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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. How many books mention the earlier Nat Field?

2. Who tells Jennifer she cannot see Nat?

3. Upon whose behalf does Burbage plead mercy?

4. Why is the earlier era Nat kept isolated in the hospital for a week?

5. Where is Nat in Chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

1. What intrigues Nurse Stevens about the Nat she is caring for in the isolation unit?

2. How do Gil and Rachel respond to Nat's story about his time in 1599?

3. How does Nat please Sam Gilbourne?

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

5. What secret does Arby reveal to Nat?

6. What is Nat trying to figure out about his experience over the past week and what does he decide about them?

7. What do Nat and his aunt Jen decide to do?

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

9. What interests the company about Nat and Roper and how does Nick Tooley put Nat into an awkward position?

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

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

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

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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