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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 states that Goneril is a better soldier than Albany?

2. Kent asks who not to reveal his identity?

3. Edgar tells Gloucester that the person who led Gloucester to the edge of the cliff looked like a what?

4. Edgar is left alone at the farmhouse and hopes that the King will be able to do what?

5. Cordelia says that France is not fighting the English with which motivation?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. The comments of the servants to Regan after Gloucester is blinded indicate what?

3. At the end of the play, why is Lear happy?

4. Gloucester meets the news of Lear and Cordelia's capture with what?

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

6. Albany already sympathizes with the King. What action by Goneril is likely to make him turn completely against her?

7. Although Lear does not want to see Cordelia, what is Cordelia's goal?

8. When Edgar sees that his father is blind, what does he offer to do?

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

10. What caused Lear's madness?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What character traits of King Lear appear in his daughters and how do these traits affect his relationships with his daughters? Use examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

How does the role of the Fool emphasize and/or relieve the tragedy of the play? Support your reasoning with examples from the play.

Essay Topic 3

There are several words that are repeated throughout King Lear. Choose two of the words from the list below and discuss what their use means to the play and the characters in the play.

-- nature

-- natural

-- nothing

-- bond

-- love

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 501 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample