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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 believes Clotaldo has played him for a fool?

2. How does Segismundo reply to Clotaldo's lesson?

3. What does Clotaldo do upon leaving the tower?

4. What in this scene is a possible theme of this work?

5. Who else has been thrown into a cell in the tower?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Segismundo respond to the idea that the right thing should be done even if one is dreaming?

2. How does Clotaldo's waffling about this issue demonstrate the extent of the patriarchal culture in which he lives?

3. How does Segismundo's treatment of Clotaldo reflect upon his future behavior if he gains the throne?

4. What foreshadows a possible positive ending to what could be a bloody civil war?

5. What does Clotaldo reply when Segismundo bemoans his fate?

6. How does Segismundo respond to the soldiers' errand?

7. What is ironic about the ending of this scene?

8. What is one of the key ideas of the play that comes up in Act 2, Scene 2?

9. When this scene opens what is happening with Clarnn?

10. Why has Clotaldo returned to the palace in such haste?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Clotaldo continually prevaricates both to Segismundo and Rosaura; he does so because of his loyalty to the king (in Segismundo's case) and out of feeling obligated to Astolfo for saving Clotaldo's life. Write a cohesive essay addressing the questions below using specific examples from the text and your personal life.

Is there ever a good justification for lying--either by actively lying or passively not speaking up? About what would you feel fine lying to someone? Are there times that you would absolutely refuse to lie? Are there degrees of truth? How do you feel emotionally when you have lied? Does it depend upon the reason you lie? Do you believe Clotaldo is justified in lying both to Segismundo over the years and more recently to Rosaura?

Essay Topic 2

In Act 2, Scene 1, Segismundo has been transported to the palace while unconscious from the administration of a narcotic. When Estrella arrives, Segismundo attempts to get close enough to her to rape her. In the process, Segismundo flings a servant who is protecting Estrella to his death. Write an essay answering the following questions:

1. Should Segismundo be held accountable for killing the servant? Why or why not?

2. In centuries past, servants were considered less important, and hence less valuable than nobles. Is this an acceptable attitude? Why or why not?

3. Segismundo is only verbally admonished for killing another human being. What would you have ordered to have happened to Segismundo for killing another human being?

4. What would be fair compensation to the servant's family for his death? Explain your answer.

5. Along this same lines, at the end of the play, Segismundo orders a soldier who assisted Segismundo's victory on the battlefield to be cast into prison for the rest of his life for speaking up to his "betters," i.e., the king. History is replete with examples of commoners (and very often nobles) being killed at the whim of the sovereign ruler. Discuss the idea of one person being able to legally decide without trial or any kind of legal recourse, the fate of another. Is this fair?

Essay Topic 3

Rosaura is dressed like a man on her quest to redress a wrong by Duke Astolfo. There have been numerous instances throughout history of women who have dressed as men in order to travel safely, pursue a career, or even to follow husbands to war. Choose one of the following to write a cohesive, detailed essay:

1. Discuss reasons why you think women would want to pass as a man during the 1600s when this play takes place. What would they gain and what would they lose?

2. Is there any reason in today's society that a woman might want to pass as a man? List three situations where it might be advantageous for a woman to pass as a man. Discuss why it would be helpful in each situation. What might happen if the woman did not dress and pass as a man in the same situation?

3. Research and write an essay on documented situations when a woman dressed as a man in the past when women were not as free to mingle in worldly affairs. One such situation is the fact of Pope Joan, who pretended to be male all the way from priesthood to being named Pope. Learn about her life and the consequences of her choice and write about it.

4. Today, there is much unisex dress--men and woman often wear jeans, tee shirts, tennis shoes, similar-style jackets, etc... Discuss the implications as to why most men would not consider clothing designed for women; whereas, women will do the opposite. What does this say about American/European cultural mores and gender issues?

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