Section I- Multiple Choice

Mr. Dominick CP English 12 King Lear Test

Name ______Date ______Score _____/100

Section I- Multiple Choice Directions: Circle the correct answer to each question. (2 pts. each)

1. In Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the wide-open portion in front of the stage with no seats was called the ______. a. mezzo b. pit c. staging ground d. orchestra

2. What object or objects serve as a symbol of Lear’s authority? a. His knights b. His scepter c. His crown d. all of the above e. none of the above

3. Which of the following does not happen at the conclusion of the play? a. The Fool and Cordelia are hanged. b. Goneril kills herself after poisoning her sister Regan. c. Edmund is slain by his brother Edgar. d. The King of France announces he is taking over Britain.

4. What course of action does Goneril suggest to her father in order to curb the riotousness of his knights in Act I? a. Move in with Regan b. Forbid them from drinking after dinner c. Reduce their number by half d. Keep them from socializing with the servants

5. Why is Kent placed in the stocks? a. For beating Oswald b. For threatening Cornwall c. For praising Cordelia d. For hitting Lear

6. Who first suggests plucking out Gloucester’s eyes as punishment for his “treason,” namely the fact that he had letters showing he knew of a French invasion? a. Regan b. Oswald c. Cornwall d. Goneril 7. In Act III, Scene vi, what does King Lear do in the hovel that indicates how mad he has become? a. He places a curse on Regan and Goneril’s future children. b. He puts his three daughters on trial, with Edgar, the Fool, and Kent acting as jury. c. He disrobes completely and runs out into the raging storm stark naked. d. He realizes the Fool has been making fun of him and threatens to kill him.

8. Edmund’s soliloquy in Act I, Scene ii brings up the opposing ideas of ______versus ______. a. nature . . . nurture b. legitimacy . . . illegitimacy c. sight . . . blindness d. both a and b e. both a and c

9. Where does Gloucester tell Lear and his attendants to go to meet up with Cordelia? a. London b. Paris c. Dover d. Edinburgh

10. At the beginning of Act V, what major mistake does Edmund realize he has made regarding his relationships with Regan and Goneril? a. He has made his intentions to marry Goneril too obvious, and now Albany knows. b. He has professed his love to both sisters. c. He has verbalized offers of sex to both sisters. d. He has agreed to lead Cornwall’s forces into battle instead of Albany’s, which may anger Goneril.

Section II-Short Answer Directions: Answer the following short answer questions in two to three complete sentences. Points will be deducted for questions answered in incomplete sentences. (5 pts. each)

11. Just before he dies, King Lear tells those gathered to “look on her, look, her lips”: Does this mean that he dies in exultation, thinking that his daughter is breathing? If so, is he not still a blind, gullible old man?

12. In Act I, how do France and Burgundy react to the news that Cordelia will not receive a dowry from her father? What do their reactions tells us about their characters? Section III-Quote Identifications Directions: For each quote below, identify the speaker and explain the meaning in two to three complete sentences. Points will be deducted for questions answered in incomplete sentences. (5 pts. each, 1 for the speaker and 4 for the explanation)

13. “Return to her, and fifty men dismissed? No, rather I abjure all roofs, and choose To be a comrade with the wolf and owl— To wage against the enmity o’ the air.” (II.iv.222-225)

Speaker: Explanation:

14. “Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth. I love your majesty According to my bond, no more nor less.” (I.i.95-97)

15. “My wits begin to turn.— Come on, my boy. How dost, my boy? Art cold? I am cold myself.” (III.ii.70-72)

16. “As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods. They kill us for their sport.” (IV.i.39-40)

Speaker: Explanation: 17. “Why ‘bastard’? Wherefore ‘base’? When my dimensions are as well compact, My mind as generous, and my shape as true As honest madam’s issue? Why brand they us With ‘base,’ with ‘baseness,’ ‘bastardy,’ ‘base,’ ‘base’ . . . ” (I.ii.6-10)

Section IV-Essay Directions: Answer one of the questions below in a well-developed three-paragraph essay (no introduction or conclusion needed). I would suggest writing a brief outline of your essay first so that you can organize your thoughts. (45 pts.)

Option 1: The theme of nothingness plays a pivotal role throughout the play. For each of the following characters, explain in detail how this theme can be applied to their states of being (both physical and mental) throughout the play: King Lear, Edgar, and Cordelia. What moral or lesson can be derived from the actions of these characters?

Option 2: Compare and contrast the transformations of Lear and Gloucester, who both misjudge their children. At the conclusion of the play, what have they learned, if anything, about their own families?