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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. Where does Jennifer come from to go to Guy's hospital?

2. Why do Gil and Rachel believe Nat's tale about his trip to an earlier time?

3. What kind of mood is Arby in when Nat arrives?

4. What do Gil and Rachel realize is a result of the swap of the two Nats?

5. Who/What will be at the theater if the Queen is in attendance?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Nat feel before the performance and how does Shakespeare help Nat with those feelings?

2. What dos Arby give Nat and what does Nat discover is Arby's full name?

3. Where does Nat awaken in Chapter 17 and what does he find out?

4. Why is Nat worried concerning the political situation and Shakespeare and Burbage?

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

6. 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.

7. What does Nat think is the reason he and the other Nat were not discovered to be impostors?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In order to set up the plot, the writer has to introduce an implausible events. Discuss the following:

1. Research and define the term "narrative contrivance" and give several examples of it from other books and movies you have read.

2. Analyze the the event that seems a bit too far fetched that sets the rest of the story in motion. Is there any way theses "contrivances" could be left out and the plot move forward in much the same way that it does? What other ways are there to have gotten the same results?

3. Is much of fiction in some ways a contrivance? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss the character of Nat. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Do you think he is a protagonist or antagonist? Why

2. Thoroughly discuss the character Shakespeare. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How does he evolve over the course of the story? (or does he?) Is he likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Is he trustworthy? Wise? Would you want him as a friend? As an enemy? Is he portrayed in King of Shadows like you might imagine he was in real life? Why or why not.

3. Thoroughly discuss two other characters of your choosing. What are their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they evolve over the course of the story? (or do they?) Are they likable at the beginning of the story? At the end of the book? Are they trustworthy? Wise? Would you want them as friends? Are they likely to be enemies?

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)

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