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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. At what is Basilio very skilled?

2. How are Recisunda and Clorilene related?

3. Who is Segismundo's tutor.

4. Of what is Segismundo ignorant?

5. By whom is Rosaura accompanied?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Basilio talking about his skills as a master astrologer?

2. Of course, this type of scenario is quite unlikely to occur in one's experience today; however, what do you imagine you would think of finding a man in the state in which Segismundo is and how do you think you would respond?

3. Why does Basilio want to abdicate his throne?

4. What is Estrella's response to Astolfo's protestations of love and desire for marriage?

5. What is Segismundo doing in this first scene?

6. How likely is it that Segismundo could assume the throne and be a good, wise ruler?

7. Estrella claims to be the legitimate heir to the throne based upon her being the firstborn of the elder sister; whereas, Astolfo claims the throne based on the fact of his gender. Do you believe one claim has more legitimacy than the other?

8. Who has overheard Segismundo and what does this person do upon hearing Segismundo threaten murder?

9. How does Segismundo's state of mind change from wonder to rage?

10. Why do you think Clotaldo questions Clarnn about Rosaura?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Act 3, Scene 2, Rosaura basically states that honor that is based on lies deserves no return honor.

How would you define honor? What are 2 examples that you've read about of famous people who have behaved in an honorable fashion though it may have not been profitable? What about 2 who were dishonorable for profit or greed? Discuss a time you or someone close to you behaved in an honorable fashion despite peer pressure and a time when you or someone did not behave honorably. Why did you/they choose to disregard their honor?

Essay Topic 2

In several scenes in the play, Clotaldo is noted as being ever loyal to the king, willing to follow the king's orders not matter the cost.

1. Do you believe there is ever a justifiable reason to disobey a law?

2. Would you disobey a law if you believe it to be immoral even if you knew you would suffer severe consequences? Why or why not?

3. In the military, obeying orders is required, else one sits for a court-martial; however, one is obligated to disobey an order if the order is not lawful. Do you believe you would disobey an order if told to do something illegal or immoral even if you were uncertain if your actions would be condoned as correct? Discuss thoroughly, giving a hypothetical example.

Essay Topic 3

The concept of justice is quite complex in this play. Sometimes it seems the truly guilty are spared and/or forgiven (example Astolfo) and those who are not particularly guilty suffer (examples Clarnn's death and the soldier's imprisonment in the last act of the play.)

Define justice. Do you believe justice is meted out fairly in the area in which you live? Discuss one well-known example of a person not receiving justice (in your opinion) and one who suffers an injustice. How would you have handled each case? Have you been merciful to someone who deserved justice? How did you feel about offering mercy?

(see the answer keys)

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