Macbeth: Pre-reading Comprehension Quiz.
Using your notes from listening to the Folger Library podcast and watching the Shakespeare Brief and Naughty video, answer the following questions.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
William Shakespeare is known as
- A.
Willy Shockpeare
- B.
The greatest English writer ever
- C.
The worlds hardest working English playwright
- D.
The Elizabethan Quintin Tarantino
Correct Answer
B. The greatest English writer everExplanation
William Shakespeare is known as "the greatest English writer ever" because of his immense contribution to English literature. He is renowned for his plays, poems, and sonnets, which have had a profound impact on the literary world. Shakespeare's works are widely studied, performed, and celebrated for their timeless themes, complex characters, and masterful storytelling. His plays, such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet, continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. Shakespeare's influence on the English language and his ability to capture the human experience make him deserving of the title "the greatest English writer ever."Rate this question:
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- 2.
Shakespeare was born in
- A.
1582 during the Jacobean Era
- B.
1591 during the Stratfordian Era
- C.
1564 during the Elizabethan Era
- D.
1591 during the reign of King James I
Correct Answer
C. 1564 during the Elizabethan EraExplanation
The correct answer is 1564 during the Elizabethan Era. This is because historical records indicate that William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The Elizabethan Era refers to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which lasted from 1558 to 1603. Shakespeare's works, such as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, were written and performed during this period, making him one of the most renowned playwrights of the time.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Shakespeare married a much older woman, Ann Hathaway, because she was
- A.
A glove maker and he loved gloves
- B.
Wealthy
- C.
A fan of his writing
- D.
Pregnant
Correct Answer
D. PregnantExplanation
Shakespeare married a much older woman, Ann Hathaway, because she was pregnant. This suggests that the reason for their marriage was likely due to societal expectations or a sense of duty rather than love or compatibility. It is possible that Shakespeare felt responsible for the pregnancy and decided to marry Ann in order to provide for their child.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Shakespeare wrote:
- A.
137 sonnets and 54 plays
- B.
154 plays and 37 sonnets
- C.
37 plays and 154 sonnets
- D.
54 sonnet and 137 plays
Correct Answer
C. 37 plays and 154 sonnetsExplanation
Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. This is a well-known fact about Shakespeare's body of work. His plays are considered some of the greatest works in the English language and include famous works such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. His sonnets, on the other hand, are a collection of 154 poems that are known for their poetic beauty and exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and mortality. The answer choice accurately reflects the number of plays and sonnets that Shakespeare wrote.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Queen Elizabeth loved Shakespeare's plays but she frequently shut down the theatres because
- A.
The Globe Theatre was also used for bear baiting and executions
- B.
There were too many prostitutes from near by brothels attending plays
- C.
The water was filled with sewage
- D.
Infectious disease was easily transmitted via crowds in public places
Correct Answer
D. Infectious disease was easily transmitted via crowds in public placesExplanation
Infectious diseases were easily transmitted via crowds in public places, which was a concern during Queen Elizabeth's time. Theatres were popular gathering spots and could easily become breeding grounds for diseases. Shutting down the theatres was a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among the population.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Shakepeare's Plays can be grouped into 3 main categories. Select from the list below
- A.
Thrillers
- B.
Comedies
- C.
Romances
- D.
Histories
- E.
Tragedies
- F.
Fantasies
- G.
Dramas
Correct Answer(s)
B. Comedies
D. Histories
E. TragediesExplanation
Shakespeare's plays can be categorized into three main categories: comedies, histories, and tragedies. Comedies are plays that have a light-hearted and humorous tone, often involving mistaken identities and happy endings. Histories are plays that focus on historical events and figures, often depicting the rise and fall of kings and political power struggles. Tragedies are plays that explore themes of human suffering and downfall, often ending in the death of the main character. These three categories encompass the majority of Shakespeare's plays, showcasing his versatility and range as a playwright.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Shakespeare's plays: Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Hamlet, King Lear, Julius Caesar and Macbeth are some of his best known:
- A.
Dramas
- B.
Thrillers
- C.
Tragedies
- D.
Comedies
- E.
Fantasies
- F.
Histories
- G.
Romances
Correct Answer
C. TragediesExplanation
The correct answer is "tragedies" because the plays listed are known for their serious and somber themes, often involving the downfall of the main characters. Tragedies typically explore themes of love, betrayal, power, and fate, and Shakespeare's plays like Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Hamlet, King Lear, Julius Caesar, and Macbeth all fit into this genre.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Macbeth is about:
- A.
A man who kills a king to become a king
- B.
The core human issues, ambition, love, desire, war,
- C.
The power of witchcraft
- D.
The evil that lurks in the heart of a soldier
Correct Answer
B. The core human issues, ambition, love, desire, war,Explanation
Macbeth is about the core human issues of ambition, love, desire, and war. The play explores the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. It delves into the complex emotions and motivations of the characters, highlighting their desires and the lengths they are willing to go to fulfill them. Additionally, the play examines the brutal realities of war and the impact it has on individuals and society. Overall, Macbeth explores the universal themes and conflicts that are inherent in human nature.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The Macbeths can be characterised as:
- A.
Ambitious upward climbers who seek power and safety
- B.
Evil murderers
- C.
Innocent people who fall under the power of witchcraft
- D.
A loving couple who want the best for each other
Correct Answer
A. Ambitious upward climbers who seek power and safetyExplanation
The Macbeths can be characterized as ambitious upward climbers who seek power and safety. Throughout the play, both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are driven by their ambition to obtain power and secure their position. They are willing to go to extreme lengths, including murder, to achieve their goals. Their actions and decisions are motivated by their desire for power and the fear of losing it. This ambition ultimately leads to their downfall as they become consumed by their quest for power.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Shakespeare shows Lady Macbeth's tortured mind through
- A.
The use of a narrator
- B.
The use of sound effects
- C.
Her confused and chaotic speech
- D.
Stage directions
Correct Answer
C. Her confused and chaotic speechExplanation
Shakespeare shows Lady Macbeth's tortured mind through her confused and chaotic speech. This is evident in her soliloquies and dialogues where she often speaks in disjointed sentences, uses fragmented language, and jumps from one thought to another. Her speech reflects her inner turmoil, guilt, and internal conflict as she struggles with her ambition and the consequences of her actions. By portraying Lady Macbeth's speech as confused and chaotic, Shakespeare effectively conveys her mental anguish and the psychological toll that her actions have had on her.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The repetition of "Fair is foul and foul is fair" contributes to the theme of
- A.
Alliteration
- B.
Blind ambition
- C.
Everything is not as it appears
- D.
Power corrupts
Correct Answer
C. Everything is not as it appearsExplanation
The repetition of "Fair is foul and foul is fair" suggests that things are not always what they seem. It implies that appearances can be deceiving and that there is a hidden darkness beneath the surface. This theme of "everything is not as it appears" is reinforced throughout the text, as characters and situations often prove to be more complex and ambiguous than initially perceived.Rate this question:
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