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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. Why does Mamillius fall ill?

2. What does Polixenes worry happens to his kingdom if he stays away too long?

3. How does Paulina get past the lords to enter into the king's presence?

4. What type of play does Shakespeare list "The Winter's Tale" as?

5. What does Paulina think causes the king to see his mistake?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the old shepherd complaining about when he first enters?

2. What do Autolycus and the gentlemen talk about in Act five, scene two?

3. How does Paulina plan to convince the king of Hermione's innocence?

4. What prompts Leontes to say that he is king, and doesn't require any advice?

5. Where are Cleomenes and Dion, and how long are they gone?

6. What does Hermione say in Antigonus' dream?

7. Who plays Time?

8. What is the king waiting for before killing the queen?

9. What does Time say about Perdita?

10. What does the old shepherd think when he happens upon the baby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the characters use costumes and disguises throughout the play. How do the costumes and disguises contribute to the play? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Using examples from the play, answer the following question: What genre of play is "The Winter's Tale"?

Essay Topic 3

What is the symbolism of the weather in the play? Cite specific examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 586 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample