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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 whom does Richard reduce Bolingbroke's sentence?

2. What do Mowbray and Bolingbroke state officially that they are fighting for at the duel?

3. What does Northumberland then confide to Ross and Willoughby in Act 2, Scene 1?

4. Who does Bolingbroke specifically promise to "weed and pluck away" in Act 2, Scene 3?

5. Why does Gaunt seem aloof to his brother's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Of what do Mowbray and Bolingbroke accuse one another in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. What do Richard and the Queen seem to be more pained by: losing the monarchy or each other? Why?

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

4. Summarize Bushy and Greens' final moments.

5. What is the Queen doing in the beginning of Act 3, Scene 4? What changes this behavior?

6. What would it seem that Exton is going to do in Act 5, Scene 4?

7. What happens at the end of Act 5, Scene 1? What does this say of York?

8. Who is sent to meet with Richard inside Flint Castle? What happens?

9. How does Bolingbroke handle the murder of Richard?

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

The previous question deals with tracking the audiences' distrust with Richard. However, the play is written so you lose trust for Richard but then begin to sympathize with him again. How does this begin to happen? By the end of the play, what emotions were associated with Richard? What was more profound, your dislike of him in the beginning or your regret for his loss at the end?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Discuss themes, symbolisms, motivations, etc. you noticed in the play that were not discussed in class. Compare their relevance to those that were discussed throughout the lessons. Discuss their effect on your overall experience and lasting impression of "Richard II."

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