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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. Polixenes says that, as children, what sin does he and Leontes commit?

2. Who refuses to allow Paulina to see Hermione?

3. How does Archidamus plan on making up for what is lacking at his home?

4. At the end of Act three, scene one, what do the men get to make their journey home faster?

5. Why does Leontes believe he has to kill his wife?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Leontes and Polixenes meet each other again, for the first time since Polixenes fled Sicilia?

2. What is Paulina's response to the king's claim that he has her burnt by fire?

3. What does Hermione say in Antigonus' dream?

4. What reason does Florizel give for not buying Perdita gifts from the peddler?

5. Why does Antigonus want his daughters sterilized?

6. Why does Hermione play a statue, rather than reveal she is alive?

7. How is Leontes planning to have his revenge on Hermione and Polixenes?

8. Why does Camillo want to return to Sicilia?

9. What do Cleomenes and Dion hope the outcome of Hermione's trial is?

10. What is the history behind the friendship of the kings?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Hermione's action, pretending to be dead for so many years, a justifiable reaction to Leontes treatment of her? Why or why not? Cite specific 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 Perdita's flowers? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 634 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample