William Shakespeare And John Donne! Quiz
Welcome to Trivia Facts and Questions on William Shakespeare and John Donne! These two English writers have been credited with writing some of the best work in the English language, confusing their works. How well do you know their stories and works? Take this interesting quiz and get to find out what more you may learn from it.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
In what year was Shakespeare born?
Explanation
Shakespeare was born in 1564.Rate this question:
- 2.
Shakespeare shows the invention in the following ways.
- A.
Writing love sonnets to a young man.
- B.
Expanding the subject-matter of the sonnet
- C.
Criticizing the conventions of courtly love
Correct Answer(s)
A. Writing love sonnets to a young man.
B. Expanding the subject-matter of the sonnet
C. Criticizing the conventions of courtly loveExplanation
Shakespeare shows his invention by writing love sonnets to a young man, which challenges the traditional notion of love being exclusively between a man and a woman. He also demonstrates his creativity by expanding the subject-matter of the sonnet, exploring themes beyond the typical love and beauty. Additionally, Shakespeare criticizes the conventions of courtly love, questioning the artificiality and superficiality of the courtly love tradition. Through these various methods, Shakespeare showcases his innovative approach to writing and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional poetic forms.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare aims to grant his love eternal life by this.
- A.
High praise
- B.
Writing
- C.
Potion
- D.
True love
Correct Answer
B. WritingExplanation
In Sonnet 18, Shakespeare aims to grant his love eternal life through his writing. By immortalizing his love in his poetry, he believes that he can preserve their beauty and essence forever. Writing allows him to capture the essence of his beloved and ensure that their memory lives on through the ages. This act of writing becomes a powerful tool for Shakespeare to grant his love eternal life.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What rhetorical device does Shakespeare use in this line: 'My Mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun.'
- A.
Metaphor
- B.
Personification
- C.
Simile
- D.
Onomatopoeia
Correct Answer
C. SimileExplanation
The correct answer is simile because Shakespeare is comparing his mistress' eyes to the sun using the word "like." This comparison highlights the differences between his mistress and the idealized beauty often portrayed in poetry.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Donne was this by profession.
- A.
Glovemaker
- B.
Priest
- C.
Cobbler
- D.
Vintner
Correct Answer
B. PriestExplanation
The given question states "Donne was this by profession." The correct answer is "Priest." This implies that the profession of Donne, the person being referred to, was that of a priest.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Donne believes that sex and sexual innuendo have no place in his poetry.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that Donne does not believe that sex and sexual innuendo have a place in his poetry. This implies that he does include such themes in his work, making the statement false.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Inventio for Donne involves in part his subject matter. He loves to use everyday objects in his writing.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Donne's Inventio, which refers to the process of inventing or discovering ideas for writing, does involve his subject matter. He is known for using everyday objects in his writing, showcasing his love for incorporating them into his work. This suggests that the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is Donne referring to in these lines: 'Thy beams, so reverend and strong / Why shouldst thou think? I could eclipse and cloud them with a wink' (two words, article, and noun).
Correct Answer
the sun
sunExplanation
In these lines, Donne is referring to the sun. He describes the sun's beams as reverend and strong, questioning why it would think that he could easily eclipse and cloud them with just a wink. The mention of the sun's beams and their strength suggests that the subject being referred to is the sun.Rate this question:
- 9.
This line by Donne is pretty conventional: 'What merchant's ships have my sighs drowned?'
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The given line by Donne, "What merchant's ships have my sighs drowned?" is considered to be pretty conventional. This suggests that the line follows traditional or common poetic expressions and themes. It does not deviate from the expected or typical style of writing. Therefore, the statement "True" indicates that the given line is indeed conventional.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In Donne's 'The Apparition,' what does 'quicksilver' refer to?
- A.
Lightning
- B.
Venereal disease
- C.
Soap
Correct Answer
B. Venereal diseaseExplanation
In Donne's 'The Apparition,' the term 'quicksilver' refers to venereal disease. This can be inferred from the context of the poem, where the speaker describes the ghostly figure of his former lover appearing to him as a result of his past promiscuity. The use of 'quicksilver' as a metaphor for venereal disease suggests the destructive and uncontrollable nature of the illness, mirroring the negative consequences of the speaker's actions.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Apr 25, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 02, 2012Quiz Created by
Mcbrinep1
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