View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Petruchio states of Katharina in Act II, Scene I, “If she be curst, it is for policy, / For she's not froward, but modest as” what?

2. Speaking of Katharina, Hortensio says in Act II, Scene I, “Iron may hold with her, but never” what?

3. What is the name of Baptista’s eldest daughter in the play?

4. In Act II, Scene I, Petruchio says of Katharina, “She is not hot, but temperate as” what?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. How is Petruchio’s character generally interpreted in productions of The Taming of the Shrew?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define imagery and discuss examples of animal imagery in The Taming of the Shrew. What was the common conception of the term “shrew” in Shakespeare’s time? What other comparisons are made between Katharina and animals? How does Katharina use animal imagery in her witty retorts to the other characters in the play?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of soliloquies in The Taming of the Shrew. How do these literary/dramatic devices give the reader/audience insight into the characters’ inner thoughts? Are the characters alone on stage while delivering soliloquies? What are famous examples of soliloquies in The Taming of the Shrew?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 862 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample