be his cause and intent for invading England. How is this unlikely?

2. How does Gaunt try lifting Bolingbroke's spirits? Does it work?

3. How does Richard greet England upon returning from Ireland?

4. How is Richard comforted in Act 3, Scene 2?

5. Describe Bushy, Bagot, and Green's different plans at the end of Act 2, Scene 2.

6. Whose well-being is Bolingbroke concerned about after dismissing Bushy and Green to their execution? What does he do to ensure this well-being?

7. What does the Duchess of Gloucester beg for Gaunt to do in Act 1, Scene 2? How does he respond?

8. How does Richard respond immediately after learning of Gaunt's death? Who responds the harshest to this news, and what does he say to Richard?

9. What does Bushy announce in Act 1, Scene 4 and how does Richard react?

10. Which other scene in the play is Act 4, Scene 1 most comparable to? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the first scene, we see Richard behaving quite fairly and just as a leader. In the second, we are given reason to question his righteousness. By the third scene, we witness Richard banish Bolingbroke for a particularly unclear reason. Describe your experience trusting Richard, and mark the point in the play when you completely understood he was untrustworthy.

Essay Topic 2

When would you say Richard lost his power in the play? It does not necessarily have to be the scene with the smashed mirror. Use evidence from the play to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Shakespeare's symbolism of England as sacred ground, a second "Eden" of sorts, was a theme that was heavily used in the play, and something often explored in the lessons. Discuss this symbolism and its most striking examples in the play.

(see the answer keys)

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