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. Bianca begs Katharina to unbind what in Act II, Scene I?

2. Where does Baptista invite his guests to take a walk before dinner in Act II, Scene I?

3. Christopher Sly claims that the Slys are no rogues and that they came in with whom in Scene I of the Induction?

4. What does Katharina claim “are made to bear, and so are you” in Act II, Scene I?

5. By what name does Gremio introduce Lucentio (in disguise) in Act II, Scene I?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How would you characterize Tranio’s performance in his disguise in the play?

6. How does Petruchio introduce himself in Act II, Scene I?

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

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

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

10. How is Petruchio’s character generally interpreted in productions of The Taming of the Shrew?

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

Describe and analyze the setting of the Induction. Where is Christopher Sly first discovered? Where does Christopher Sly claim to hail from? In what country is Wincot located? How does this setting differ from that of the main action of the play?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss the characters of Hortensio and Gremio in the play. How wealthy are each of these suitors? Does Baptista show preference of one suitor over the other for his daughter’s hand in marriage? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 821 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample