Trivia Quiz: Do You Really Know About History Of Drama?
Quiz to test your knowledge of the history of drama
Questions and Answers
- 1.
When was Shakespeare born?
- A.
26 April 1564
- B.
26 December 1564
- C.
23 January 1654
Correct Answer
A. 26 April 1564Explanation
His actual birth date is unknown but this is the day when his birthday is traditionally observed and celebrated.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Aeschylus was the first known playwright If you don't know how to say this word, click on this link: http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=aeschylus
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The other playwrights of the Greek era were Sophocles and EuripidesRate this question:
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- 3.
Greek theatre was popular around when?
- A.
500 BC (before Christ)
- B.
500 AD (after Christ)
- C.
Last year
Correct Answer
A. 500 BC (before Christ)Explanation
Greek theatre was popular around 500 BC (before Christ) because it was during this time that Greek drama and theatrical performances reached their peak. Greek theatre was an integral part of ancient Greek culture and was highly valued and celebrated. It was during this period that famous playwrights like Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides emerged, and their plays were performed in grand amphitheaters. Greek theatre had a significant influence on Western theatre and continues to be studied and appreciated today.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Where was Shakespeare born?
- A.
Stratford, New Zealand
- B.
Stafford, England
- C.
Stratford, England
Correct Answer
C. Stratford, EnglandExplanation
Shakespeare was born in Stratford, England. This is the correct answer because historical records and evidence confirm that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, a town in Warwickshire, England. Stratford-upon-Avon is widely recognized as the birthplace of Shakespeare and is home to various sites associated with his life, such as his birthplace house and the renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Shakespeare was the father of twins
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Shakespeare being the father of twins is true because historical records indicate that he had twin children, Judith and Hamnet. These records suggest that Shakespeare indeed had twins, making the statement true.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Shakespeare's wife Anna Hathaway was how many years older than Shakespeare
- A.
6 years
- B.
8 years
- C.
She wasn't - she was younger than him
Correct Answer
B. 8 yearsExplanation
Anna Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, was 8 years older than him. This means that she was born 8 years before Shakespeare.Rate this question:
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- 7.
One of the plays that Shakespeare wrote was called...
- A.
Macbeth
- B.
Hamnet
- C.
The Plague
Correct Answer
A. MacbethExplanation
Macbeth is a play written by Shakespeare. It is one of his most famous tragedies and tells the story of a Scottish general who becomes consumed by ambition and commits a series of murders in order to become king. The play explores themes of power, guilt, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Macbeth is known for its memorable characters, poetic language, and dramatic scenes, making it a timeless and enduring work of literature.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In medieval times, plays were performed on carts as the actors travelled from town to town. These plays were called...
- A.
Morbidity plays
- B.
Morality plays
- C.
Cart plays
Correct Answer
B. Morality playsExplanation
During medieval times, plays were performed on carts as actors traveled from town to town. These plays were known as morality plays. These plays were designed to teach moral lessons and often depicted the struggle between good and evil. They were popular during the Middle Ages and served as a form of entertainment as well as a way to educate the audience about moral values and religious teachings. The term "morality plays" accurately describes this type of theatrical performance.Rate this question:
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- 9.
You spell medieval like this...
- A.
Medieval
- B.
Medeival
- C.
Med-evil
Correct Answer
A. MedievalExplanation
The correct spelling of the word "medieval" is spelled as "medieval". The other options, "medeival" and "med-evil" are incorrect spellings.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Apart from entertainment, what was the purpose of morality plays?
- A.
To make everyone go to the market place
- B.
So that actors could travel to different towns
- C.
To educate the people about what was the right thing to do
Correct Answer
C. To educate the people about what was the right thing to doExplanation
Morality plays served the purpose of educating people about moral values and guiding them towards making the right choices. These plays were not primarily intended for entertainment but aimed to teach the audience about good and bad behavior, the consequences of their actions, and the importance of following virtuous principles. Through storytelling and dramatic performances, morality plays sought to impart moral lessons and encourage individuals to lead a righteous life.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Name the types of character that you would see in a melodrama
Correct Answer
villain
hero
heroine
sidekick
stupid sidekickExplanation
In a melodrama, you would typically see characters such as a villain, hero, heroine, sidekick, and a stupid sidekick. These characters play specific roles in the melodramatic storyline. The villain is the antagonist who creates conflict and opposes the hero. The hero is the protagonist who fights against the villain and saves the day. The heroine is usually the love interest of the hero and adds emotional depth to the story. The sidekick provides support and assistance to the hero. The stupid sidekick is often a comedic relief character who adds humor to the melodrama.Rate this question:
- 12.
When we are acting, we need to ...
- A.
Speak just as we would do at home
- B.
Speak loudly and clearly
- C.
Mumble cause it's embarrasing
Correct Answer
B. Speak loudly and clearlyExplanation
When we are acting, it is important to speak loudly and clearly so that the audience can hear and understand what we are saying. This helps in conveying the dialogue effectively and ensures that the message is communicated clearly to the audience. Speaking loudly and clearly also helps in maintaining the attention of the audience and enhances the overall performance. Mumbling would be embarrassing and make it difficult for the audience to comprehend the dialogue, hence it is not the preferred approach.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Greek chorus had another name - what was it?
- A.
Goat milkers
- B.
Goat singers
- C.
Sheep dancers
Correct Answer
B. Goat singersExplanation
The correct answer is "goat singers." In ancient Greek theater, the chorus was a group of performers who sang and danced while providing commentary on the events of the play. They were often accompanied by musical instruments and their songs were an integral part of the performance. The term "goat singers" refers to the fact that the chorus members would sing in a melodic and harmonious manner, similar to the way goats make sounds.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The "deus ex machina" in Greek times was what?
- A.
A trapdoor in the floor of the stage
- B.
A special crane to lift actors
- C.
A mask that the actors used
Correct Answer
B. A special crane to lift actorsExplanation
In Greek times, the "deus ex machina" referred to a special crane that was used to lift actors onto the stage. This device was often used to portray gods or other supernatural beings descending from the heavens to intervene in the plot of a play. It allowed for dramatic entrances and added an element of spectacle to the performance.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Greek dramas were put on in honour of Dionysus who was the god of what?
- A.
Happiness and light
- B.
Wine and food
- C.
The underworld
Correct Answer
B. Wine and foodExplanation
Greek dramas were put on in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine and food. Dionysus was considered the patron deity of wine and the cultivation of grapes, as well as the god of fertility and celebration. Wine and food were integral parts of the Greek culture and were often associated with joy, festivities, and religious rituals. Therefore, it is fitting that Greek dramas, which often depicted myths and stories related to gods and goddesses, were performed in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and food.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 31, 2011Quiz Created by
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