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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 Pericles have to flee Greece at the beginning of the story?

2. What is Sebastian doing the last time Voila sees him in the shipwreck in Twelfth Night?

3. What god's temple does Thaisa go to in Ephesus to be a priestess?

4. What disguise does the Duke maintain while Angelo is in power in Measure for Measure?

5. Who acts as go-between for Othello's wooing of Desdemona?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Pericles lose Thaisa at sea?

3. What wager is involved in the final part of Taming of the Shrew?

4. Why does Hamlet kill Polonius?

5. How does Timon of Athens lose faith in mankind?

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

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

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

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

10. How does Helena trick Bertram out of his ring in All's Well That Ends Well?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Love is a frequent theme of Shakespeare's narratives, but love in his comedies is markedly different from love in his tragedies. Write an essay comparing the way couples interact in Shakespearean comedy and tragedy. What does the courtship - provided it is shown - look like? Is deception involved? In comedies, why does Shakespeare always end after the marriage? What occurs after the marriage in Shakespeare's tragedies? What does this say about Shakespeare's attitude toward the institution of marriage?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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