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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 8 focuses mostly on Will’s…

2. Which member of the important group of playwrights in London was particularly opposed to Will’s success?

3. To whom did Will leave all of his property in his will?

4. Who did the Earl of Southampton eventually marry?

5. In which of Will’s plays does Sir John Falstaff appear?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe the prominent group of playwrights in London during Will’s day. Name two of the members of this group.

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

5. What was Will’s response to the fact that Richard II was not well-received by Queen Elizabeth?

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. Who was the Earl of Southampton? What impact did he have on Will’s career?

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

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

10. Why did Will return to Stratford in the latter years of his life?

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

Describe the author’s opinion of Will throughout the book. Would you say that Greenblatt is a fan of Will and his work? What opinion does Greenblatt seem to have of Will’s decisions throughout his life? Does Greenblatt’s opinion of Will change your own opinion of Will?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Will’s move to London. What might have provoked his move to London? Why was this move important to his career? What are two specific things that happened in London that had a major impact on Will’s career as a playwright?

(see the answer keys)

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