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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 does Olivia confuse Sebastian and Viola in Twelfth Night?

2. In Measure for Measure the law citizens of Vienna are constantly breaking concerns what?

3. What is Isabel supposed to do the day she pleads to Angelo in Measure for Measure?

4. Whom does Hamlet accidentally kill in Gertrude's bedchamber?

5. What does the King of France give Helena her choice of in All's Well That Ends Well?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Petruchio tame Katharine on their wedding day?

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

3. What happens when Viola, in disguise, goes to Olivia on Orsino's behalf?

4. How does Pericles lose Thaisa at sea?

5. How does Helena become betrothed to Bertram in the beginning of All's Well That Ends Well?

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

7. Why is Othello summoned before the Duke of Venice for his marriage?

8. Describe Iago's revenge against Othello.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Many Shakespearean stories involve an individual attempting to subvert a social structure: Macbeth, Othello, Shylock, Hamlet, Katharine. Write an essay about three such characters and discuss how this attempt progresses in the story. Why does this character choose to subvert this system? What does he or she want to achieve, and what subversive actions does he or she take? How does this character end up as a result?

Essay Topic 3

Shakespeare's comedies are driven often by a sense of confusion and mistaken identity. People are not who they appear to be. In an essay, compare three comedies that make frequent use of mistaken identity to drive the plot. Is the confusion manufactured or accidental? Does it cause pain to anyone involved? How is it resolved, and are all the mysteries solved?

Part 1) Much Ado About Nothing

Part 2) Comedy of Errors

Part 3) Twelfth Night

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