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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what city did Will live next?
(a) London
(b) Stratford
(c) Paris
(d) Paris

2. Who was primarily responsible for the loss of social standing in Will’s family?
(a) Will himself
(b) Will's mother
(c) Will's father
(d) Will's grandfather

3. Why did Will try to avoid writing incriminating documents?
(a) He was afraid of being accused of treason
(b) He was too busy with other things
(c) He did not have much physical strength
(d) He had a personal conviction against this activity

4. In which of Will’s plays are husbands portrayed as neglecting their wives?
(a) King Lear
(b) Julius Caesar
(c) Hamlet
(d) Macbeth

5. Which of these was NOT a major location of recreation in London during Will’s day?
(a) Brothels
(b) Bear-baiting pits
(c) Theaters
(d) Horse tracks

6. Will’s wife was likely of what faith?
(a) Hedonism
(b) Protestantism
(c) Paganism
(d) Roman Catholicism

7. Choose the phrase that most accurately describes Will’s wife.
(a) In poor health
(b) Unstable mentally
(c) Extremely mean
(d) Financially well-to-do

8. What was Will licensed for during the time that he lived in Stratford?
(a) Singing
(b) Dancing
(c) Acting
(d) Nothing

9. Which character in Henry VI led a rebellion against the upper class?
(a) Juliet
(b) Jack Cade
(c) Falstaff
(d) Edgar

10. Chapter 6 begins with a discussion of…
(a) Life in nearby France
(b) Life in the various sections of London
(c) The political climate of Will’s day
(d) The life of Will’s children

11. In which of Will’s plays do characters get married because of an unhealthy obsession?
(a) Macbeth
(b) Othello
(c) Hamlet
(d) Midsummer Night's Dream

12. In which of Will’s plays are there characters of unequal mental or spiritual status?
(a) As You Like It
(b) Romeo and Juliet
(c) Othello
(d) Hamlet

13. Where did Will go, apparently in retreat, shortly after his marriage?
(a) Paris
(b) London
(c) Lancashire
(d) Stratford

14. Which of the following was NOT a difference between Will and his wife?
(a) Age
(b) Religion
(c) Nationality
(d) Financial means

15. What phrase best describes life outside the ancient Roman wall surrounding London in Will’s day?
(a) Filled with recreation areas
(b) Filled with animals
(c) Filled with people from other countries
(d) Filled with prisons

Short Answer Questions

1. What particular aspect did the public want in their plays during Will’s day?

2. Chapter 1 begins with a discussion of…

3. What was John Shakespeare’s primary occupation?

4. Who wrote Tamburlaine the Great?

5. Which of Will’s plays does NOT discuss loss of social status?

(see the answer keys)

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