You believe you understand the divine right of kings because Richard is on the throne at the start of the play? Can you really remember the opening accusations between Bolingbroke and Mowbray? Test yourself with this Richard II Act 1 Quiz. Answer the questions below to prove you weren’t lost in a day-dream during the first few scenes of the play.
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Richard II Act 1 Quiz Questions
- Who are the two noblemen who accuse each other at the start of Act 1?
- What crime does Bolingbroke accuse Mowbray of committing?
- Who presides over the dispute between Bolingbroke and Mowbray?
- What does Mowbray accuse Bolingbroke of?
- Where does the confrontation between Bolingbroke and Mowbray take place?
- What punishment does King Richard initially impose on both men?
- How long is Bolingbroke’s original sentence of banishment?
- How long is Mowbray’s sentence of banishment?
- What does Richard later reduce Bolingbroke’s banishment to?
- Who pleads for mercy on Bolingbroke’s behalf?
- What is John of Gaunt’s relationship to Bolingbroke?
- What emotion dominates John of Gaunt’s speech after Bolingbroke’s sentence?
- Why does Mowbray say he cannot reveal the full truth about Gloucester’s death?
- What does Richard claim about Gloucester’s death?
- What does Richard plan soon after Act 1 ends?
- How does Richard appear in Act 1 as a ruler?
- What does Gaunt accuse Richard of ignoring?
- What major theme is introduced through the trial scene?
- What does Bolingbroke swear to uphold during his confrontation?
- Who throws down the first gage of challenge?
- What does the gage symbolize in the play?
- How does Mowbray react to his banishment?
- What does Bolingbroke vow as he departs England?
- How does Richard’s treatment of Bolingbroke foreshadow future conflict?
- What theme does Gaunt’s speech on England foreshadow?
- What does Mowbray say about exile?
- What does Richard’s handling of justice suggest about his leadership?
- Who warns Richard about the danger of alienating nobles?
- What political idea does Act 1 establish as central to the play?
- What dramatic tone defines Act 1 overall?