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

Short Answer Questions

1. Chapter 5 ends with a discussion of…

2. Who is NOT an example of a villainous character in Will’s later work that stemmed from exposure to plays in his younger years?

3. What object did Will finally obtain that was a status symbol for his family?

4. Will attended a school that was most likely for…

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the political climate in London during Will’s day. How were “traitors” treated?

2. What influence did Will’s education have on his later work as a playwright?

3. Describe the prevalent attitude of theater owners during this time. What was their primary concern?

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

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

6. What was the character of John Shakespeare? Was he an upstanding citizen?

7. It is interesting to note that Will had an aversion to producing signed documents. Why was this the case?

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

9. In Will’s day, what was London like inside the ancient Roman wall that surrounded the city? What was London like outside that same wall?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the religious and political climate of England in Will’s day. How were religion and politics related? Was there complete freedom in religion and politics? Why or why not? Give two specific examples to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Describe Will’s own family life. Did he have children? What were their names? How did he appear to feel about his children? Did he enjoy parenting? What choices did he make to illustrate how he felt about his children?

Essay Topic 3

Define some main themes of Will’s works. What are two main themes that are consistently seen throughout Will’s theatrical works? Why, in your opinion, does he choose each of these themes? What might have influenced him in selecting these themes? List a play that exemplifies each of the themes you have chosen to discuss.

(see the answer keys)

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