How Much Doth Thou Know...
Test your knowledge of Shakespeare by taking our 35 question quiz and comparing your results with your friends.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
On what date do we think Shakespeare was born?
- A.
23 April 1564
- B.
24 June 1564
- C.
19 July 1564
- D.
22 October 1564
Correct Answer
A. 23 April 1564Explanation
Shakespeare is believed to have been born on 23 April 1564. This date is widely accepted as his birthdate based on historical records and the fact that he was baptized on 26 April 1564. Additionally, the date of 23 April is celebrated as Shakespeare's birthday and is also the date of his death, making it a significant day for Shakespeare enthusiasts.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is Romeo's surname?
- A.
Montague
- B.
Capulet
- C.
Tybalt
- D.
Lawrence
Correct Answer
A. MontagueExplanation
Romeo's surname is Montague. This is established in William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," where Romeo is a member of the Montague family. The play revolves around the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, two rival families in Verona. Romeo's love interest, Juliet, is a member of the Capulet family, which adds to the conflict and tragedy of the story.Rate this question:
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- 3.
On what date did Shakespeare die?
- A.
23 April 1616
- B.
24 June 1616
- C.
19 July 1616
- D.
22 October 1616
Correct Answer
A. 23 April 1616Explanation
Shakespeare died on 23 April 1616.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In which city is Hamlet set?
- A.
Elsinore
- B.
Copenhagen
- C.
Wittenberg
- D.
London
Correct Answer
A. ElsinoreExplanation
The correct answer is Elsinore. Elsinore is the city where the play "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare is set. The play revolves around the Danish prince, Hamlet, and his quest for revenge after his father's murder. Elsinore, also known as Helsingør, is a real city located in Denmark. The play is known for its iconic castle, Kronborg Castle, which serves as the setting for many important scenes in the play.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was Shakespeare's wife's name?
- A.
Anne Hathaway
- B.
Mary Arden
- C.
Elizabeth Arden
- D.
Anne Hemmingway
Correct Answer
A. Anne HathawayExplanation
Shakespeare's wife's name was Anne Hathaway. This is a well-known fact and is widely accepted by historians and scholars. Anne Hathaway was born in 1556 and married William Shakespeare in 1582 when she was 26 years old and he was 18. They had three children together. While there is limited information available about Anne Hathaway, she is believed to have lived in Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and spent most of his life.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following is a musical based on Romeo and Juliet?
- A.
West Side Story
- B.
Kiss Me Kate
- C.
Cats
- D.
Chicago
Correct Answer
A. West Side StoryExplanation
West Side Story is a musical based on Romeo and Juliet. It tells the story of two young lovers from rival gangs in New York City. The musical explores themes of love, prejudice, and violence, just like Shakespeare's original play. The characters and plot of West Side Story closely parallel those of Romeo and Juliet, with Tony and Maria representing Romeo and Juliet, and the Jets and Sharks representing the Montagues and Capulets. The musical features iconic songs such as "Maria" and "Tonight" and is a classic example of a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What did Shakespeare famously leave to his wife in his will?
- A.
His second-best bed
- B.
His second-best coat
- C.
His second-best quill
- D.
His second-best chair
Correct Answer
A. His second-best bedExplanation
Shakespeare famously left his second-best bed to his wife in his will. This may seem like an odd choice, but during that time period, the best bed in the house was often considered a valuable and prized possession. The second-best bed was typically the marital bed, and it held sentimental value as a symbol of their relationship. By leaving his second-best bed to his wife, Shakespeare was likely expressing his love and commitment to her even after his passing.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of these is NOT the name of a Shakespeare comedy?
- A.
Some Like It Hot
- B.
All's Well That Ends Well
- C.
As You Like It
- D.
Much Ado About Nothing
Correct Answer
A. Some Like It Hot -
- 9.
In which play would you find the line, "Is this a dagger which I see before me"?
- A.
Macbeth
- B.
Hamlet
- C.
Twelfth Night
- D.
