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

2. What gift does Tranio (in disguise) bestow upon Baptista in Act II, Scene I?

3. What word from Act II, Scene I means leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal?

4. What does Lucentio decide to disguise himself as in order to be close to Bianca in Act I, Scene I?

5. What is the name of Petruchio’s recently deceased father in the play?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the theme of gender roles apply in the Induction of The Taming of the Shrew?

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

3. What plot do Lucentio and Tranio concoct in Act I, Scene I? What is their objective with this scheme?

4. What is an “induction”? What is the subject of the Induction in The Taming of the Shrew?

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

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

7. What possible causes are illustrated for Katharina’s personality traits in Act II?

8. From where does Petruchio arrive in Act I, Scene II? What is his objective in Padua?

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

10. What characters (in disguise) are introduced in Act I, Scene II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the characters of Petruchio and Grumio in the narrative. What brings Petruchio to Padua? Who is Petruchio’s friend? What plan does Petruchio develop in order to meet Katharina? How does Petruchio agree to help Hortensio in his plot to get closer to Bianca?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 816 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample