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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. When told of the death of Cornwall, Albany says the death was what?

2. When Gloucester is told that he is climbing a cliff, what does he complain about not hearing?

3. The messenger who delivers the news of Cornwall's death to Albany and Goneril also delivers a letter to Goneril from whom?

4. Edgar, in his disguise as Poor Tom, agrees to lead Gloucester to the cliffs at which place?

5. Kent asks who not to reveal his identity?

Short Essay Questions

1. In terms of the plot, what is Act 5, Scene 2 designed to do?

2. What does Edgar pray for while Lear is asleep in the farmhouse?

3. While Lear and his party are in the farmhouse, what action does Lear take that makes him appear to be suffering from madness?

4. What does Cordelia consider her father to be suffering from?

5. What happens to Cordelia, Regan, and Goneril by the end of the play?

6. When Goneril hears of Cornwall's death, what are her concerns?

7. What plants the seeds of discord between Goneril and Regan?

8. What does Edgar mean when he says "Yet better thus, and known to be contemned, Than still contemned and flattered."

9. How does Cornwall link the villainy in Edmund's family?

10. How did Cordelia respond to Kent's letter, according to the gentleman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shakespeare wrote this play centuries ago. Why is this play still relevant today? Are there any themes or messages in the play that are timeless and universal? Please use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

How does King Lear portray service? Who serves? What sort of authority and relationships are related to service in the play? Does service, as used in the play, belong to family or to the state? Why? Please support your answer with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

In Act 4, Scene 6 we are told that there is reason in madness. Using examples from the play, discuss the truth or falsehood of this statement.

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This section contains 510 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample