MASS COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

(AFFILIATED TO BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY)

CHENNAI SALAI, KUMBAKONAM -612501

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

Subject Name : SHAKESPEARE

Subject Code :22ACCEN9

Semester :5

Staff Name : [Link]

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UNIT-1

1-mark,

The Winter’s Tale – 1 Mark Q & A

1. Q: Who is the author of The Winter’s Tale?

A: William Shakespeare.

2. Q: Who is the King of Sicilia at the start of the play?

A: Leontes.

3. Q: Who is Leontes’ wife?

A: Hermione.

4. Q: Who is the daughter of Leontes and Hermione?

A: Perdita.

5. Q: Who is the King of Bohemia?

A: Polixenes.

6. Q: Who is the faithful friend of Leontes?

A: Camillo.

7. Q: Who raises Perdita after she is abandoned?

A: A shepherd.

8. Q: Who is Florizel?
A: Son of Polixenes and lover of Perdita.

9. Q: Who disguises themselves during the play?

A: Perdita and others in Bohemia (shepherd’s court).

10. Q: How long does Leontes grieve before reconciliation?

A: Sixteen years.

11. Q: Who is Autolycus?

A: A rogue and peddler who provides comic relief.
12. Q: How is Hermione “restored” at the end of the play?
A: She is revealed to be alive (statue scene).

2-mark questions
1. Why does Leontes suspect Hermione of infidelity?

2. How does Camillo help Polixenes escape from Sicilia?

3. What role does the oracle at Delphi play in the play?

4. How is Perdita saved after being abandoned by Leontes?

5. Why does Leontes’ jealousy lead to tragedy in his family?

6. How does Polixenes react to Perdita and Florizel’s love?

7. What role does Autolycus play in Bohemia?

8. How does Shakespeare contrast Sicilia and Bohemia in the play?

9. How does Hermione demonstrate her virtue despite Leontes’ accusations?

10. What is the significance of the statue scene at the end of the play?

11. How does the shepherd contribute to Perdita’s story?

12. Why does Leontes’ remorse take sixteen years to resolve?

13. How do disguises and mistaken identities drive the plot in Bohemia?

14. How is the theme of redemption shown in the play?

15. How does Leontes’ jealousy affect his relationship with Polixenes?

5-mark question

1. How does Leontes’ jealousy create conflict in the play?

2. Discuss the role of Camillo in saving Polixenes and helping Perdita.

3. How does Shakespeare use the contrast between Sicilia and Bohemia?

4. Explain the significance of the oracle at Delphi in the story.

5. Analyse the character of Hermione and her response to false accusations.

6. How does the shepherd contribute to the development of the plot?

7. Discuss the role of Perdita and Florizel’s love in the resolution of the play.

8. How does Autolycus provide comic relief in The Winter’s Tale?

9. Explain the importance of the statue scene at the end of the play.

10. How does the theme of redemption and forgiveness appear in the play?

11. Describe the consequences of Leontes’ rash actions on his family.

12. How does Shakespeare explore the theme of time and reconciliation?

13. Analyse the use of disguise and mistaken identity in Bohemia.

14. How does Leontes’ jealousy affect his relationship with Hermione and his
children?

15. Discuss the transformation of Leontes’ character from jealousy to remorse.

 10-mark question
1. Analyse the character of Leontes and the consequences of his jealousy.

2. How does Shakespeare explore the themes of jealousy, redemption, and forgiveness
in the play?

3. Discuss the significance of the contrast between Sicilia and Bohemia.

4. Examine the role of Hermione as a symbol of virtue and patience.

5. How does Perdita’s character contribute to the theme of innocence and renewal?

6. Analyse the importance of the oracle at Delphi in shaping the events of the play.

7. Discuss the role of Camillo in preventing tragedy and aiding reconciliation.

8. How does Shakespeare use the statue scene to convey themes of forgiveness and
restoration?

9. Evaluate the role of comic relief through characters like Autolycus in the play.

10. How does Shakespeare explore the passage of time and its effect on healing and
reconciliation in The Winter’s Tale?

UNIT-1 COMPLETED
UNIT -2
Julius Caesar – 1 Mark Q & A

1. Q: Who was Julius Caesar?

A: A Roman general and statesman.

2. Q: Who warns Caesar to “beware the Ides of March”?

A: The Soothsayer.

3. Q: Who was Caesar’s close friend that joined the conspirators?

A: Brutus.

4. Q: Who delivers the famous funeral oration beginning with “Friends, Romans,
countrymen”?
A: Mark Antony.

5. Q: Who was the leader of the conspiracy against Caesar?

A: Cassius.

6. Q: What was Calpurnia’s dream about Caesar?

A: Caesar’s statue spouting blood.

7. Q: On which day was Caesar assassinated?

A: The Ides of March (15th March).

8. Q: Who offers Caesar the crown three times?

A: Mark Antony.

9. Q: Where was Caesar murdered?

A: In the Senate house.

10. Q: Who was Octavius in the play?

A: Caesar’s adopted son and heir.

11. Q: What does Brutus value more than his friendship with Caesar?
A: The welfare of Rome.

12. Q: What was Antony’s relationship with Caesar?

A: Loyal friend and supporter.

13. Q: Who stabs Caesar last?

A: Brutus.

14. Q: What are Caesar’s last words?

A: “Et tu, Brute?”

15. Q: Who commits suicide by running on his own sword?

A: Brutus.

1. Why did the conspirators plot against Caesar?

2. How did Caesar react to the Soothsayer’s warning?

3. What was the role of Calpurnia in trying to save Caesar?

4. Why did Brutus join the conspiracy against Caesar?

5. How did Antony win the support of the Roman citizens?

6. What was the significance of Caesar refusing the crown three times?

7. Why did the conspirators stab Caesar one after another?

8. How did Decius persuade Caesar to go to the Senate despite Calpurnia’s warnings?

9. What was the people’s reaction to Brutus’ speech?

10. How was Antony’s speech different from Brutus’?

11. Why did Brutus and Cassius flee from Rome after Caesar’s death?
12. What was the role of Octavius after Caesar’s assassination?

13. Why is Brutus considered “an honourable man”?

14. How does Shakespeare portray Caesar’s ambition?

15. What was the significance of the Ides of March in the play?

1. Explain the role of Brutus in the conspiracy against Caesar.

2. How does Calpurnia try to prevent Caesar from going to the Senate?

3. Discuss the importance of Antony’s funeral oration.

4. How does Shakespeare present Caesar’s ambition in the play?

5. What were the reasons given by Brutus for Caesar’s assassination?

6. Compare the speeches of Brutus and Antony after Caesar’s death.

7. How did the conspirators justify Caesar’s murder to the people?

8. What role does the Soothsayer play in the story of Julius Caesar?

9. Describe the relationship between Brutus and Cassius.

10. How does the play highlight the conflict between personal loyalty and duty to the
state?
1. Analyse the character of Brutus and his moral dilemmas in the play.

2. How does Antony manipulate the crowd during his funeral speech?

3. Discuss the significance of the Ides of March and the use of omens in the play.

4. Examine the friendship and conflict between Brutus and Cassius.

5. How does Shakespeare explore the theme of loyalty versus betrayal in Julius
Caesar?

6. Evaluate Caesar’s character as a leader and his ambition.

7. How does the assassination of Caesar impact the political situation in Rome?

8. Discuss the role of women in the play, focusing on Calpurnia and Portia.

9. How does Shakespeare show the power of rhetoric and persuasion through the
speeches of Brutus and Antony?

10. What is the significance of fate and free will in the decisions of the main characters?

UNIT-2 COMPLETED

UNIT -3

Macbeth – 1 Mark Q & A

1. Q: Who is the author of Macbeth?

A: William Shakespeare.

2. Q: Who is the Thane of Glamis at the start of the play?

A: Macbeth.
3. Q: Who predicts Macbeth’s future in the beginning?
A: The three witches.

4. Q: Who becomes king of Scotland after Duncan?

A: Macbeth.

5. Q: Who is Lady Macbeth?

A: Macbeth’s wife.

6. Q: What does the dagger in Act 2 symbolize?

A: Macbeth’s murderous intent and guilt.

7. Q: Who kills Banquo?

A: Murderers hired by Macbeth.

8. Q: Who becomes suspicious of Macbeth’s rise to power?

A: Macduff.

9. Q: Who is Hecate?
A: The goddess of witchcraft.

10. Q: How does Lady Macbeth die?

A: She dies by suicide (implied).

11. Q: What title is Macbeth given after his victory in battle?

A: Thane of Cawdor.

12. Q: Who finally kills Macbeth?

A: Macduff.

13. Q: Who warns Macbeth to beware of Macduff?

A: The witches.

14. Q: What is the setting of Macbeth?

A: Scotland.

15. Q: What vision does Macbeth see before killing Duncan?

A: A floating dagger pointing to Duncan’s chamber.

2-mark
1. Why do the witches greet Macbeth as “Thane of Glamis, Thane of Cawdor, and
future king”?
2. How does Lady Macbeth persuade Macbeth to kill King Duncan?

3. What is the significance of Banquo’s ghost in the play?

4. How does Macbeth react to the witches’ prophecies?

5. Why does Macbeth hire murderers to kill Banquo and Fleance?

6. What role do the witches play in influencing Macbeth’s actions?

7. How does Lady Macbeth’s character change over the course of the play?

8. Why does Macduff not attend Macbeth’s coronation?

9. What is the significance of the apparitions shown to Macbeth by the witches?

10. How does Shakespeare depict the theme of ambition in Macbeth?

11. Why does Lady Macbeth call upon spirits in Act 1, Scene 5?

12. How does the news of Duncan’s murder affect Macbeth and Lady Macbeth?

13. What role does King Duncan play in highlighting Macbeth’s ambition?

14. How does Shakespeare use supernatural elements to build suspense?

15. Why does Macbeth fear Banquo and his descendants?

5-mark question
1. Explain how Macbeth’s ambition leads to his downfall.

2. How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth to commit murder?

3. Discuss the role of the witches in shaping the events of the play.

4. How does Shakespeare use supernatural elements to create suspense?

5. Analyse the character of Banquo and his significance in the play.

6. How does guilt affect Macbeth and Lady Macbeth differently?

7. Discuss the importance of the apparitions shown to Macbeth by the witches.

8. How is the theme of loyalty and betrayal explored in Macbeth?

9. Describe the role of Macduff in bringing justice to Scotland.

10. How does Shakespeare present the consequences of unchecked ambition in the
play?

11. Explain the significance of the vision of the dagger in Act 2, Scene 1.

12. How does Lady Macbeth’s character change from the beginning to the end of the
play?

13. Discuss the role of prophecy in influencing Macbeth’s actions.

14. How does Shakespeare portray the conflict between appearance and reality in
Macbeth?

15. What is the importance of King Duncan’s murder in the development of the plot?
10-mark question:

1. Analyse the character of Macbeth as a tragic hero.

2. How does Shakespeare explore the theme of ambition and its consequences in
Macbeth?

3. Discuss the role of the witches and supernatural elements in influencing Macbeth’s
actions.

4. Examine the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth and its impact on the
plot.

5. How does Shakespeare present the conflict between fate and free will in Macbeth?

6. Evaluate the role of guilt and conscience in shaping the actions of Macbeth and Lady
Macbeth.

7. How does the murder of King Duncan set the tone for the rest of the play?

8. Discuss the significance of the apparitions and visions in the play.

9. Analyse the theme of loyalty and betrayal in Macbeth, with examples from the text.

10. How does Shakespeare use imagery, symbols, and dramatic techniques to enhance
the tragedy of Macbeth?

UNIT-3 COMPLETED

UNIT-4

One Mark Questions (with answers)

1. Who is the merchant referred to in the title The Merchant of Venice?

– Antonio

2. Who is Shylock’s daughter?

– Jessica

3. Whom does Portia marry?

– Bassanio

4. What is the name of Shylock’s servant who deserts him?

– Launcelot Gobbo

5. Who elopes with Lorenzo?

– Jessica

6. What is the penalty if Antonio fails to repay Shylock’s loan?

– A pound of his flesh

7. What are the three caskets made of?

– Gold, Silver, and Lead

8. Who disguises herself as a lawyer?

– Portia

9. What is the name of the lawyer’s clerk (also in disguise)?

– Nerissa

10. Who is called “the Prince of Arragon”?

– One of Portia’s suitors

11. What is Antonio’s profession?

– Merchant / Trader

12. Who chooses the lead casket?

– Bassanio

13. Who says “The quality of mercy is not strain’d”?

– Portia

14. What is the setting of the trial scene?

– Duke’s court in Venice

15. Who is Gratiano?

– Friend of Bassanio

Two-Mark Questions (with Answers)

1. Why does Bassanio want to borrow money from Antonio?
– Bassanio wants to court Portia, a wealthy heiress, but he needs money to appear
worthy of her. Since he has no money himself, he turns to his friend Antonio for help.

2. Why can Antonio not lend money directly to Bassanio?

– Antonio’s wealth is tied up in ships and merchandise at sea. He has no ready cash to
lend Bassanio.

3. Why does Shylock hate Antonio?

– Shylock hates Antonio because Antonio lends money without interest, which harms
Shylock’s usury business. Also, Antonio insults and mistreats Shylock for being a Jew.

4. Why does Shylock demand a pound of flesh as the bond?

– Shylock pretends it is a “merry bond” to mock Antonio, but secretly he seeks revenge
against Antonio by endangering his life.

5. What does the inscription on the lead casket say?

– The lead casket bears the words: “Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he
hath.”

6. Why does the Prince of Morocco fail the casket test?

– He chooses the gold casket, believing it represents Portia’s worth. Inside, he finds
only a skull and a scroll that says appearances can be deceiving.

7. How does Jessica show her disloyalty to Shylock?

– She elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian, and takes her father’s jewels and money with
her.

8. How does Nerissa assist Portia in saving Antonio’s life?

– Nerissa disguises herself as a lawyer’s clerk and supports Portia (disguised as a
lawyer) in the courtroom during Antonio’s trial.

9. What is the Duke’s attitude towards Antonio in the trial scene?

– The Duke sympathizes with Antonio and calls him a good man. However, he feels
bound by law to allow Shylock to claim his bond.

10. Why is Bassanio’s choice of the lead casket significant?

– By choosing the unattractive lead casket, Bassanio shows he values inner worth over
outward appearance. This wins Portia’s hand in marriage.
11. What is meant by ‘The quality of mercy is not strain’d’?
– Portia means that mercy is a divine quality that cannot be forced; it should flow
naturally and bless both the giver and the receiver.

12. How is Shylock punished in the trial?

– Shylock loses half of his wealth to Antonio and half to the state. He is also forced to
convert to Christianity and leave his estate to Lorenzo and Jessica.

13. Why does Gratiano quarrel with Shylock in the trial scene?
– Gratiano mocks Shylock’s cruelty and urges that his life should be taken, expressing
anger at Shylock’s lack of mercy.

14. What trick do Portia and Nerissa play on their husbands after the trial?
– They ask for Bassanio’s and Gratiano’s rings as a reward for saving Antonio’s life,
pretending not to be their wives in disguise.

15. How does the play end happily?

– Antonio’s ships return safely, Bassanio and Portia are united, Gratiano marries
Nerissa, and Jessica lives with Lorenzo. The couples rejoice together.

5-mark questions
1. Why does Antonio agree to sign Shylock’s bond?

2. What is the importance of the three caskets in the play?

3. How does Jessica betray her father Shylock?

4. Why does Bassanio need money from Antonio?

5. What is the Duke’s role in the trial scene?

6. How does Portia disguise herself in the court?

7. What qualities make Bassanio choose the lead casket?

8. Why is Shylock considered both a villain and a victim?

9. What role does Gratiano play in the story?

10. How is the theme of mercy contrasted with justice in the trial scene?

11. Why is Antonio called “the merchant of Venice”?

12. What message does the casket story convey?

13. How does Nerissa help Portia in the court scene?

14. Why is Shylock forced to accept baptism at the end?

15. What do you learn about Elizabethan society from the play?

TEN MARK QUESTION

1. Discuss the bond story between Antonio and Shylock and its significance in the play.

2. How does Portia demonstrate intelligence and courage in the trial scene?

3. Explain the theme of appearance versus reality with reference to the casket test.

4. Evaluate the character of Shylock as both a cruel moneylender and a wronged father.

5. How is the friendship between Antonio and Bassanio central to the play?

6. Examine the importance of mercy as portrayed in Portia’s speech in the court.

7. How does Shakespeare present the conflict between Christians and Jews in the
play?

8. Discuss the role of women in The Merchant of Venice with reference to Portia,
Nerissa, and Jessica.
9. How does the subplot of Jessica and Lorenzo add to the main story?

10. What is the significance of the trial scene in shaping the outcome of the play?

UNIT -4 COMPLETED

UNT-5
1-mark,
1. Q: Who is the tragic heroine in Romeo and Juliet?
A: Juliet.

2. Q: Which Shakespearean play features Lady Macbeth?

A: Macbeth.

3. Q: Who disguises herself as a man in Twelfth Night?

A: Viola.

