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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 is Oroonoko's status?

2. Why does Lucy exit in Act I, Scene I?

3. Who is the first speaker in Act I, Scene II?

4. What does Daniel make his mother promise near the end of Act II, Scene I?

5. Who says: "Why, a lusty young Fellow may happen to temp you" in Act I, Scene I?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Lucy and Welldon leave London and come to Surinam?

2. Take the following line: "Were not you an ill-natur'd thing to boggle at a Promise? I cou'd break twenty for you" in Act II, Scene I. Who is speaking and to whom? What is it in reference to and what do these words tell us about the speaker?

3. Oroonoko says: "Give me a Sword and I'll deserve your trust" in Act II, Scene III. How does he support his statement?

4. At the beginning of Act I, Scene II, what are the Governor and Blanford discussing and what might this foreshadow?

5. In Act I, Scene II, what is Widow Lackitt complaining of, to whom, and why?

6. Describe the interaction between Lucy and Daniel, and Daniel's attitude towards marrying her.

7. Why does Oroonoko tell Blanford he is unhappy?

8. What does Blanford try to assure Oroonoko of in Act II, Scene II?

9. For what purpose has the governor sent Stanmore to summon Blanford and Oroonoko?

10. Describe Daniel's character.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several key female characters in the play Oroonoko and through them, we can get an understanding of the lifestyle and treatment of women in those times. Choose one of the following topics below in regards to women:

1) Discuss how women were treated and viewed during the time period of the play's setting. How is the treatment of women shown in the play through the female characters? Is it an accurate depiction? What were Southerne's viewpoints?

2) Discuss how Aphra Behn was considered a feminist of her time and how her feminist views have been portrayed in not only her novella but in Southerne's play.

3) One major change in the play adaption of the novel is the change in race of Imoinda. Discuss this change and what it means in relationship to women and race.

Research as necessary using at least one book source (not including the play or novella) and use specific examples from the play.

Essay Topic 2

The play, though having two running story-lines, is for the most part, a tragedy. Discuss the play as a tragedy. What are the elements of a tragedy according to Aristotle? What are the elements of a tragedy according to Shakespeare? How does the play fit in with each set of guidelines? Research as necessary using at least one book source (not including the play or novella) and use specific examples from the play.

Essay Topic 3

One main theme of Oroonoko, the play, is the feeling of compassion. Discuss how compassion is expressed in the play and by which characters. What is being said about compassion? What are the characters feeling compassionate about? How is it considered a theme? Research as necessary using at least one book source (not including the play or novella) and use specific examples from the play.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 955 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample