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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. On whose estate did Will engage in illegal activity?

2. What character in King Lear may reflect the plight of Edmund Campion?

3. What does Tamburlaine the Great contain that impacted Will’s own writing?

4. Where did Will go, apparently in retreat, shortly after his marriage?

5. Which of Will’s plays does NOT include a reference to gloves?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who was Will’s wife? What was her financial standing? What religious preference did she likely have?

2. Describe how Will’s father, John Shakespeare, influenced Will’s exposure to theater at a young age.

3. What was a remarkable characteristic about the villain Tamburlaine in Tamburlaine the Great? Why was this characteristic remarkable?

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. What are some possible reasons for Will’s leaving Stratford and going to London?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Will’s father and mother. Who were they? What information is given about them? In your opinion, did they have a major impact on Will’s later career as a playwright? Give at least one specific example to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Define the environment of Will’s early years. What are some specifics of his early education? What is the town like in which he grew up? What impact did his education and the atmosphere of his town have on his theatrical works?

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