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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 does Eleanora caution Lucrezia to be careful of?

2. What does Eleanora dictate must be rinsed through Lucrezia's hair?

3. What can Lucrezia not stop herself from doing when Alfonso chides her during the storm?

4. What is Lucrezia bound to Alfonso by?

5. What does Emilia urge Lucrezia to wear in Part IV?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Nunciata like to Lucrezia?

2. What does Lucrezia witness Baldassare do in Part III that really disturbs her?

3. Who does Emilia hear has ordered the Duke's mother's exile?

4. What happens to Contrari?

5. What comment does Alfonso make about Lucrezia's portrait that startles her and the painters?

6. What does Lucrezia ask at court which Alfonso embarrasses her about?

7. What playful gesture does the Duke do to Lucrezia that brings back sour memories of her childhood?

8. What does Elisabetta want Lucrezia to keep a secret from Alfonso?

9. Who does Lucrezia write to to say her life is in danger in Part III?

10. How does Lucrezia feel about posing for a portrait?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does O'Farrell skip backwards and forwards in time throughout the novel, and what effect does this choice have on the reader? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

How does O'Farrell establish the important differences between Lucrezia and her siblings? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 448 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample