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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. Why is Shakespeare nervous as he dresses himself in Chapter 13?

2. What is one thing that worries Nat?

3. What character will Nat play next summer with the Company of Boys?

4. What does Nat compare when he is able to go back to rehearsals?

5. What does the audience yell at Nat as he is playing Puck?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 12, who arrives at Guy's Hospital and what does the person learn?

2. What unexpected thing happens as Nat is acting and what is the outcome?

3. What is Nat trying to figure out about himself and what are the other apprentices trying to figure out about Nat while they are celebrating at a tavern.

4. What does Shakespeare tell Nat about soldiers in the theater and what happens with that situation?

5. Describe Nat, Burbage and Shakespeare's interview with Queen Elizabeth I.

6. How do Gil and Rachel believe Nat Field of 1999 saved Shakespeare's life?

7. What does Nat ask Shakespeare about Nat's choices after St. Paul's and what is Shakespeare's response?

8. Why does Nat argue with Arby about Nat's exit and what does Nat do?

9. What do Nat, Gil and Rachel learn about the Nat Field of 1599?

10. Why does Nat challenge Arby's authority?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. 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 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 that of two other characters and to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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