Shakespeare Birthday Quiz
Are you a Bard Scholar or a ‘cream faced loon’? Find out and test your knowledge of Shakespeare in our Shakespeare Birthday Quiz! Start by entering your name below. . .
- 1.
What word did Shakespeare not invent?
- A.
Hobnob
- B.
Gossip
- C.
Swagger
- D.
Domain
Correct Answer
D. DomainExplanation
While Shakespeare is known for coining many new words and phrases, the word "domain" was not one of them. "Domain" has roots in Old French and Latin, predating Shakespeare's time. It refers to a territory or area of control.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The line ‘There is a tide in the affairs of men’ comes from which play?
- A.
As You Like It
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Julius Caesar
- D.
Othello
Correct Answer
C. Julius CaesarExplanation
The line "There is a tide in the affairs of men" is from the play Julius Caesar. This line is spoken by Brutus in Act IV, Scene 3, and it reflects the idea that there are opportune moments in life that must be seized in order to achieve success. The line emphasizes the importance of timing and decision-making in one's life.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who did Shakespeare marry?
- A.
Anne Hathaway
- B.
Anne Boleyn
- C.
Anne Herald
- D.
Anne Simone
Correct Answer
A. Anne HathawayExplanation
Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. This is a well-known fact in history. Anne Hathaway was the daughter of a wealthy farmer and she married Shakespeare at the age of 26, while he was only 18. They had three children together and remained married until Shakespeare's death.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of these phrases appears on Shakespeare’s grave?
- A.
‘Speak me fair in death’
- B.
‘Tired with all these, for stressful death I cry’
- C.
‘Curst be he that moves my bones’
- D.
'All must come to dust'
Correct Answer
C. ‘Curst be he that moves my bones’Explanation
The phrase "Curst be he that moves my bones" appears on Shakespeare's grave. This phrase is a curse that warns against disturbing his remains. It reflects Shakespeare's desire to rest undisturbed even after death.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of Shakespeare's plays contains the most words:
- A.
Richard III
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
The Tempest
- D.
Macbeth
Correct Answer
B. HamletExplanation
Hamlet contains the most words among Shakespeare's plays. This tragedy is known for its lengthy soliloquies and complex dialogue, contributing to its overall word count. The play explores themes of revenge, madness, and mortality, and the extensive use of language enhances the depth and complexity of the characters and their motivations. Hamlet's introspective nature and philosophical musings also contribute to the play's wordiness, making it the longest of Shakespeare's works.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In the 2008 RSC production of Hamlet, who played Hamlet?
- A.
Jonathan Slinger
- B.
David Tennant
- C.
Toby Stephens
- D.
Kenneth Branagh
Correct Answer
B. David TennantExplanation
David Tennant played Hamlet in the 2008 RSC production of Hamlet.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of these is not an ingredient used in the witches brew in Macbeth?
- A.
Fillet of a fenny snake
- B.
Finger of a fool
- C.
Root of hemlock
- D.
Tooth of wolf
Correct Answer
B. Finger of a foolExplanation
The witches brew in Macbeth is a concoction made up of various grotesque and supernatural ingredients. While all the other options - fillet of a fenny snake, root of hemlock, and tooth of wolf - are mentioned in the play as ingredients used in the witches brew, there is no mention of a "finger of a fool" being used. Therefore, "finger of a fool" is not an ingredient used in the witches brew in Macbeth.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Who or what is the smallest role in all of Shakespeare’s plays?
- A.
Mustardseed from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- B.
Nestor from Troilus and Cressida
- C.
Pacorus from Antony and Cleopatra
- D.
Goneril from King Lear
Correct Answer
C. Pacorus from Antony and CleopatraExplanation
Pacorus from Antony and Cleopatra is the smallest role in all of Shakespeare's plays because he only appears in one scene and has very few lines. In contrast, Mustardseed from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Nestor from Troilus and Cressida, and Goneril from King Lear have more significant roles and appear in multiple scenes, with Goneril being a major character in King Lear. Therefore, Pacorus has the smallest role among the given options.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who else was born on the 23rd April (Shakespeare's birthday)?
- A.
Shirley Temple
- B.
Gregory Doran
- C.
Harry Styles
- D.
Queen Victoria
Correct Answer
A. Shirley TempleExplanation
Shirley Temple was born on the 23rd of April, the same day as Shakespeare's birthday. This suggests that she shares a birthday with the famous playwright.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who originally designed the old Royal Shakespeare Theatre?
- A.
Elisabeth Scott
- B.
Richard Burbage
- C.
James Burbage
- D.
Inigo Jones
Correct Answer
A. Elisabeth ScottExplanation
Elisabeth Scott is the correct answer because she was the architect who originally designed the old Royal Shakespeare Theatre. She won an international competition in 1928 to design the new theatre, which was completed in 1932. Her design was innovative and incorporated elements of both classical and modern architecture, making it a significant landmark in British theatre history.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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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Apr 22, 2015Quiz Created by
Johnbenfield_RSC
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