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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. Who exits with Petruchio and Katharina in Act III, Scene II?

2. What does Grumio say “have eaten the horses” in Act III, Scene II?

3. Whom is the Pedant disguised as in Act IV Scene IV?

4. A Servant enters and bids Bianca to help dress what room in the end of Act III, Scene I?

5. When Petruchio and company enter after the wedding in Act III, Scene II, Petruchio claims that he must leave before when?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is the character of Grumio characterized in the play? What is Grumio’s relationship to language?

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

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

5. Why is Bianca sought after by so many suitors in the play? How does Bianca’s characterization relate to Katharina’s?

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

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. How does Petruchio appear when he arrives at the wedding in Act III, Scene II? Why?

10. How is Petruchio and Katharina’s retirement to the bedchamber described in Act IV, Scene I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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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