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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 school does Harry say Nat attends?

2. How can the boys afford to go to the bear pit?

3. Why does Nat run out of the bear pit?

4. Who does Arby say has a Southern accent?

5. Of what does the Company of Boys comprise?

Short Essay Questions

1. How were the boys chosen for the Company of Boys?

2. What does Nat learn about the Globe Theater of 1599?

3. What amazes Nat about London when he is on his way to the Globe?

4. What is happening to the Nat that is transported to 1999?

5. How does Nat make things good between himself and Roper?

6. Where do the apprentices go after classes?

7. How does Nat react to the bear pit?

8. What happens to make Nat feel uncomfortable with his fellow actors?

9. What is the purpose of the games and what does Nat think of some of the games?

10. Where does Nat move in Chapter 10 and who shows him around?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character of Nat. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think he is a protagonist or antagonist? Why

2. Thoroughly discuss the character Shakespeare. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy? Is he portrayed in King of Shadows like you might imagine he was in real life? Why or why not.

3. Thoroughly discuss two other characters of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be enemies?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Compare/contrast Arby and Richard Burbage. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they both protagonists? Antagonists? Or? Are they likable characters? How critical are they to the plot of King of Shadows? Who do you like the most of the two? Why? Do you think they each are critical to the success of King of Shadows?

2. Compare/contrast Nat of 1999 at the beginning of the story with the Nat of 1999 at the end of the story. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they both protagonists? Antagonists? Or? Are they likable characters? How critical are they to the plot of "King of Shadows"? Who do you like the most of the two? Why? Do you think they each are critical to the success of King of Shadows?

3. Compare/contrast Shakespeare and Nat's (of 1999) father. How are they alike? How are they different? Are they both protagonists? Antagonists? Or? Are they likable characters? How critical are they to the plot of "King of Shadows"? Who do you like the most of the two? Why? Do you think they each are critical to the success of "King of Shadows"?

Essay Topic 3

Setting as far as place and time play critical role in "King of Shadows". Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast several aspects of the 2 times where the action takes place--1999 and 1599. Consider things such as cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

2. How do you think "King of Shadows" would change if Nat actually stayed 1599? (You need to research England at the time and see if there are any major differences). Consider if the plague were not an issue. What if he accidentally ended up in a radically different area such as the Orient or Africa?

3. What issues that are present in the 1599 time of "King of Shadows" are still present today? What are no longer issues today? Consider such things cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

4. How would the plot be impacted if the setting were in the United States at the same time period (1599)? Explain the differences.

5. How important do you think it is to understand the setting of a particular book? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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