View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was a possible hindrance for Will’s traveling to London at this time?

2. Involvement with what local group established the groundwork for Will’s later work in London?

3. What illegal activity was Will possibly involved in?

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

5. What appears to be a driving force behind Will’s hasty marriage?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why would John Shakespeare’s fall into disrepute have been bothersome to Will?

3. Did Will ever refer to Anne in his writings? Why or why not?

4. Did Will and his wife have a happy, fulfilling marriage? Discuss evidences to support your answer.

5. Why did John Shakespeare try to purchase a coat of arms for his family? Was he successful?

6. Who was Sir Thomas Lucy? What was Will’s relationship with him?

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

8. In what language was Will’s education conducted? Was this common?

9. Who was Edmund Campion? What faith was he devoted to?

10. Who was Will’s mother? What was her family background?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Will’s marriage to Anne Hathaway. What were the circumstances of their meeting and urgent marriage? Did Will appear to have a happy marriage? Why or why not? Give an example from his early life and one from his later life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Define Will’s position in the theatrical world. What was the general opinion of Will and his work during his time? How was his work received in England? What is the general opinion of Will and his work now? How is he perceived in the theatrical community now? What, in your opinion, is the primary reason for his success or failure?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Robert Greene and his feelings towards Will. Who exactly was Robert Greene? What was his position in London society? How did he know about Will? What were Greene’s feelings towards Will? What did he do to express those feelings?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 769 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample