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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Chapter 8, the author states that the theaters in London were closed. Why was this the case?
(a) Because of political unrest
(b) Because of financial woes
(c) Because of church sanctions
(d) Because of the plague

2. Will’s plays are considered to be…
(a) Terrible examples of writing
(b) Mere stories
(c) Important religious documents
(d) Deep studies of human nature

3. What situation did Will leave behind in London when he went to Stratford?
(a) A dispute leading to the dismantling and rebuilding of a particular theater
(b) A threat that he was going to be executed for treason
(c) An accusation of embezzlement from the church
(d) An ailing father that was close to death

4. Which play did Will write that contains an important Jewish character (Shylock)?
(a) King Lear
(b) Hamlet
(c) The Merchant of Venice
(d) Othello

5. Which is NOT a description of Christopher Marlowe?
(a) Dedicated to the church
(b) Sexually liberated
(c) Socially and politically outspoken
(d) A drinker and a brawler

6. What did Robert Greene do to criticize Will publicly?
(a) Burned down his house
(b) Complained to the queen about his work
(c) Made a speech criticizing his work
(d) Published a tract criticizing his work

7. To whom did Will leave all of his property in his will?
(a) To his daughter Susanna
(b) To his wife Anne
(c) To his daughter Judith
(d) To his son Hamnet

8. What was the main purpose for Will writing Venus and Adonis?
(a) To make a political statement
(b) To gain favor
(c) To get out of jail
(d) To make a religious statement

9. In Chapter 12, what does the author suggest that Will feared?
(a) Financial ruin
(b) The king's wrath
(c) Fire
(d) Old age

10. Which of Will’s children died?
(a) Susanna
(b) Judith
(c) Hamnet
(d) Anne

11. What genre was NOT produced by both Will and Christopher Marlowe?
(a) Epic poems
(b) Historical dramas
(c) Full-length novels
(d) Plays

12. Which of Will’s tragedies did he write in the latter days of his career?
(a) Romeo and Juliet
(b) Venus and Adonis
(c) King Lear
(d) Twelfth Night

13. Which important person in Will’s life supported the rebellion against the queen led by the Earl of Essex?
(a) Richard Field
(b) Christopher Marlowe
(c) The Earl of Southampton
(d) The Duke of York

14. Which of these prominent playwrights died last?
(a) Shakespeare
(b) Greene
(c) Marlowe
(d) Campion

15. What was Will’s future patron determined NOT to do?
(a) Become ill
(b) Marry
(c) Divorce
(d) Become injured while riding horses

Short Answer Questions

1. Chapter 11 begins with…

2. What happened to the Earl of Essex?

3. Which of Will’s famous tragedies was written during the reign of King James?

4. Which of Will’s plays does the removal of motivation for characters’ actions NOT affect?

5. What theater in London burned down towards the end of Will’s life?

(see the answer keys)

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