Henry V
Correct Answer
A. MacbethExplanation
The line "Is this a dagger which I see before me" is from the play Macbeth. This line is spoken by the character Macbeth in Act II, Scene I, as he hallucinates a dagger before him, which is a pivotal moment in the play. Macbeth is contemplating whether the dagger is a figment of his imagination or a real object, and this line highlights his internal struggle and foreshadows the dark deeds he is about to commit.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of these is NOT a fairy in A Midsummer Night's Dream?
- A.
Tinkerbell
- B.
Cobweb
- C.
Mustardseed
- D.
Moth
Correct Answer
A. TinkerbellExplanation
Tinkerbell is not a fairy in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Tinkerbell is a character from the play Peter Pan, written by J.M. Barrie. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the fairies are named Cobweb, Mustardseed, and Moth.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Complete the line: "Alas, poor Yorick…"
- A.
I knew him, Horatio
- B.
I knew him well
- C.
He hath bore me on his back a thousand times
- D.
Where be your gibes now?
Correct Answer
A. I knew him, HoratioExplanation
This line is a famous quote from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. It is spoken by the character Hamlet as he holds the skull of Yorick, a jester he knew in his childhood. The line expresses Hamlet's realization and sadness at the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. By saying "I knew him, Horatio," Hamlet acknowledges that he remembers Yorick and the memories they shared together.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What did Shakespeare's father do?
- A.
Glove maker
- B.
Shoe maker
- C.
Playwright
- D.
Farmer
Correct Answer
A. Glove makerExplanation
Shakespeare's father was a glove maker. This means that he was involved in the craft of making gloves, which was a common occupation during that time. It is known that Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare, worked as a glover in Stratford-upon-Avon. This profession involved the manufacturing and selling of gloves, which were in high demand during the Elizabethan era. Shakespeare's father's occupation as a glove maker may have influenced the playwright's understanding of craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is often reflected in his works.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In which play would you find the stage direction, "Exit, pursued by a bear"?
- A.
The Winter's Tale
- B.
The Tempest
- C.
Pericles
- D.
The Two Noble Kinsmen
Correct Answer
A. The Winter's TaleExplanation
In The Winter's Tale, the stage direction "Exit, pursued by a bear" occurs in Act III, Scene III. This direction is famously known and often referenced in discussions about the play. It refers to the character Antigonus, who is chased offstage by a bear and is presumed to be killed. This moment adds to the dramatic tension and foreshadows events that unfold later in the play.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following Henrys is NOT the subject of a history play by Shakespeare?
- A.
Henry VII
- B.
Henry V
- C.
Henry VI
- D.
Henry IV
Correct Answer
A. Henry VIIExplanation
Henry VII is not the subject of a history play by Shakespeare because Shakespeare did not write a play specifically about Henry VII. Shakespeare wrote plays about Henry V, Henry VI, and Henry IV, but not about Henry VII.Rate this question:
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- 15.
In what year was Shakespeare's collected works (the First Folio) published?
- A.
1623
- B.
1632
- C.
1622
- D.
1633
Correct Answer
A. 1623Explanation
The correct answer is 1623. This is the year when Shakespeare's collected works, known as the First Folio, were published. The First Folio is a compilation of 36 of Shakespeare's plays, including many that would have been lost if not for this publication. It is considered one of the most important books in English literature and has been instrumental in preserving and promoting Shakespeare's works.Rate this question:
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- 16.
How many sonnets did Shakespeare include in his sequence?
- A.
154
- B.
164
- C.
144
- D.
124
Correct Answer
A. 154Explanation
Shakespeare included 154 sonnets in his sequence. This is a well-known fact in literary history. Sonnets are a form of poetry, and Shakespeare is famous for his mastery of this form. His sonnets are considered some of the greatest in the English language and have had a significant impact on the development of poetry. The number 154 is widely accepted and recognized as the total number of sonnets included in Shakespeare's sequence.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which of the following moons of Uranus is NOT named after a Shakespeare character?
- A.
Umbriel
- B.
Ariel
- C.
Titania
- D.
Oberon
Correct Answer
A. UmbrielExplanation
Umbriel is the correct answer because it is the only moon of Uranus that is not named after a Shakespeare character. Ariel, Titania, and Oberon are all named after characters from Shakespeare's plays.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which play does NOT have a ghost in it?
- A.
Antony and Cleopatra
- B.
Julius Caesar
- C.
Macbeth
- D.
Richard III
Correct Answer
A. Antony and CleopatraExplanation
Antony and Cleopatra does not have a ghost in it. In Shakespeare's play, the focus is primarily on the passionate love affair between the Roman general Antony and the Egyptian queen Cleopatra, rather than supernatural elements like ghosts. While Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and Richard III all feature ghosts or supernatural occurrences, Antony and Cleopatra does not include this element in its storyline.Rate this question:
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- 19.
What were Shakespeare's parents' names?
- A.
John and Mary
- B.
Joseph and Mary
- C.
John and Anne
- D.
Joseph and Margaret
Correct Answer
A. John and MaryExplanation
The correct answer is John and Mary. Shakespeare's parents' names were John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. John was a successful glove-maker and Mary came from a wealthy family. They had eight children, including William Shakespeare, the famous playwright.Rate this question:
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- 20.
How many Shakespeare plays have an animal in the title?
- A.
1
- B.
2
- C.
3
- D.
4
Correct Answer
A. 1Explanation
There is only one Shakespeare play that has an animal in the title, which is "The Taming of the Shrew."Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which play does NOT have a character named Antonio in it?
- A.
Romeo and Juliet
- B.
Merchant of Venice
- C.
Twelfth Night
- D.
The Tempest
Correct Answer
A. Romeo and JulietExplanation
Romeo and Juliet is the correct answer because it is the only play listed that does not have a character named Antonio in it. The Merchant of Venice has a character named Antonio, who is the main protagonist. Twelfth Night has a character named Antonio, who is a sea captain. The Tempest has a character named Antonio, who is the brother of the main protagonist.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which Shakespeare play features tennis balls?
- A.
Henry V
- B.
Much Ado About Nothing
- C.
The Tempest
- D.
Twelfth Night
Correct Answer
A. Henry VExplanation
In Shakespeare's play Henry V, tennis balls are featured as a symbolic gift from the Dauphin of France to insult King Henry. The Dauphin sends the tennis balls to mock Henry's youth and lack of experience, implying that he is more suited for playing games than ruling a kingdom. This gesture ultimately serves as a catalyst for Henry's decision to invade France and assert his power.Rate this question:
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- 23.
From which play comes the line, "All the world's a stage…"?
- A.
As You Like It
- B.
Twelfth Night
- C.
The Comedy of Errors
- D.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Correct Answer
A. As You Like ItExplanation
The line "All the world's a stage..." is from the play "As You Like It."Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which of these terms did fellow playwright Robert Greene use to describe Shakespeare?
- A.
Upstart crow
- B.
Uptight crow
- C.
Upright cow
- D.
Uptown girl
Correct Answer
A. Upstart crowExplanation
Robert Greene used the term "Upstart crow" to describe Shakespeare. This term implies that Greene viewed Shakespeare as an ambitious and presumptuous newcomer to the world of playwriting. It suggests that Greene may have felt threatened by Shakespeare's rising success and talent, hence the use of the term "upstart" to belittle him.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Who is the "merchant of Venice"?
- A.
Antonio
- B.
Shylock
- C.
Bassanio
- D.
Portia
Correct Answer
A. AntonioExplanation
Antonio is referred to as the "merchant of Venice" because he is a wealthy merchant who plays a central role in the play "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare. The story revolves around Antonio's financial dealings and his relationship with Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Antonio's character represents the merchant class in Venice and serves as a contrast to Shylock's character.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which of these is NOT the name of one of Shakespeare's children?
- A.
Edmund
- B.
Hamnet
- C.
Judith
- D.
Susanna
Correct Answer
A. EdmundExplanation
Edmund is not the name of one of Shakespeare's children. Shakespeare had three children named Hamnet, Judith, and Susanna.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Which of the following characters from his own plays is Shakespeare said to have acted?
- A.
The Ghost in Hamlet
- B.
Montague in Romeo and Juliet
- C.
Gloucester in King Lear
- D.
Duncan in Macbeth
Correct Answer
A. The Ghost in HamletExplanation
Shakespeare is said to have acted in the role of The Ghost in Hamlet.Rate this question:
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- 28.
