![]() |
Name: _________________________ | Period: ___________________ |
This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Act I, Scene I of The Taming of the Shrew is set in a public place in what city?
2. Petruchio claims to be a gentleman from where when he introduces himself in Act II, Scene I?
3. What is the name of Baptista’s eldest daughter in the play?
4. Whom does “the shrew” refer to in the play?
5. Tranio (in disguise) claims to come and make himself suitor to whom in Act II, Scene I?
Short Essay Questions
1. How is Petruchio’s character generally interpreted in productions of The Taming of the Shrew?
2. What possible causes are illustrated for Katharina’s personality traits in Act II?
3. Where are Lucentio and Tranio traveling in Act I, Scene I? What conversation do they overhear in this scene?
4. How does the theme of disguise and role-playing apply to the Induction?
5. How is Katharina’s character established as “shrewish” in Act II?
6. What can be discerned about Baptista’s daughters from the conversation in Act I, Scene I?
7. How would you characterize Tranio’s performance in his disguise in the play?
8. What plot do Lucentio and Tranio concoct in Act I, Scene I? What is their objective with this scheme?
9. How does the character of Petruchio feel about social conventions?
10. How does Petruchio respond to Hortensio’s warning in Act I, Scene II? What plan do these friends develop?
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
Define and discuss character “action” and “objective” in literature and drama. What is Petruchio’s objective in Act II? What actions does he take in order to achieve that objective? How does Petruchio use “reverse psychology” to achieve his goals?
Essay Topic 3
Discuss the theme of disguise in the play. How many characters have decided to assume disguises in Act I? Why does Lucentio choose to disguise himself to Baptista’s household? Why does Hortensio?
This section contains 778 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
![]() |