View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Nat move in Chapter 10?

2. What does Nat hear as he is going to practice on his first day?

3. For what skills does Arby particularly admire Nat?

4. Where do some of the boys live when they are in London?

5. Who does Arby say has a Southern accent?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Nat recite for his speaking class and who congratulates him after the recitation?

2. With whom does Nat live in London and how does he feel about them?

3. How do Arby and Gill have a small confrontation and what is the result?

4. Why does Shakespeare step in between Nat and Roper and what is the consequence of his doing so?

5. How does Nat feel about being in the late 16th century and how does Roper make it even worse?

6. Why does Arby kick one of the boys out of the company?

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

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

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

10. What happens with Nat in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of love throughout King of Shadows. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with love? Why? What are some symbols of love? Symbols of hate or dislike? What characters seem most loving? Least loving?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of grief throughout "King of Shadows". What characters are most concerned with grief? Why? What are some symbols of grief? How do the characters handle grief?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of politics throughout "King of Shadows". What characters are most involved in politics? Why? What are some symbols of politics? Symbols of power? Why are some of the ways different characters express their political involvement?

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

Many readers of a book such as "King of Shadows" place themselves in the position of someone like Nat, wondering about what their response would be in a similar situation. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as the King of Shadows help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading King of Shadows? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "King of Shadows" to discuss and compare Nat's response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,085 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample