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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. Petruchio complains that the meat for dinner is what in Act IV, Scene I?

2. Biondello tells Baptista that Petruchio is wearing a pair of boots that have been what in Act III, Scene II?

3. Biondello tells Lucentio that the old priest from what church is at his command at all hours in Act IV, Scene IV?

4. What does the Tailor bring in for Petruchio to view in Act IV, Scene III?

5. What city does the Pedant say is “renowned for grave citizens” in Act IV, Scene II?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Petruchio and Katharina argue about during their travels in Act IV, Scene V?

2. How is the theme of appearance and reality illustrated in Act III?

3. How would you characterize the Pedant in Act IV?

4. What happens when the Haberdasher and Tailor arrive at Petruchio’s house in Act IV, Scene III?

5. How do Hortensio’s objectives change in Act IV, Scene II? Why?

6. How does Petruchio treat Katharina differently than the other characters in the play?

7. How does Petruchio describe his treatment of his bride in the end of Act IV, Scene I?

8. How does Baptista respond to Petruchio’s appearance in Act III, Scene II? Why?

9. Where do Petruchio and Katharina arrive in Act IV, Scene I? How is Petruchio’s behavior characterized?

10. What conversation takes place between Tranio, Lucentio, and Bianca in Act IV, Scene II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the characters of Hortensio and Gremio in the play. How wealthy are each of these suitors? Does Baptista show preference of one suitor over the other for his daughter’s hand in marriage? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Personal Rivalries in The Taming of the Shrew

a. Discuss the rivalries for Bianca’s hand in marriage in the play. Who seeks to court Bianca? What plots do these suitors develop in order to achieve their goals?

b. Discuss the sibling rivalry between Katharina and Bianca in the narrative. Why does Katharina resent her sister? How are Bianca’s feeling for Katharina illustrated in the play?

(see the answer keys)

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