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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. Who is Lucrezia upset at not being able to say farewell to?

2. What nickname does Lucrezia's father call her?

3. What does Alfonso say to his servant on their first night together that Lucrezia is surprised to hear?

4. What does Lucrezia grip in the carriage before she leaves Florence?

5. Who once told Lucrezia that she had no idea what Alfonso is capable of?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Eleanora doing at the moment of Lucrezia's conception?

2. What does Lucrezia wonder about Alfonso's feelings at their wedding?

3. What does Alfonso say he thinks of the only portrait that Lucrezia's father has had done of her?

4. Why does Lucrezia end up marrying the Duke of Ferrara?

5. What does Lucrezia turn out to have a particular talent for?

6. What makes Lucrezia inconsolably sad?

7. What is Lucrezia known for within her own family?

8. What is Eleanora known for and what is her nickname?

9. Why does Lucrezia almost feel that she wants to die in Part II?

10. How does Sofia help delay Lucrezia's marriage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does O'Farrell establish and build suspense throughout the novel? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What is Lucrezia's relationship with her and her family's servants like, and how is it different from those of others? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

What are the differences between Cosimo's and Eleanora's marriage, and the marriage between Lucrezia and Alfonso? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)

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