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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. Why does the viceroy order that Alexandro be brought to him in Act 3, Scene 1?

2. In the myth referenced in the play, what does Proserpine bring with her when she returns to the Earth?

3. Immediately after Hieronimo and Isabella lament the death of Horatio and talk about how happy he was at dinner, what does Hieronimo do?

4. Of what does Lorenzo try to assure Balthazar at the start of Act 2?

5. As Bel-Imperia calls for help after Lorenzo, Balthazar, Pedringano, and Serberine enter disguised, who grabs Bel-Imperia?

Short Essay Questions

1. When the Portuguese ask Hieronimo to lead them to Lorenzo, where does Hieronimo say Lorenzo is?

2. Describe the journey that Andrea takes through the Underworld.

3. At the beginning of Act 1, Scene 3, who are the courtiers that report to the viceroy and what do they reveal?

4. What does the Portuguese ambassador do as he is leaving the king and Castile?

5. As Balthazar and Lorenzo watch from a hiding place, how does Bel-Imperia respond to Horatio's question about why she is still upset and what is Balthazar's response?

6. Describe the events preceding Isabella's suicide and explain how she kills herself.

7. Who is Pedringano and how does Lorenzo persuade him to help in the plot against Horatio?

8. Describe how Horatio is killed and what is done to Bel-Imperia.

9. What happens to reveal Pedringano's innocence after his execution?

10. How does the viceroy respond to Villuppo's offer to tell the truth about Balthazar and what does Villuppo tell him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider whether this play functions as a criticism of justice and the justice system. Then write an essay supporting your point.

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Scene 3, the king tells Castile to convince Bel-Imperia to open her heart to Balthazar. Write an essay exploring how the hierarchy of power within the play affects the audience interpretation of events in this and other instances.

Essay Topic 3

The central themes revenge represents are the inevitability and rightness of justice. Write an essay exploring how these themes come into play in "The Spanish Tragedy."

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 887 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample