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

2. In what country is Stratford located?
(a) Germany
(b) England
(c) Poland
(d) France

3. What trait is characteristic of all Will’s rural characters?
(a) Dignity
(b) Happiness in marriage
(c) Bitterness
(d) Jealousy

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

5. Involvement with what local group established the groundwork for Will’s later work in London?
(a) A local church
(b) A local government office
(c) A local acting company
(d) A local brewery

Short Answer Questions

1. Where did Will possibly live between the time of his school days and his marriage?

2. Chapter 3 begins with a discussion of…

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

4. The urgency of Will’s marriage is reflected in two characters from which of his plays?

5. What character in King Lear may reflect the plight of Edmund Campion?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Will’s day, what was London like inside the ancient Roman wall that surrounded the city? What was London like outside that same wall?

2. Who was Will’s wife? What was her financial standing? What religious preference did she likely have?

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

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

5. It is interesting to note that Will had an aversion to producing signed documents. Why was this the case?

6. Did Will ever refer to Anne in his writings? Why or why not?

7. Who was Will’s mother? What was her family background?

8. What influence did Will’s education have on his later work as a playwright?

9. What was a remarkable characteristic about the villain Tamburlaine in Tamburlaine the Great? Why was this characteristic remarkable?

10. Why might Will have engaged in deer poaching? Were there social implications for this activity?

(see the answer keys)

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