4. Q: Name the female character in Othello known for her innocence and
loyalty.
A: Desdemona.

5. Q: Who is the witty heroine of Much Ado About Nothing?

A: Beatrice.

6. Q: Which female character in Hamlet is Hamlet’s mother?

A: Gertrude.

7. Q: Who is the ambitious queen in Macbeth?

A: Lady Macbeth.

8. Q: Name the gentlewoman in King Lear who remains loyal to her father.
A: Cordelia.

9. Q: Who is the playful and intelligent heroine in As You Like It?

A: Rosalind.
10. Q: In The Taming of the Shrew, who is the “shrew”?
A: Katherina (Kate).

two-mark questions (questions only)

1. How does Lady Macbeth influence Macbeth’s actions in Macbeth?

2. Describe Juliet’s personality in Romeo and Juliet.

3. What role does Desdemona play in the tragedy of Othello?

4. How does Viola’s disguise in Twelfth Night affect the plot?

5. What are the characteristics of Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing?

6. How does Gertrude contribute to the tragedy in Hamlet?

7. Explain Cordelia’s importance in King Lear.

8. How does Rosalind show intelligence and wit in As You Like It?

9. What challenges does Katherina face in The Taming of the Shrew?

10. How do Shakespeare’s women influence the actions of men in his plays?

11. Compare Lady Macbeth’s ambition with Lady Macduff’s personality.

12. What is the significance of Ophelia in Hamlet?

13. How does Portia demonstrate wisdom in The Merchant of Venice?

14. What role does Titania play in A Midsummer Night’s Dream?

15. How does Hermia’s defiance shape the events of A Midsummer Night’s
Dream?

16. Discuss the impact of Desdemona’s loyalty on Othello’s fate.

17. How does Anne Hathaway’s character influence Henry VIII?

18. What traits make Imogen a memorable heroine in Cymbeline?

19. How does Juliet challenge the expectations of women in her society?

20. What role do Shakespeare’s women play in resolving the plot of his
comedies?

1. Discuss the character of Lady Macbeth and her influence on the tragic
events in Macbeth.

2. Analyze Juliet’s personality, her decisions, and their consequences in

Romeo and Juliet.

3. Examine the role of Desdemona in Othello and how her loyalty and
innocence affect the tragedy.

4. Discuss Viola’s disguise in Twelfth Night and its impact on the plot and
other characters.

5. Analyze Beatrice’s wit and intelligence in Much Ado About Nothing and her
role in the play’s resolution.

6. Evaluate Gertrude’s character in Hamlet and her influence on Hamlet’s

actions.

7. Discuss Cordelia’s loyalty and virtue in King Lear and their significance in
the play.

8. Analyze Rosalind’s character in As You Like It and how her intelligence

helps her navigate challenges.

9. Examine Katherina’s transformation in The Taming of the Shrew and its

implications on gender roles.

10. Discuss Portia’s wisdom and role in resolving conflicts in The Merchant of
Venice.

11. Analyze Ophelia’s character in Hamlet, focusing on her innocence,

obedience, and tragic fate.

12. Discuss Titania’s character in *A Midsummer Night’s

TEN-MARK QUESTIONS
1. Critically examine the character of Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, discussing
her ambition, manipulation, and eventual downfall.

2. Analyze Juliet’s character in Romeo and Juliet, focusing on her love,

courage, and tragic end.

3. Discuss the role of Desdemona in Othello, considering her loyalty,

innocence, and how she contributes to the tragedy.

4. Evaluate Viola’s character in Twelfth Night, including her disguise,

intelligence, and influence on the play’s outcome.

5. Analyze Beatrice’s wit, independence, and her relationship with Benedick

in Much Ado About Nothing.

6. Critically discuss Gertrude’s role in Hamlet and her influence on Hamlet’s

actions and the unfolding of the tragedy.

7. Examine Cordelia in King Lear, focusing on her loyalty, moral integrity, and
her impact on the play’s resolution.
8. Analyze Rosalind’s character in As You Like It, including her wit,
intelligence, and role in resolving the play’s conflicts.

9. Discuss Katherina in The Taming of the Shrew, considering her

temperament, transformation, and the play’s commentary on gender roles.

10. Evaluate Portia’s character in The Merchant of Venice, focusing on her

wisdom, resourcefulness, and role in delivering justice.

UNIT-5 COMPLETED