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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 addresses Bolingbroke as "Lord Hereford" in Act 2, Scene 3?

2. What is Gaunt talking about during his famous speech in Act 2, Scene 1?

3. "Where then, alas, may I complain myself?" Who says this?

4. How does Bolingbroke justify executing the prisoners?

5. Which of the following lines is what the Queen says to the bearer of the news of Bolingbroke?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Richard's kingship represented in Act 1, Scene 1?

2. What does Gaunt reveal in Act 1, Scene 2?

3. Who is Bolingbroke looking for in Act 5, Scene 3? Describe what you know of this person.

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

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

6. What is the conversation in Flint Castle between Richard and Aumerle immediately following the one with Northumberland?

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

8. What do Richard and the Queen seem to be more pained by: losing the monarchy or each other? Why?

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

10. Who in Act 2, Scene 4 tries to persuade the other to remain waiting for Richard? Why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is probably most peoples' answer that Bolingbroke would make a better king than Richard when it comes to real life. However, Richard certainly fills the shoes of a king's character better. In other words, his character did a better job of "being a king" on stage. Discuss this difference and what Shakespeare might have meant including it with the play.

Essay Topic 2

How is reading a play a different experience than reading a novel? Which aspects of "Richard II" were most helpful for you to visualize the events? How would this have been different should "Richard II" have been a novel?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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