PRACTICE QUESTIONS ON WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’WINTER’S TALE*

Extract-based questions

1. With close reference to the extract below, explore the dramatic and thematic significance of this episode.

2.   With close reference to language, compare and contrast the two images of Leontes that emerge from the following extract.

3.   Paying close attention to the language, tone and action, write a critical appreciation of the following passage, showing how it contributes to your knowledge of the relationship between Mamillius and his mother.

4.   Paying close attention to language and tone, consider Shakespeare’s presentation of Camillo and Perdita in the following passage.

5.   Comment closely on the following passage, looking carefully at how the playwright’s use of language establishes and sets up ideas about theme that are developed later in the play.

6.   Comment closely on the following scene and its presentation of the relationship between Perdita and at this point in the play.

7.   With close reference to the following scene, show how Hermione defends herself before Leones.

8.   With close attention to the language and action of this passage, discuss Shakespeare’s presentation of Leontes and his state of mind here.

9. With close attention to the language, tone and dramatic action, consider what might be the thoughts and feelings of an audience as the following scene unfolds.

10. By close reference to the language and tone of this extract as it unfolds, consider what effects might be created here?

11. In what ways does this passage contribute to the wider concerns of the play?

12. What impressions of Leontes and Paulina are created in this interchange, and by what means?

13. In what ways does this passage contribute to the play’s central issues?

14. How satisfying as the ending to the play do you find the following passage? You should pay attention to the language and tone in your answer.

15. With close attention to the language, tone and dramatic action of this extract, discuss what you learn about Paulina at this point in the play.

16. Write a critical appreciation of the following passage, commenting in particular on its dramatic importance.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss Shakespeare’s presentation of Bohemia and Sicilia in the play?

2. In what ways and with what effects are transgression and punishment explored in the play?

3. ‘The play, Winter’s Tale clearly portrays the thin line between tragedy and comedy’. How far do you agree?

4. Discuss ways in which tyranny is significant in the play?

5. Discuss Shakespeare’s use of loyalty and patriotism in Winter’s Tale

6. How far does the title of the play contribute to your understanding of the play’s content?

7. How far and in what ways can Winter’s Tale be called a comedy in your view?

8. Discuss the role and significance of the female characters in Winter’s Tale.

9. Discuss the significance of the contrasts Shakespeare creates between the worlds of Sicilia and Bohemia in The Winter’s Tale.