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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. Who is quite animated when acting?

2. Who is Mistress Fawcett?

3. What does Nat fight as the days go by?

4. Where is Nat when he wakes in Chapter 4?

5. Who does Arby say has a Southern accent?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who arrives at Shakespeare's home and forces his way upstairs to talk about what?

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

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

4. What does Nat learn about an upcoming visit from the Queen and what does he have to do regarding the news?

5. What are some of the things that seem different to Nat when he wakes?

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

7. What is the Company of Boys doing in 1999 at the opening of the book?

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

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

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

In the world of academia, historical fiction is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think historical fiction might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think historical fiction has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposes for people reading historical fiction? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read historical fiction even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

King of Shadows ends on a somewhat positive note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are at least three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "King of Shadows" and if it fulfills some or all of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "King of Shadows" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you have wished the ending to be different? Why or why not? Would that have changed what the author wished to convey with the book?

Essay Topic 3

Many books are often made into a movie based upon the book. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think you would enjoy watching a film based upon "King of Shadows"? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the subject matter would be more difficult or easier to portray in film versus in the book? Explain your reasoning.

3. Would you allow your high school-aged son or daughter (imagining you have one) to view the film? Explain your answer.

4. How do you think the movie would differ from the book? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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