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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which character in Will’s Titus Andronicus was treated in a particularly horrific way?
(a) Lavinia
(b) Juliet
(c) Falstaff
(d) King Lear

2. What object did Will finally obtain that was a status symbol for his family?
(a) A large carriage
(b) A large flock of sheep
(c) An engraved silver sword
(d) A coat of arms

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

4. In Chapter 3, what occupation is presented as one that Will might have done while living in Lancashire?
(a) Actor
(b) Teacher
(c) Cook
(d) Priest

5. 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

Short Answer Questions

1. Sir Thomas Lucy was a powerful figure of which religious faith?

2. Involvement with what local group established the groundwork for Will’s later work in London?

3. On whose estate did Will engage in illegal activity?

4. Which is a likely description of Will’s marriage?

5. Which of Will’s plays was particularly influenced by the work of Christopher Marlowe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the school environment in which Will was educated. What things were unique about his education?

2. What was Tamburlaine the Great? Who wrote it? Why was it significant?

3. Who was Sir Thomas Lucy? What was Will’s relationship with him?

4. Describe the careers, both legal and illegal, of John Shakespeare.

5. Describe the prevalent attitude of theater owners during this time. What was their primary concern?

6. What two personal conclusions did Will draw as a result of his relationship with Edmund Campion?

7. What are some possible reasons for Will’s leaving Stratford and going to London?

8. Was it dangerous for people to travel by road in Will’s day? What did they need for safe passage?

9. Describe the political climate in London during Will’s day. How were “traitors” treated?

10. Describe Will’s involvement with “The Queen’s Men.” Why was his involvement with this group important to his career?

(see the answer keys)

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