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. How does Bolingbroke justify executing the prisoners?

2. How long has the Welsh army been waiting for Richard?

3. What does Gaunt call Richard in Act 2, Scene 1?

4. Of which quality of Bolingbroke does Richard worry?

5. "The king reposeth all his confidence in thee." Who says this?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does York meet Bolingbroke at Berkley Castle?

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

3. Whose power seems to be stronger as of Act 2, Scene 3: Richard's or Bolingbroke's?

4. What are the Duchess and the Duke discussing in the beginning of Act 5, Scene 2? What happened in the story?

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

6. Are Richard and the Queen allowed to be together? Where are they being sent?

7. What is the news that ultimately destroys Richard's spirits? What does he do?

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

9. How does Bolingbroke justify taking license to execute?

10. What is the overall mood of Act 2, Scene 2?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

How is "Richard II," a play hundreds of years old, relevant to our times today? What themes of the play are timeless? What did you see in the play that you see in your daily life?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample