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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 do the characters decide to do at the end of Act 2, Scene 4?

2. What is Bolingbroke's title now that Gaunt is dead?

3. Who was Richard's uncle and Gaunt's brother?

4. How many characters speak in Act 1, Scene 2?

5. Which nation does York refer to as he discusses vanity?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Gaunt's conversation with Richard before he dies.

2. What does the Duchess of Gloucester beg for Gaunt to do in Act 1, Scene 2? How does he respond?

3. What does Exton say Bolingbroke spoke twice in Act 5, Scene 4?

4. What does the Queen learn while eavesdropping?

5. Which other scene in the play is Act 4, Scene 1 most comparable to? Why?

6. Describe Richard's condition in the beginning of Act 5, Scene 5. What is he doing?

7. In Act 1, Scene 2, what does the Duchess of Gloucester seem to be saying she is going to do?

8. What is the overall mood of Act 2, Scene 2?

9. Describe Bushy, Bagot, and Green's different plans at the end of Act 2, Scene 2.

10. When is it apparent in the play that Richard will be succeeded?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shakespeare's symbolism of England as sacred ground, a second "Eden" of sorts, was a theme that was heavily used in the play, and something often explored in the lessons. Discuss this symbolism and its most striking examples in the play.

Essay Topic 2

Women played a minimal role in "Richard II". Why do you think this is and how would the play have been different if the female characters had stronger roles?

Essay Topic 3

There are numerous displays of power and people yielding to that power in "Richard II". What were some of the most important examples of this, and what does it say about the characters who acted in this way? Think about how loyalties changed over the course of the play when addressing this question.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 844 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample