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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In which of Will’s plays are there characters of unequal mental or spiritual status?
(a) Othello
(b) Hamlet
(c) Romeo and Juliet
(d) As You Like It

2. The urgency of Will’s marriage is reflected in two characters from which of his plays?
(a) Macbeth
(b) King Lear
(c) Romeo and Juliet
(d) Henry IV

3. What was John Shakespeare’s primary occupation?
(a) Glove maker
(b) Builder
(c) Priest
(d) Teacher

4. What particular aspect did the public want in their plays during Will’s day?
(a) Honesty
(b) Romance
(c) Human dignity
(d) Violence

5. Which play is presented in Chapter 5 as portraying Will’s empathy with citizens of the lower classes?
(a) Henry IV
(b) Romeo and Juliet
(c) King Lear
(d) Henry VI

Short Answer Questions

1. What play did Will likely see upon his arrival in London?

2. Who wrote Tamburlaine the Great?

3. In his plays, Will defined love as…

4. What phrase best describes life outside the ancient Roman wall surrounding London in Will’s day?

5. Chapter 1 focuses largely on the importance of…

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was Richard Field? Why was Will’s relationship with him important?

2. What was Tamburlaine the Great? Who wrote it? Why was it significant?

3. Who was Will’s wife? What was her financial standing? What religious preference did she likely have?

4. List 3 popular forms of entertainment in London during Will’s time.

5. What types of things would Will have needed to learn in order to be a successful actor in his day?

6. Describe how Will’s father, John Shakespeare, influenced Will’s exposure to theater at a young age.

7. Discuss the possible reason for Will’s hasty marriage and identify which of Will’s plays reflects the same urgency between a male and female character.

8. Was it dangerous for people to travel by road in Will’s day? What did they need for safe passage?

9. Describe the general feelings towards Roman Catholics during the England of Will’s day.

10. What are some possible reasons for Will’s leaving Stratford and going to London?

(see the answer keys)

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