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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. Who did the Earl of Southampton eventually marry?
(a) One of the queen’s maids
(b) A princess from France
(c) Will’s daughter
(d) Will’s sister

2. What did Will buy for his family in Stratford during this time?
(a) A large home
(b) A family sword
(c) A horse and carriage
(d) A flock of sheep

3. What was the watching public’s response to the execution of Queen Elizabeth’s personal doctor?
(a) Sympathetic pity
(b) Great remorse
(c) Cruel laughter
(d) Massive fear

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

5. Which young aristocrat eventually became Will’s patron?
(a) King Henry
(b) The Earl of Stratford
(c) Queen Elizabeth
(d) The Earl of Southampton

Short Answer Questions

1. What name was given to Will’s troupe during the reign of King James?

2. Which best describes the theme of Venus and Adonis?

3. In Chapter 8, the author states that the theaters in London were closed. Why was this the case?

4. What did Will and Christopher Marlowe have in common?

5. Which play did Will write that contains an important Jewish character (Shylock)?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was Will’s removal of explained motivation for the actions of his characters important?

2. Who defended Will and his work after the criticism voiced by Robert Greene? Why might this person have defended Will?

3. Describe why Will’s play Richard II was not well-received by Queen Elizabeth.

4. Who was the Earl of Southampton? What impact did he have on Will’s career?

5. What Jewish character did Will create that plays a central role in his play The Merchant of Venice? What play did Christopher Marlowe write that is about a Jew?

6. What are two main innovations present in Hamlet?

7. In what ways were Christopher Marlowe and Will similar?

8. Who ascended to the throne after Queen Elizabeth died? Why was this monarch important to Will’s career?

9. Why did Will not fit in with the prominent group of playwrights in London? How were they different from him?

10. What were some main differences between Will and Christopher Marlowe?

(see the answer keys)

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