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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 3, what occupation is presented as one that Will might have done while living in Lancashire?

2. Which character in Henry VI led a rebellion against the upper class?

3. What word or phrase does NOT describe life inside the ancient Roman wall surrounding London in Will’s day?

4. Will attended a school that was most likely for…

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

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

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

4. Who was Richard Field? Why was Will’s relationship with him important?

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

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

7. What was another way that Will would have been exposed to theater as a young child?

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

9. Discuss the possible reason for Will’s hasty marriage and identify which of Will’s plays reflects the same urgency between a male and female character.

10. What types of things would Will have needed to learn in order to be a successful actor in his day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Will’s move to London. What might have provoked his move to London? Why was this move important to his career? What are two specific things that happened in London that had a major impact on Will’s career as a playwright?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the attitude in England regarding religious freedom. Was there religious freedom? Which faith was persecuted? Which faith was preferred? What was the fate of those who did not comply with the preferred religious preferences? How did this tension impact Will’s life?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Will’s marriage to Anne Hathaway. What were the circumstances of their meeting and urgent marriage? Did Will appear to have a happy marriage? Why or why not? Give an example from his early life and one from his later life to support your answer.

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