The Shakespeare Stealer

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. What does Dr. Bright call his system of writing?

2. Whom do Widge and the stranger encounter in the woods?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What task does Dr. Bright send Widge to do that demonstrates Dr. Bright’s dishonesty?

2. What major change occurs in Widge’s life in Chapter 2, when the stranger appears at Dr. Bright’s apothecary?

Paired Resource

Orphans

• This 1885 Thomas Kennington portrait depicts two orphaned children.
• This resource relates to the theme of Friendship and Family.
• This painting is not from the same time period as Widge, but it does tell us something about how at least one English painter viewed the situation of orphaned children. What do the colors, the composition, and the details of this painting say about Kennington’s feelings? Is there anything happy or hopeful about it, especially when compared to Widge’s situation?

Shorthand

• This article explains the history of shorthand systems and offers several examples.
• Which one of these systems does Dr. Bright’s scriptography most resemble? How hard would it be to write using these rapid handwriting techniques? What does Widge’s ability to excel in Dr.