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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. Which description does NOT fit the members of the important group of playwrights in London during Will’s day?

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

3. What theater in London burned down towards the end of Will’s life?

4. Which of these was another prominent playwright (and likely the leader) within the theater community of Will’s day?

5. What situation did Will leave behind in London when he went to Stratford?

Short Essay Questions

1. What were the provisions of Will’s will? What object did he leave to his wife?

2. What are two main innovations present in Hamlet?

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

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

5. What happened to Will’s financial standing after the production of Hamlet? What was Will able to purchase for his family?

6. In which of his plays did Will make fun of the works of the members of the prominent group of playwrights in London?

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

8. 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?

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

10. How did Christopher Marlowe die? What is a speculative theory regarding his death?

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 Will’s relationship with the Earl of Southampton. Who was the Earl? How did Will meet him? Why was the Earl important to Will’s career? What personal relationship, if any, did Will have with the Earl? Give one specific example illustrating your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the influential group of playwrights that lived in London during Will’s day. What were the names of two of the members of this group? What characteristics did these men exhibit? Did Will fit in with this group? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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