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WorksheetsQueen Elizabeth's last speech at Parliament
Total questions: 13
Worksheet time: 13mins
Name
Class
Date
1.
The point of Elizabeth's statement that to wear a crown "is a thing more glorious to them that see it, than it is pleasant to them that bear it" (lines 1-3) is to
a)
suggest that it is difficult to look upon power without being dazzled
b)
assert that she is fulfilled and happy in ruling her people
c)
emphasize the burdensome responsibilities of her position
d)
refute the charges of those who think she is weak
2.
In using the word "Instrument" (line 6), Elizabeth specifically emphasizes
a)
her obedience to God's will
b)
her political power as a monarch
c)
her resolve to discharge her duties in a regal manner
d)
the equality of men and women in God's eyes
3.
In lines 3-8, Elizabeth contrast what she sees as the source of true delight with
a)
religious devotion
b)
exalted earthly power
c)
her own weaknesses of character
d)
her political and diplomatic skills
4.
Elizabeth asserts that she would not be "worthy to live" (lines 9-10) if she were to
a)
be less imperious than certain male rulers
b)
fail to take responsibility for all her actions
c)
take personal credit for her success as a ruler
d)
show mercy to the enemies of her kingdom
5.
As controlled by context, the phrase "fitly resemble" (lines 13-14) is best understood to mean
a)
precisely describe
b)
truthfully speak
c)
justly assume
d)
accurately compare
6.
The metaphor developed in the second paragraph suggests primarily that
a)
the privileges of power are insufficient compensation for the burdens associated with office
b)
power often corrupts rulers and betrays them into a life of self-indulgence and luxury
c)
weak monarchs who rule indecisively are an offense in God's eyes
d)
a ruler often must make decisions that the people find sacrilegious
7.
Pills that are "bitter and unpleasant to take" (lines 17-18) are best understood as a metaphor for
a)
the advice and diagnoses of doctors
b)
attacks on a monarch from foreign enemies
c)
the jealousy and envy of other princes
d)
the duties and obligations of a soverign
8.
As used in line 19 "discharge" most nearly means
a)
fire
b)
cancel
c)
fulfill
d)
remove from
9.
The most probable reason that Elizabeth says, "in mine own disposition I should be willing to resign the place I hold to any other,"
a)
defend herself against charges that she has usurped the authority of others
b)
strengthen the idea that she rules in accordance with divine will
c)
suggest that her confidence in her ability to be a strong ruler is weakening
d)
signal the fact that she is gradually losing the support of her people
10.
In line 22, the word "other" most probably refers to
a)
the challengers in her audience
b)
any potential and viable ruler
c)
former rulers now deposed
d)
any leader among her subjects
11.
The rhetorical strategy employed in lines 25-27 is best described as
a)
extending a metaphor to close the argument
b)
reducing the argument to an acceptable paradox
c)
marshaling facts to support the central idea
d)
counterbalancing a possible weakness with a greater virtue
12.
In context, "Thus...I commend me to your loyal loves" (line 28) most nearly means
a)
because of this you must obey me
b)
this proves my devotion to you
c)
for this reason I ask that you do your part
d)
in this way I ask your continued allegiance
13.
The most apparent goal of Elizabeth's rhetoric and reasoning is to
a)
explain the need to share authority with her Parliament
b)
elicit sympathy and support for her foreign policy in spite of her mistakes
c)
establish her kinship with the members of her Parliament
d)
convince her audience of the purity and altruism of her motives
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