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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. What circumstance heavily influenced the writing of Hamlet?
(a) Will’s impending death
(b) The birth of Will’s daughter
(c) The death of Will’s wife
(d) The death of Will’s son

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

3. Which of Will’s children experienced marital troubles?
(a) Judith
(b) Anne
(c) Hamnet
(d) Susanna

4. 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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who did the Earl of Southampton eventually marry?

2. Where was Will buried?

3. In what year did Will die?

4. What did Will buy for his family in Stratford during this time?

5. What was the watching public’s response to the execution of Queen Elizabeth’s personal doctor?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was the Globe? What was its significance? Why was it moved to another location?

3. What was Will’s response to the fact that 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. How did Christopher Marlowe die? What is a speculative theory regarding his death?

6. 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?

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

8. What happened to Will’s financial standing after the production of Hamlet? What was Will able to purchase for his family?

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

10. What are two main innovations present in Hamlet?

(see the answer keys)

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