William Shakespeare Quiz Questions And Answers
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Who said, "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
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Julius
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Caesar
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Juliet
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Mary Arden
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Do you adore Shakespeare and his work? Here is an interesting 'William Shakespeare Quiz' that is designed to test your knowledge about how well you know the famous English playwright. Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of William Shakespeare with our quiz! Explore the Bard of Avon's life, works, and literary genius.
Test your knowledge of his iconic plays, memorable See morecharacters, and profound insights into human nature. From tragic love stories to witty comedies, Shakespeare's influence and resonate with audiences worldwide. The questions in this Shakespeare quiz are craftily compiled and will enable you to gauge how well you know about Shakespeare's life and works. Let's start with the trivia quiz.
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- 2.
Where was Shakespeare born?
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Italy
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Venice
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New York
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Stratford-upon-Avon
Correct Answer
A. Stratford-upon-AvonExplanation
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. This town is located in the county of Warwickshire and is renowned for being the birthplace of Shakespeare. He was born here in 1564 and also spent his final years in this town after his successful career in London. Stratford-upon-Avon has since become a significant cultural tourist destination, attracting visitors who wish to explore the historical context of Shakespeare's life and works. The other locations listed—Italy, Venice, and New York—are not associated with his birth.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When did Shakespeare die?
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April 23, 1616
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August 23, 1614
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July 23, 1617
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April 26, 1600
Correct Answer
A. April 23, 1616Explanation
William Shakespeare is believed to have died on April 23, 1616. The exact cause of his death is not definitively known, but it is widely accepted that he passed away on his birthday. While the specific details surrounding Shakespeare's life and death may have some uncertainties, the date of April 23, 1616, is the commonly recognized date of his death. His legacy as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language continues to endure through his timeless works.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When was Shakespeare born?
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1565
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1564
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1568
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1563
Correct Answer
A. 1564Explanation
William Shakespeare was born in the year 1564. He was baptized on April 26, 1564, and it's commonly believed that he was born a few days before that, with April 23 often cited as his birthday. This date is significant not only because it marks the birth of one of the most influential writers in English literature but also because Shakespeare passed away on the same date in 1616. The exact birth date is not recorded, but the baptism date provides the best estimate. The other years listed, such as 1565, 1568, and 1563, are incorrect according to historical records.Rate this question:
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- 5.
"To be or not to be" is a quote from which play?
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King Lear
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Richard III
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Julius Caesar
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Hamlet
Correct Answer
A. HamletExplanation
"To be or not to be" is a famous quote from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." It appears in Act 3, Scene 1, and is part of a soliloquy delivered by the protagonist, Prince Hamlet. In this soliloquy, Hamlet philosophically contemplates the nature of life and death, pondering the merits and sufferings of existence versus the unknown of the afterlife. This quote is one of the most recognized and quoted lines in English literature, reflecting deep existential inquiry. The other plays listed—King Lear, Richard III, and Julius Caesar—do not contain this line.Rate this question:
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- 6.
How many sonnets did Shakespeare write?
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154
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175
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101
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222
Correct Answer
A. 154Explanation
William Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, which are part of his famous collection that explores themes of love, beauty, politics, and mortality. These sonnets are structured with 14 lines each, typically in iambic pentameter, and they include a specific rhyme scheme. These poetic works are highly praised for their artistic expression and depth of emotion. The numbers 175, 101, and 222 are incorrect and do not correspond to the actual count of Shakespeare's sonnets.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many plays did Shakespeare write?
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46
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50
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37
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25
Correct Answer
A. 37Explanation
William Shakespeare is credited with writing 37 plays. These works span a variety of genres, including tragedies, comedies, and histories, and are among the most performed and studied in the world of drama. Some of his most famous plays include "Hamlet," "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The number of plays often varies slightly in different sources due to debates over authorship for a few plays, but 37 is the most commonly accepted total. The other numbers, such as 46, 50, and 25, do not accurately represent his known body of work.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Shakespeare was one of the founding members of The Lord Chamberlain's Men.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Shakespeare being one of the founding members of The Lord Chamberlain's Men is true. This theater company, later known as the King's Men, was established in 1594 and Shakespeare was an important member. He not only acted in their productions but also wrote many of his famous plays for the company. The Lord Chamberlain's Men was one of the most prominent theater companies of its time, and Shakespeare's association with them played a significant role in his career as a playwright and actor.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of these plays is not a tragedy by Shakespeare?
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Hamlet
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Othello
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King Lear
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The Merchant of Venice
Correct Answer
A. The Merchant of VeniceExplanation
While The Merchant of Venice contains serious themes and dramatic moments, it ultimately resolves with a generally happy ending, making it a comedy rather than a tragedy. Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear all feature the downfall and death of the main characters, fulfilling the conventions of tragedy. In contrast, The Merchant of Venice concludes with marriages, reconciliations, and a sense of harmony among the characters. This shift towards resolution and unity aligns more closely with the characteristics of a comedy rather than a tragedy.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following Shakespearean plays features the character Shylock, a moneylender who demands a pound of flesh as collateral for a loan?
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Hamlet
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Othello
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The Merchant of Venice
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King Lear
Correct Answer
A. The Merchant of VeniceExplanation
In The Merchant of Venice, Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, demands a pound of flesh from Antonio, a merchant, as collateral for a loan. This sets in motion a conflict that explores themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice. The play raises questions about the nature of law, the value of human life, and the consequences of revenge.Rate this question:
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- 11.
"A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" is a quote from which play?
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King Richard III
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The Merchant of Venice
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The Merry Wives of Windsor
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As You Like it
Correct Answer
A. King Richard IIIExplanation
The quote "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" is from William Shakespeare's play "King Richard III." This line is spoken by the titular character, King Richard III, during the climactic battle scene in Act 5, Scene 4. Richard utters this famous line in a moment of desperation during the Battle of Bosworth Field, as he finds himself unhorsed and in a perilous situation. The line exemplifies his urgent need for a horse to return to battle effectively, reflecting his extreme desperation. The other plays listed—The Merchant of Venice, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and As You Like It—do not feature this quote.Rate this question:
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- 12.
William Shakespeare was referred to as "an upstart crow" by whom?
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Robert Laffan
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Annat Jolianna
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Robert Greene
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Lucrence
Correct Answer
A. Robert GreeneExplanation
Robert Greene called William Shakespeare "An upstart crow." This statement refers to a historical incident where Greene, a contemporary playwright, criticized Shakespeare for his rising success and lack of formal education. The phrase "upstart crow" implies that Greene saw Shakespeare as an arrogant and unqualified newcomer to the theater scene. This insult highlights the rivalry and competition that existed among playwrights during Shakespeare's time.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The movie Shakespeare in Love is a true story.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The statement that "The movie Shakespeare in Love is a true story" is false. Shakespeare in Love is a fictional movie that tells a fictional story about William Shakespeare. While it incorporates elements of Shakespeare's life and work, it is not based on true events. The movie is a work of fiction and should not be considered a true story.Rate this question:
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- 14.
_____________ is Shakespeare's shortest play.
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Antony and Cleopatra
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Macbeth
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Julius Caesar
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The Comedy of Errors
Correct Answer
A. The Comedy of ErrorsExplanation
The correct answer is "The Comedy of Errors." This play is Shakespeare's shortest because it has the fewest number of lines and is also one of his earliest works. It is a farcical comedy that revolves around mistaken identities and misunderstandings, making it a fast-paced and light-hearted play.Rate this question:
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- 15.
_____________ is Shakespeare's longest play.
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Winter's Tale
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Macbeth
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Hamlet
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The Comedy of Errors
Correct Answer
A. HamletExplanation
Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play, consisting of approximately 4,042 lines. It is a tragedy that explores themes of revenge, madness, and the complexity of human nature. The play follows the story of Prince Hamlet, who seeks to avenge his father's murder. Hamlet's length allows for a deep exploration of its characters and their motivations, making it one of Shakespeare's most renowned works.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Who was the ghost in Hamlet?
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Claudius
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Hamlet
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King of Denmark
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Queen of Denmark
Correct Answer
A. King of DenmarkExplanation
In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the ghost is revealed to be the spirit of the late King of Denmark, Hamlet's father. The ghost appears to Hamlet and reveals that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius, who then married the Queen of Denmark and became the new king. The ghost's appearance and message serve as the catalyst for Hamlet's quest for revenge and the central conflict of the play.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following plays constitute Shakespeare's histories?
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King Henry VIII
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King John
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Richard II
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Richard III
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the plays mentioned in the options, King Henry VIII, King John, Richard II, and Richard III, are considered to be part of Shakespeare's histories. These plays depict events from English history and explore themes of power, politics, and the rise and fall of monarchs. Shakespeare's histories are known for their complex characters, intricate plots, and insightful commentary on the nature of leadership and governance. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which play are Cassius, Portia, and Octavius the characters from?
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King Lear
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Julius Caesar
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Much Ado About Nothing
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The Merchant of Venice
Correct Answer
A. Julius CaesarExplanation
Cassius, Portia, and Octavius are characters from the play "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare. Cassius is a Roman senator and one of the main conspirators against Caesar, Portia is the wife of Brutus and is known for her loyalty and strength, and Octavius is Caesar's adopted son and one of the triumvirs who eventually becomes the emperor of Rome.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of the following is reckoned as Shakespeare's first comedy?
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The Comedy of Errors
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All's Well That Ends Well
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Much Ado About Nothing
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Twelfth Night
Correct Answer
A. The Comedy of ErrorsExplanation
The Comedy of Errors is considered Shakespeare's first comedy because it was one of his earliest plays and follows the conventions of a comedic plot. The play revolves around mistaken identities and misunderstandings, resulting in humorous situations. Additionally, it incorporates elements of farce and slapstick comedy, which were typical of comedies during Shakespeare's time. The play's light-hearted tone, witty dialogue, and resolution with marriages also align with the characteristics of a comedy.Rate this question:
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- 20.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once." This is an extract from:
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King Lear
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Hamlet
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Julius Caesar
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The Merchant of Venice
Correct Answer
A. Julius CaesarExplanation
This quote is from Julius Caesar. It reflects the idea that those who are cowardly experience fear and anxiety multiple times throughout their lives, while those who are brave and valiant only face death once. This quote highlights the themes of bravery, mortality, and the contrasting attitudes towards death in the play Julius Caesar.Rate this question:
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- 21.
"Men of few words are the best" is a quote from which play?
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King Richard III
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Henry King V
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Measure for Measure
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Henry King VExplanation
The quote "Men of few words are the best" is from William Shakespeare's play Henry V. It reflects the idea that those who speak less often possess wisdom or are more effective in their actions. Henry V is one of Shakespeare's historical plays, focusing on the life of King Henry V of England and his leadership, especially during the Battle of Agincourt.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following plays constitute Shakespeare's tragedies?
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Timon of Athens
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Titus Andronicus
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Midsummer Night's Dream
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Winter's Tale
Correct Answer(s)
A. Timon of Athens
A. Titus AndronicusExplanation
Timon of Athens and Titus Andronicus are both plays written by Shakespeare that are classified as tragedies. These plays explore themes of betrayal, revenge, and the downfall of their main characters. On the other hand, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Winter's Tale are classified as comedies because they have a lighter tone and typically end with a happy resolution. Therefore, the correct answer includes Timon of Athens and Titus Andronicus as Shakespeare's tragedies.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which of the following plays constitute Shakespeare's comedies?
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Measure for Measure
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Merchant of Venice
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Merry Wives of Windsor
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Coriolanus
Correct Answer(s)
A. Measure for Measure
A. Merchant of Venice
A. Merry Wives of WindsorExplanation
The plays Measure for Measure, Merchant of Venice, and Merry Wives of Windsor are considered Shakespeare's comedies because they all contain elements of humor, wit, and lightheartedness. These plays often feature mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and humorous wordplay. On the other hand, Coriolanus is not a comedy but rather a tragedy, as it explores themes of power, politics, and betrayal.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which of the following statements are correct?
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"If music be the food of love, play on..." is the opening line of The Comedy of Errors
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"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is an extract from Sonnet 18
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Shakespeare was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford
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All of the above
Correct Answer(s)
A. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is an extract from Sonnet 18
A. Shakespeare was buried at Holy Trinity Church, StratfordExplanation
The opening line of The Comedy of Errors is not "If music be the food of love, play on..." but rather "Aegeon. Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall" which indicates that the statement is incorrect. On the other hand, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is indeed an extract from Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare was indeed buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford. Therefore, the correct answer is that "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is an extract from Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Which of the following words were invented by Shakespeare?
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Assassination
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Bump
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Puke
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Distort
Correct Answer(s)
A. Assassination
A. Bump
A. PukeExplanation
The words "Assassination," "Bump," and "Puke" were all indeed invented by Shakespeare. Shakespeare is known for his extensive contribution to the English language, having coined and popularized numerous words and phrases that are still in use today. "Assassination" was first used in his play Macbeth, while "Bump" and "Puke" can be found in his works as well. These words have since become part of the English lexicon and are widely recognized and used.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 06, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Apr 05, 2008Quiz Created by
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