Macbeth: Pre-reading Comprehension Quiz.

2.

Shakespeare was born in

1582 during the Jacobean Era
1591 during the Stratfordian Era
1564 during the Elizabethan Era
1591 during the reign of King James I

Correct Answer

A. 1564 during the Elizabethan Era

Explanation

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.

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3.

Shakespeare married a much older woman, Ann Hathaway, because she was

A glove maker and he loved gloves
Wealthy
A fan of his writing
Pregnant

Correct Answer

A. Pregnant

Explanation

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.

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4.

Shakespeare wrote:

137 sonnets and 54 plays
154 plays and 37 sonnets
37 plays and 154 sonnets
54 sonnet and 137 plays

Correct Answer

A. 37 plays and 154 sonnets

Explanation

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.

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5.

Queen Elizabeth loved Shakespeare's plays but she frequently shut down the theatres because

The Globe Theatre was also used for bear baiting and executions
There were too many prostitutes from near by brothels attending plays
The water was filled with sewage
Infectious disease was easily transmitted via crowds in public places

Correct Answer

A. Infectious disease was easily transmitted via crowds in public places

Explanation

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.

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6.

Shakepeare's Plays can be grouped into 3 main categories. Select from the list below

Thrillers
Comedies
Romances
Histories
Tragedies
Fantasies
Dramas

Correct Answer(s)

A. Comedies
A. Histories
A. Tragedies

Explanation

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.

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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:

Dramas
Thrillers
Tragedies
Comedies
Fantasies
Histories
Romances

Correct Answer

A. Tragedies

Explanation

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.

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8.

Macbeth is about:

A man who kills a king to become a king
The core human issues, ambition, love, desire, war,
The power of witchcraft
The evil that lurks in the heart of a soldier

Correct Answer

A. 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.

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9.

The Macbeths can be characterised as:

Ambitious upward climbers who seek power and safety
Evil murderers
Innocent people who fall under the power of witchcraft
A loving couple who want the best for each other

Correct Answer

A. Ambitious upward climbers who seek power and safety

Explanation

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.

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10.

Shakespeare shows Lady Macbeth's tortured mind through

The use of a narrator
The use of sound effects
Her confused and chaotic speech
Stage directions

Correct Answer

A. Her confused and chaotic speech

Explanation

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.

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11.

The repetition of "Fair is foul and foul is fair" contributes to the theme of

Alliteration
Blind ambition
Everything is not as it appears
Power corrupts

Correct Answer

A. Everything is not as it appears

Explanation

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.

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Macbeth: Pre-reading Comprehension Quiz.

William Shakespeare is known as

Quiz Preview

Shakespeare was born in

Shakespeare married a much older woman, Ann Hathaway, because she was

Shakespeare wrote:

Queen Elizabeth loved Shakespeare's plays but she frequently shut down the theatres because

Shakepeare's Plays can be grouped into 3 main categories. Select from the list below

Shakespeare's plays: Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Hamlet, King Lear, Julius Caesar and Macbeth are some of his best known:

Macbeth is about:

The Macbeths can be characterised as:

Shakespeare shows Lady Macbeth's tortured mind through

The repetition of "Fair is foul and foul is fair" contributes to the theme of