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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. Which of the following is a quote by Richard in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. "...for God's substitute, His deputy anointed in His sight..." Who is being referred to here?

3. What adjective does Richard use to describe Bolingbroke that is condescending?

4. Who does Mowbray admit to have scheming against in the past?

5. What does Bushy do for the Queen in Act 2, Scene 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Gaunt's conversation with Richard before he dies.

2. 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?

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. What happens after Aumerle and his family enter Act 5, Scene 3?

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

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

7. What happens immediately preceding the official start of the duel?

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

9. How does Richard ultimately respond to the conflict of Act 1, Scene 1?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Richard and Bolingbroke were very different types of kings. Compare and contrast their kingship and their general character traits that made them the kings they were.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

There are numerous displays of power and people yielding to that power in "Richard II". What were some of the most important examples of this, and what does it say about the characters who acted in this way? Think about how loyalties changed over the course of the play when addressing this question.

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This section contains 907 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample