1.
When was Shakespeare born?
Correct Answer
B. 1564
Explanation
Shakespeare was born in 1564. This is the correct answer because historical records indicate that William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. While the exact date of his birth is not known, it is generally believed to be a few days before his baptism. Therefore, 1564 is the most widely accepted and accurate answer for Shakespeare's birth year.
2.
When did Shakespeare die?
Correct Answer
B. 1616
Explanation
Shakespeare died in 1616.
3.
What was a patron?
Correct Answer
A. A sponsor
Explanation
A patron is someone who financially supports or sponsors a person, organization, or event. They provide assistance or resources to help promote or develop the individual or cause they are supporting. This can include funding, guidance, or endorsement. Therefore, a patron can be seen as a sponsor or benefactor who helps to further the goals or success of someone or something.
4.
Which was Shakespeare's first acting company?
Correct Answer
A. Lord Chamberlain's Men
Explanation
Lord Chamberlain's Men was Shakespeare's first acting company. This company was formed in 1594 and Shakespeare was one of the founding members. They performed many of Shakespeare's plays including Romeo and Juliet. After the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, they changed their name to the King's Men when King James I ascended to the throne.
5.
The place where the groundlings stood
Correct Answer
pit
the pit
Explanation
The correct answer is "pit" or "the pit". In the context of the question, "the place where the groundlings stood" refers to the area in a theater where the lower-class audience members would stand during performances. This area was commonly known as the pit, as it was located at the bottom of the theater. Therefore, both "pit" and "the pit" are valid answers to describe this specific location.
6.
Above stage
Correct Answer
heavens
the heavens
Explanation
The correct answer is "heavens, the heavens." The phrase "above stage" suggests that there is something located above the stage. The word "heavens" refers to the sky or the celestial realm, which is commonly associated with being above us. The inclusion of the article "the" before "heavens" indicates a specific location or realm, emphasizing that it is the heavens above that are being referred to. Therefore, the correct answer is "heavens, the heavens."
7.
Below stage
Correct Answer
hell
8.
Stood in pit
Correct Answer
groundlings
the groundlings
Explanation
The term "groundlings" refers to the people who stood in the pit or yard of a theater during Shakespearean times. They were the lower-class audience members who could not afford to sit in the more expensive seating areas. "The groundlings" is just another way of referring to these individuals. Therefore, both "groundlings" and "the groundlings" are correct answers for this question.
9.
Where rich people sat; balconies
Correct Answer
galleries
the galleries
Explanation
The correct answer is "galleries, the galleries". The question is asking for the location where rich people sat, and the answer options provided are "balconies" and "the galleries". The term "galleries" refers to a section or area in a theater or auditorium where seats are located, typically higher up and further from the stage. Therefore, it can be inferred that the correct answer is "galleries" or "the galleries" as these options indicate the seating area where rich people would sit.
10.
14 lines of iambic pent.
Correct Answer
sonnet
a sonnet
Explanation
The correct answer is "sonnet, a sonnet." A sonnet is a type of poem that consists of 14 lines and follows a specific rhyme scheme. It is written in iambic pentameter, which means each line has 10 syllables with a stress on every second syllable. The repetition of the word "sonnet" emphasizes that the poem being referred to is indeed a sonnet, reinforcing the idea that the poem follows the specific structure and form of a sonnet.
11.
Unrhymed iambic pent.
Correct Answer
Blank verse
blank verse
Explanation
The correct answer is "Blank verse." Blank verse refers to unrhymed iambic pentameter, which is a type of poetic meter commonly used in English poetry. It consists of lines with five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern. In this case, the repetition of "blank verse" suggests that the given phrase is indicating the correct answer.
12.
Play on words
Correct Answer
pun
a pun
Explanation
The correct answer is "pun". A pun is a form of wordplay that involves using a word or phrase with multiple meanings or similar sounds to create a humorous or clever effect. It often relies on the double entendre or the use of homophones. In this case, "play on words" is another way of saying "pun", so they are essentially synonymous.
13.
Unifying element in a literary work
Correct Answer
motif
a motif
Explanation
A motif is a recurring element or theme in a literary work that serves to unify the various aspects of the story. It can be a symbol, an image, a character, or a narrative device that appears repeatedly throughout the work. The motif helps to create coherence and depth in the story by highlighting certain ideas or emotions. It adds layers of meaning and contributes to the overall message or theme of the work. In this context, the unifying element in a literary work is referred to as a motif.
14.
Alone on stage, revealing thoughts
Correct Answer
soliloquy
a soliloquy
Explanation
A soliloquy is a literary device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, usually when they are alone on stage. It allows the audience to gain insight into the character's innermost feelings, desires, and motivations. In this context, "soliloquy" refers to the act of being alone on stage and revealing one's thoughts. The repetition of "a soliloquy" emphasizes that the correct answer is indeed soliloquy.
15.
A play type in which hero is stricken with misfortune
Correct Answer
tragedy
a tragedy
Explanation
The correct answer is "tragedy" or "a tragedy". A tragedy is a type of play where the hero experiences misfortune or downfall. It typically involves a protagonist who possesses admirable qualities but is ultimately brought to ruin due to a tragic flaw or external circumstances. Tragedies often explore themes of fate, mortality, and the human condition, and they aim to evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience. Examples of famous tragedies include Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Sophocles' "Oedipus Rex".
16.
Referring to a previous work
Correct Answer
Explanation
Referring to a previous work means using information or ideas from a previously published or completed project. This could involve citing sources, quoting or paraphrasing previous research, or building upon existing knowledge. By referring to a previous work, individuals can provide evidence, support their arguments, or expand on existing theories. It allows for the incorporation of established information into new projects, fostering a deeper understanding and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in a particular field.
17.
An opposite of a character
Correct Answer
foil
Explanation
A foil is a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight their differences. They are often used to enhance the traits and qualities of the main character by providing a contrasting perspective or behavior. This contrast helps to emphasize the main character's strengths and weaknesses, and can also serve to advance the plot or theme of a story. A foil can be used to create dramatic tension or comedic effect, and their presence in a narrative can add depth and complexity to the overall characterization.
18.
Audience knows, the character does not
Correct Answer
dramatic irony
Explanation
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience possesses knowledge or information that a character in a story or play is unaware of. In this particular scenario, the audience is aware of something that the character is not. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation as the audience waits for the character to discover the truth. The use of dramatic irony can add depth and complexity to a narrative, allowing the audience to engage with the story on a deeper level.
19.
Comedy to relieve tension
Correct Answer
comic relief
Explanation
Comic relief refers to the use of humor or comedic elements in a story or performance to provide a break from tension or serious moments. It serves as a form of entertainment that lightens the mood and allows the audience to temporarily escape from the intensity or emotional weight of the narrative. By incorporating comedic elements, such as jokes or funny characters, the story provides a momentary relief from the tension, allowing the audience to relax and enjoy the lighter moments before returning to the main plot.
20.
Contradicting statement
Correct Answer
oxymoron
an oxymoron
Explanation
The given correct answer is "oxymoron, an oxymoron". An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms, such as "jumbo shrimp" or "bittersweet". In this case, the phrase "contradicting statement" is itself an example of an oxymoron, as it combines two words that have opposite meanings. Therefore, the answer "oxymoron, an oxymoron" correctly identifies the term and provides an example to support it.
21.
Talking to only one group of people, but in same voice.
Correct Answer
aside
an aside
Explanation
This answer refers to the concept of "aside," which means speaking to only one group of people but using the same voice. An aside is a theatrical technique where a character speaks directly to the audience or to a specific group of characters, often revealing their thoughts or feelings. It is done in a way that is separate from the main dialogue or action happening on stage. This allows the character to provide additional information or insight to the audience without other characters hearing. The phrase "an aside" is used to describe this specific type of speech.
22.
Two rhyming lines that end an act and let the audience know the act is over.
Correct Answer
couplet
Explanation
A couplet is a pair of rhyming lines that often marks the end of an act or scene in a play. It serves as a signal to the audience that the act is over and provides a sense of closure. The rhyme and rhythm of the couplet can create a memorable and impactful ending, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.