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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. What does Shakespeare read to Nat?

2. What is the other book Arby gives Nat?

3. Why does Arby say Shakespeare was sad?

4. What part does Sam Gilbourne play?

5. What is one book Arby gives Nat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Harry explain to Nat about the political climate of that time?

2. What does Nat ask Shakespeare about Nat's choices after St. Paul's and what is Shakespeare's response?

3. What is Nat trying to figure out about his experience over the past week and what does he decide about them?

4. What interests the company about Nat and Roper and how does Nick Tooley put Nat into an awkward position?

5. Describe Nat, Burbage and Shakespeare's interview with Queen Elizabeth I.

6. Why does Nat challenge Arby's authority?

7. Where does Nat awaken in Chapter 17 and what does he find out?

8. How is Sam Gilbourne dressed for his role as Hippolyta?

9. Why is Nat worried concerning the political situation and Shakespeare and Burbage?

10. How do Gil and Rachel respond to Nat's story about his time in 1599?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "King of Shadows".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of King of Shadows. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "King of Shadows". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "King of Shadows", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements of "King of Shadows". (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

King of Shadows ends on a somewhat positive note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are at least three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "King of Shadows" and if it fulfills some or all of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "King of Shadows" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you have wished the ending to be different? Why or why not? Would that have changed what the author wished to convey with the book?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,104 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample