Shakespeare Birthday Quiz

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  • 1/10 Questions

    Who did Shakespeare marry?

    • Anne Hathaway
    • Anne Boleyn
    • Anne Herald
    • Anne Simone
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About This 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. . .

Shakespeare Birthday Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of Shakespeare's plays contains the most words:

    • Richard III

    • Hamlet

    • The Tempest

    • Macbeth

    Correct Answer
    A. Hamlet
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 3. 

    In the 2008 RSC production of Hamlet, who played Hamlet?

    • Jonathan Slinger

    • David Tennant

    • Toby Stephens

    • Kenneth Branagh

    Correct Answer
    A. David Tennant
    Explanation
    David Tennant played Hamlet in the 2008 RSC production of Hamlet.

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  • 4. 

    The line ‘There is a tide in the affairs of men’ comes from which play?

    • As You Like It

    • Hamlet

    • Julius Caesar

    • Othello

    Correct Answer
    A. Julius Caesar
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 5. 

    What word did Shakespeare not invent?

    • Hobnob

    • Gossip

    • Swagger

    • Domain

    Correct Answer
    A. Domain
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 6. 

    Which of these phrases appears on Shakespeare’s grave?

    • ‘Speak me fair in death’

    • ‘Tired with all these, for stressful death I cry’

    • ‘Curst be he that moves my bones’

    • 'All must come to dust'

    Correct Answer
    A. ‘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.

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  • 7. 

    Which of these is not an ingredient used in the witches brew in Macbeth?

    • Fillet of a fenny snake

    • Finger of a fool

    • Root of hemlock

    • Tooth of wolf

    Correct Answer
    A. Finger of a fool
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 8. 

    Who else was born on the 23rd April (Shakespeare's birthday)?

    • Shirley Temple

    • Gregory Doran

    • Harry Styles

    • Queen Victoria

    Correct Answer
    A. Shirley Temple
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 9. 

    Who originally designed the old Royal Shakespeare Theatre?

    • Elisabeth Scott

    • Richard Burbage

    • James Burbage

    • Inigo Jones

    Correct Answer
    A. Elisabeth Scott
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 10. 

    Who or what is the smallest role in all of Shakespeare’s plays?

    • Mustardseed from A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    • Nestor from Troilus and Cressida

    • Pacorus from Antony and Cleopatra

    • Goneril from King Lear

    Correct Answer
    A. Pacorus from Antony and Cleopatra
    Explanation
    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.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 22, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Johnbenfield_RSC
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