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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 relative does Lysander plan to flee to with his beloved in A Midsummer Night's Dream?

2. What item does Iachomo want to gain from Posthumus when they meet in Cymbeline?

3. At the beginning of The Winter's Tale, what does Leontes order regarding his new daughter?

4. What do Goneril and Regan immediately deny King Lear after he has given up his crown?

5. At the beginning of King Lear, Cordelia says she loves her father to what extent?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are Orlando and Oliver reconciled in As You Like It?

2. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, how does Oberon change the hearts of the Athenian youths?

3. How does Oliver try to kill Orlando in As You Like It?

4. What bad decision does Antonio make regarding borrowing money in Merchant of Venice?

5. How are Cordelia and Lear reunited?

6. In The Winter's Tale, how does Paulita convince the king of Bohemia to let her marry his son?

7. How do Antonio and Shylock lend money differently in Merchant of Venice?

8. How does Proteus betray his friend Valentine in Two Gentlemen of Verona?

9. How does Prospero find Ariel in The Tempest?

10. Why is Posthumus banished at the beginning of Cymbeline?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of Shakespeare's stories take place in the court of ruling people. In such stories - like Cymbeline, Macbeth, King Lear, or Hamlet - the acquisition power is the driver of conflict. Write an essay charting the way power changes hands in three such stories. Who loses power who should control it? What usurper or group of usurpers takes power, and how is this unnatural acquisition reighted by the end of the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Shakespeare's comedies involve betrayal and reconciliation between family members and friends. Write an essay about three comedies and discuss how friends and family members betray each other. What compels them to do this? What is the fallout from this betrayal? Discuss what events occur that lead to reconciliation among them? What does this redemption say about the nature of friendship, family and love?

Part 1) The Winter's Tale

Part 2) Two Gentlemen of Verona

Part 3) As You Like It

Essay Topic 3

Shakespeare's stories often involve a divide between the town - with its merchants and political squabbles - and the country, a setting of ease and merriment. Citing specific stories from the text, discuss in an essay how Shakespeare uses this divide in his stories. What can occur in the country that cannot in the town? How are interactions different? Why do people choose to - or are forced to - leave the city? Do comedies or tragedies use this device more often?

(see the answer keys)

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