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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 is Lucentio’s destination when he stops for a brief visit in Act I, Scene I?

2. Petruchio claims his father was known throughout which country in Act II, Scene I?

3. Petruchio introduces Hortensio, disguised as a schoolmaster, and tells Baptista that he is from where in Act II, Scene I?

4. Who does Tranio (in disguise) claim is his father in Act II, Scene I?

5. Christopher Sly claims to have “no more doublets than” what in Scene II of the Induction?

Short Essay Questions

1. What can be discerned about Baptista’s daughters from the conversation in Act I, Scene I?

2. Where are Lucentio and Tranio traveling in Act I, Scene I? What conversation do they overhear in this scene?

3. How does Petruchio respond to Hortensio’s warning in Act I, Scene II? What plan do these friends develop?

4. How does the theme of disguise and role-playing apply to the Induction?

5. What is an “induction”? What is the subject of the Induction in The Taming of the Shrew?

6. How does Petruchio describe his plan for dealing with Katharina as he waits to meet her in Act II, Scene I?

7. How would you characterize Tranio’s performance in his disguise in the play?

8. How do Lucentio and Tranio introduce themselves in Act II, Scene I? What do Baptista and Petruchio agree upon in this scene?

9. What characters (in disguise) are introduced in Act I, Scene II?

10. From where does Petruchio arrive in Act I, Scene II? What is his objective in Padua?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of disguise in the play. How many characters have decided to assume disguises in Act I? Why does Lucentio choose to disguise himself to Baptista’s household? Why does Hortensio?

Essay Topic 2

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of The Taming of the Shrew. In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader/audience?

b. How does The Taming of the Shrew compare with other plays written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Shakespeare’s writing?

Essay Topic 3

Analyze and discuss the characters of Christopher Sly, the Lord, the Hostess, and the Servants in the Induction. How is Sly’s appearance described? How wealthy is the Lord, and what is his home like? What are the objectives of each of these characters?

(see the answer keys)

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