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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. What is an alternate title for the Sultan?

2. What item does Tamburlaine claim is the finest ever?

3. During what era was the play written?

4. What is a "basso?"

5. Mycetes offers what to the one that kills the traitors?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the lords respond to Cosroe's plan? What happens after the announcement of Cosroe's intentions?

2. How is Tamburlaine introduced into the story?

3. To what does Callapine compare Tamburlaine's pride? Why does Callapine use that particular metaphor?

4. What is Zenocrate's attitude toward Tamburlaine? Why does she swear her loyalty to him?

5. What are the protests heard from Amyras and Celebinus when Tamburlaine says he is dying?

6. What does Tamburlaine mean when he claims that wounds mean nothing? How does he prove it?

7. How does Tamburlaine learn about the location of the hidden treasure the Governor has offered as a bribe?

8. Why does Cosroe decide to defect to Tamburlaine's side?

9. Why is it important for Orcanes and Sigismund to set aside arrogance and form an alliance?

10. What suggestion does Meander make to Mycetes in light of the defection?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the beginning of the play, Cosroe proclaimed that he intended to overthrow Mycetes and take over the throne as emperor. What changed the dynamic of how this was to be done? Who supported Cosroe? Who was against him? What prompted Cosroe to become allies with Tamburlaine? How did Theridimas affect Cosroe's decision? Who else might defect to Tamburlaine's camp?

Essay Topic 2

A common theme in the play is deception. What made it so easy for soldiers and regents to switch sides before battle? Are there any cases in which the traitors were justified? If so, who was the traitor? What was the justification? How were traitors dealt with in the play? What type of punishment would you have used?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the military abilities and personalities of Mycetes and Cosroe.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 540 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample