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. What word does Katharina use in Act II, Scene I meaning a conceited, foolish dandy?

2. Speaking in soliloquy, Petruchio states in Act II, Scene I, “Say that she rail; why then I'll tell her plain / She sings as sweetly as” what?

3. What is Katharina’s response when Petruchio asks her in Act II, Scene I, “Why, what’s a moveable?”

4. How many “vile terms” does Hortensio say Katharina called him in Act II, Scene I?

5. What word from the stage directions in Scene II of the Induction refers to instruments or accessories?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the theme of appearance and reality manifest in the Induction and Act I?

2. How do Lucentio and Tranio introduce themselves in Act II, Scene I? What do Baptista and Petruchio agree upon in this scene?

3. How does Petruchio describe his plan for dealing with Katharina as he waits to meet her in Act II, Scene I?

4. How is Katharina’s character established as “shrewish” in Act II?

5. How does Petruchio respond to Hortensio’s warning in Act I, Scene II? What plan do these friends develop?

6. How does the character of Petruchio feel about social conventions?

7. What does Petruchio announce after his meeting with Katharina when Baptista returns in Act II, Scene I?

8. What takes place between Katharina and Bianca in the opening of Act II?

9. What takes place during Katharina and Petruchio’s first meeting in Act II, Scene I?

10. What can be discerned about Baptista’s daughters from the conversation in Act I, Scene I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze and discuss the characters of Christopher Sly, the Lord, the Hostess, and the Servants in the Induction. How is Sly’s appearance described? How wealthy is the Lord, and what is his home like? What are the objectives of each of these characters?

Essay Topic 2

Personal Rivalries in The Taming of the Shrew

a. Discuss the rivalries for Bianca’s hand in marriage in the play. Who seeks to court Bianca? What plots do these suitors develop in order to achieve their goals?

b. Discuss the sibling rivalry between Katharina and Bianca in the narrative. Why does Katharina resent her sister? How are Bianca’s feeling for Katharina illustrated in the play?

Essay Topic 3

Define and discuss “subtext” and “innuendo” in literature and drama. What are examples of sexual innuendo between Katharina and Petruchio in their first meeting? What does the subtext in this scene reveal to the audience/reader? Is subtext easier to identify when reading or viewing the play?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 834 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample