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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. By what name does Petruchio introduce Hortensio (in disguise) in Act II?

2. What instrument do the Players sound in Scene I of the Induction?

3. Tranio (in disguise) claims to come and make himself suitor to whom in Act II, Scene I?

4. What is the setting for Act II?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Petruchio respond to Baptista’s stipulations in Act II, Scene I?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. What matter of business does Baptista attend to after agreeing to Katharina’s marriage in Act II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss Katharina’s mindset in the beginning of Act III, Scene II. Why is Katharina upset? Whom does Katharina blame for her humiliation? Why? How do the other characters respond to the situation?

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?

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