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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. Which best describes the theme of Venus and Adonis?
(a) A treatise on parenting
(b) A tangle of romantic expression
(c) A spiritual quest
(d) A political intrigue

2. Which monarch ascended to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth?
(a) King James I
(b) King Richard II
(c) Queen Elizabeth II
(d) King Henry IV

3. What phrase best describes the Earl of Southampton?
(a) Religious
(b) Focused on traveling
(c) Self-indulgent
(d) In poor health

4. In Chapter 9, who was the reigning monarch of England?
(a) King James
(b) Queen Catherine
(c) King Henry
(d) Queen Elizabeth

5. In England during Will’s day, many Jews had superficially converted to which religion?
(a) Paganism
(b) Christianity
(c) Hinduism
(d) Buddhism

Short Answer Questions

1. Which is NOT a description of Will?

2. Which description of Sir John Falstaff is NOT reflective of the people on whom his character is based?

3. Which of Will’s children experienced marital troubles?

4. What did Robert Greene do to criticize Will publicly?

5. Which of Will’s plays was being performed during the rebellion by the Earl of Essex?

Short Essay Questions

1. In which of his plays did Will make fun of the works of the members of the prominent group of playwrights in London?

2. What great tragedy did Will write in the latter part of his life that centered around a father-daughter relationship?

3. In Chapter 10, the author discusses a personal tragedy that occurred in Will’s life. What was this tragedy? Where did Will go after this tragedy occurred?

4. Which character did Will create that seemed to be a reflection of his experiences with both Christopher Marlowe and Robert Greene? What is one trait of this character?

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

6. How did Robert Greene feel about Will? What did Greene do to express his feelings?

7. Chapter 9 describes how Queen Elizabeth’s doctor was executed publicly. How did the watching crowd respond? How did this response affect Will’s later works?

8. What are two main innovations present in Hamlet?

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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