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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 suggests the apprentices go to the bear pit?

2. What does Nat find comforting even in the heat of an argument?

3. Who is quite animated when acting?

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

5. Who intends to give Nat private rehearsal time?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where do the apprentices go after classes?

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

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

5. What does Arby forbid the boys to do and how does Nat react to Arby's guidance?

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

7. How does Nat increase his acting skills, in particular playing the character of Puck?

8. Where does Nat wake in the beginning of Chapter 4?

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

10. How does Roper conspire to make Nat look bad?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "King of Shadows", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements of "King of Shadows". (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "King of Shadows". Questions that Cooper might want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Cooper's agenda (for example Nat's father's suicide). Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Cooper's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Cooper and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "King of Shadows".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of King of Shadows. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "King of Shadows". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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