Which of these famous writers hated Shakespeare?
- A.
Tolstoy
- B.
Dickens
- C.
Austen
- D.
Lewis Carroll
Correct Answer
A. TolstoyExplanation
Tolstoy is the correct answer because he was known to have a strong dislike for Shakespeare's works. He criticized Shakespeare's lack of moral values and considered his writing to be overrated. Tolstoy believed that Shakespeare's plays were not beneficial to society and did not contribute to the moral development of individuals. This disdain for Shakespeare's works sets Tolstoy apart from the other famous writers listed, Dickens, Austen, and Lewis Carroll, who did not express such negative views towards Shakespeare.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Which of these plays by Shakespeare is not included in the First Folio?
- A.
Pericles
- B.
Troilus and Cressida
- C.
Titus Andronicus
- D.
Two Gentlemen of Verona
Correct Answer
A. PericlesExplanation
Pericles is the play by Shakespeare that is not included in the First Folio. The First Folio is a collection of Shakespeare's plays that was published in 1623, seven years after his death. It includes 36 of his plays, but Pericles is not one of them. Pericles is believed to have been written in collaboration with another playwright, George Wilkins, which may be why it was not included in the First Folio. Additionally, Pericles was not as popular or well-known as some of Shakespeare's other plays, which could also explain its omission from the collection.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Who called Shakespeare the "Sweet Swan of Avon"?
- A.
Ben Jonson
- B.
Christopher Marlowe
- C.
Elizabeth I
- D.
Francis Bacon
Correct Answer
A. Ben JonsonExplanation
Ben Jonson called Shakespeare the "Sweet Swan of Avon". This nickname is a reference to Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, and his poetic abilities. Ben Jonson, a contemporary playwright and poet, admired Shakespeare's talent and used this affectionate nickname to praise his work.Rate this question:
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- 31.
What does the motto on Shakespeare's coat of arms mean?
- A.
Not without right
- B.
Not without mustard
- C.
Not without courage
- D.
Not without honour
Correct Answer
A. Not without rightExplanation
The motto on Shakespeare's coat of arms, "Not without right," implies that one should not act or make decisions without proper justification or authority. It suggests that one should always consider the moral, legal, or rightful aspects before taking any action. This motto reflects Shakespeare's belief in the importance of doing things with integrity and a sense of justice.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Which of these poems is NOT by Shakespeare?
- A.
Hero and Leander
- B.
The Rape of Lucrece
- C.
The Phoenix and the Turtle
- D.
Venus and Adonis
Correct Answer
A. Hero and LeanderExplanation
Hero and Leander is a poem written by the Greek poet Christopher Marlowe, not by Shakespeare. Shakespeare did write the other three poems mentioned in the options: The Rape of Lucrece, The Phoenix and the Turtle, and Venus and Adonis.Rate this question:
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- 33.
Which Shakespeare play is set in Austria?
- A.
Measure for Measure
- B.
Cymbeline
- C.
The Winter's Tale
- D.
Pericles
Correct Answer
A. Measure for MeasureExplanation
Measure for Measure is set in Austria because the play takes place in the city of Vienna, which is the capital of Austria. The plot revolves around the Duke of Vienna, who temporarily leaves the city and appoints a strict deputy to enforce the laws. The play explores themes of justice, morality, and power through the characters' actions and decisions in the Austrian setting.Rate this question:
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- 34.
The 1956 sci-fi film, The Forbidden Planet, is based on which Shakespeare play?
- A.
The Tempest
- B.
Romeo and Juliet
- C.
Othello
- D.
Macbeth
Correct Answer
A. The TempestExplanation
The correct answer is The Tempest. The Forbidden Planet is a sci-fi film that is loosely based on Shakespeare's play, The Tempest. The film takes place on an alien planet and explores themes of power, desire, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, much like the original play. The characters and plot of The Forbidden Planet draw heavily from The Tempest, making it a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's work.Rate this question:
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- 35.
Did Shakespeare really write the plays attributed to William Shakespeare?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
The given correct answer is "Yes." This suggests that Shakespeare did indeed write the plays attributed to William Shakespeare.Rate this question:
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