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. Which of Will’s plays was being performed during the rebellion by the Earl of Essex?

2. What play did Will write shortly after Richard II that is one of his most remarkable achievements?

3. What was another significant innovation in Hamlet that refers to the development of the play’s characters?

4. What genre was NOT produced by both Will and Christopher Marlowe?

5. What object did Will leave to his wife after his death?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Chapter 9 describes how Queen Elizabeth’s doctor was executed publicly. How did the watching crowd respond? How did this response affect Will’s later works?

4. When did Will die? Where was he buried?

5. What Jewish character did Will create that plays a central role in his play The Merchant of Venice? What play did Christopher Marlowe write that is about a Jew?

6. In Chapter 10, the author discusses a personal tragedy that occurred in Will’s life. What was this tragedy? Where did Will go after this tragedy occurred?

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

8. Why was Will’s removal of explained motivation for the actions of his characters important?

9. What are two main innovations present in Hamlet?

10. Describe Will’s relationship with the Earl of Southampton.

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 attitude in England regarding religious freedom. Was there religious freedom? Which faith was persecuted? Which faith was preferred? What was the fate of those who did not comply with the preferred religious preferences? How did this tension impact Will’s life?

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)

This section contains 728 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample