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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. Speaking in soliloquy, Petruchio states in Act II, Scene I, “Say that she rail; why then I'll tell her plain / She sings as sweetly as” what?

2. The setting of Scene I of the Induction takes place where?

3. Where does Baptista invite his guests to take a walk before dinner in Act II, Scene I?

4. What is Katharina’s response when Petruchio asks her in Act II, Scene I, “Why, what’s a moveable?”

5. By what saint does Petruchio swear in Act II, Scene I?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What takes place between Katharina and Bianca in the opening of Act II?

3. How does the theme of gender roles apply in the Induction of The Taming of the Shrew?

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

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

6. Who is Christopher Sly? What events surround him in Scene I of the Induction?

7. What takes place during Katharina and Petruchio’s first meeting in Act II, Scene I?

8. How does the character of Petruchio feel about social conventions?

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

10. How does Petruchio introduce himself in Act II, Scene I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gender Roles in The Taming of the Shrew

a. Discuss the differences and similarities between male and female roles in the play. What are the expectations for women and men? How do these expectations differ based on gender?

b. How do critics perceive Katharina’s transition in the play? Do you agree or disagree with these views? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Define and discuss “subtext” and “innuendo” in literature and drama. What are examples of sexual innuendo between Katharina and Petruchio in their first meeting? What does the subtext in this scene reveal to the audience/reader? Is subtext easier to identify when reading or viewing the play?

Essay Topic 3

Define and discuss character “action” and “objective” in literature and drama. What is Petruchio’s objective in Act II? What actions does he take in order to achieve that objective? How does Petruchio use “reverse psychology” to achieve his goals?

(see the answer keys)

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