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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 have Romeo and Juliet never met before the ball?

2. Why is Bertram called back to court at the beginning of All's Well That Ends Well?

3. In All's Well That Ends Well, what must Helena do to gain Bertrand's hand in marriage?

4. What is in the dishes Timon serves his friends?

5. Why does Pericles go to Ephesus at the end of the story?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are both twins married at the end of Twelfth Night?

2. Why is Hamlet dissolute at the beginning of the story?

3. How does Pericles lose Thaisa at sea?

4. In Pericles, how does Marina become a slave?

5. Describe Iago's revenge against Othello.

6. What plot does Claudius concoct to be rid of Hamlet at the end of the story?

7. Why does Hamlet kill Polonius?

8. What challenge does Bertram make to Helena in All's Well That Ends Well?

9. What are the marriages that end Measure for Measure?

10. Why does the Duke of Vienna give up power at the beginning of Measure for Measure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Shakespeare's day, sea travel was the most common form of extended travel, particularly in the Mediterranean. As such, ship travel and ship wrecks play an important role in his plays as drivers of narrative. Write an essay, citing three stories, of the use of maritime travel in Shakespeare. How does sea travel offer narrative opportunities that land travel does not? Why do so many stories begin with a shipwreck? What narrative needs does he shipwreck provide?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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

(see the answer keys)

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