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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. What explanation is there for why Nat Field did not see Shakespeare again?

2. What does Nat worry about as far as St. Paul's school is concerned?

3. What was needed for someone to travel back to Shakespeare's time?

4. What is the other book Arby gives Nat?

5. Who compliments Burbage for his costume?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What is the audience's response to Sam's entrance onstage?

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

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

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

10. How does Richard help Nat prepare for Nat's role as Puck and how does Nat feel when he is ready?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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