Great Books Trivia Questions

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Great Books Trivia Questions - Quiz

A fun and interesting quiz on Great Books


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Who killed Harry Potter's parents?

    • A. 

      Lord Voldemort

    • B. 

      Severus Snape

    • C. 

      Albus Dumbledore

    • D. 

      Ronald Weasley

    Correct Answer
    A. Lord Voldemort
    Explanation
    Lord Voldemort is the correct answer because he is the main antagonist in the Harry Potter series and is responsible for killing Harry Potter's parents, James and Lily Potter. Voldemort targeted them because they were members of the Order of the Phoenix and were actively opposing his reign of terror. Voldemort's attack on the Potters resulted in the death of James and Lily, while Harry survived due to his mother's sacrifice. This event sets the stage for the entire series as Harry seeks to avenge his parents' deaths and defeat Voldemort.

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  • 2. 

    Which fictional character took a trip down the Mississippi on a raft with the runaway slave Jim?

    • A. 

      Harry Potter

    • B. 

      Huckleberry Finn

    • C. 

      Oliver Twist

    • D. 

      Tom Sawyer

    Correct Answer
    B. Huckleberry Finn
    Explanation
    Huckleberry Finn is the correct answer because in the novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, the main character, Huckleberry Finn, embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River on a raft along with the runaway slave Jim. The story follows their adventures and explores themes of racism, freedom, and morality.

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  • 3. 

    Who is the main character of "Gone with the Wind"?

    • A. 

      Holden Caulfield

    • B. 

      Violet Baudelaire

    • C. 

      Bilbo Baggins

    • D. 

      Scarlett O'Hara

    Correct Answer
    D. Scarlett O'Hara
    Explanation
    Scarlett O'Hara is the main character of "Gone with the Wind". The novel, written by Margaret Mitchell, is set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. Scarlett is a strong-willed and determined young woman who navigates through the hardships and challenges of the war and its aftermath. The story revolves around her struggles, relationships, and personal growth, making her the central focus of the narrative.

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  • 4. 

    In the Bible, what was name of the garden where Adam and Eve lived?

    • A. 

      The Secret Garden

    • B. 

      The Garden of Idyllia

    • C. 

      The Garden of Eden

    • D. 

      The Zen Garden

    Correct Answer
    C. The Garden of Eden
    Explanation
    The correct answer is The Garden of Eden. According to the Bible, Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden before they were expelled for eating the forbidden fruit. The Garden of Eden is often depicted as a paradise, a place of beauty and abundance, where Adam and Eve enjoyed a close relationship with God. It is a significant location in the biblical narrative and represents the perfect state of humanity before the fall.

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  • 5. 

    Ernest Hemingway's final work published during his lifetime was?

    • A. 

      The Old Man And The Sea

    • B. 

      Islands In The Stream

    • C. 

      A Moveable Feast

    • D. 

      Across The River And Into The Trees

    Correct Answer
    A. The Old Man And The Sea
    Explanation
    Ernest Hemingway's final work published during his lifetime was "The Old Man And The Sea." This novella, published in 1952, tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago who struggles to catch a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. The book explores themes of perseverance, courage, and the struggle against nature. Hemingway received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 for this work, solidifying its significance in his literary career.

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  • 6. 

    What was the name of Ashley's plantation in "Gone With the Wind"?

    • A. 

      Fair Oaks

    • B. 

      Mimosa

    • C. 

      Lakeview

    • D. 

      Twelve Oaks

    Correct Answer
    D. Twelve Oaks
    Explanation
    In the novel "Gone With the Wind," Ashley's plantation is named Twelve Oaks. This name suggests grandeur and elegance, as oaks are often associated with strength and longevity. The use of the number twelve may also imply a sense of abundance or prosperity. Overall, the name Twelve Oaks reflects the opulence and prestige of Ashley's plantation in the story.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following plays was written by Eugene O'Neill?

    • A. 

      Death Of A Salesman

    • B. 

      Edward My Son

    • C. 

      The Iceman Cometh

    • D. 

      Porn Stars At Home

    Correct Answer
    C. The Iceman Cometh
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The Iceman Cometh." Eugene O'Neill was a renowned American playwright and "The Iceman Cometh" is one of his most well-known plays. It was first published in 1946 and premiered on Broadway in 1947. The play explores themes of illusion and disillusionment, depicting a group of down-and-out individuals in a New York City bar. It is considered a classic of American theater and has been widely performed and studied.

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  • 8. 

    What Saki story is named for a talking cat?

    • A. 

      Tarkington

    • B. 

      Toby

    • C. 

      Tobermory

    • D. 

      Tommy

    Correct Answer
    C. Tobermory
    Explanation
    Tobermory is the correct answer because it is the only option that refers to a talking cat. The other options do not have any connection to a talking cat or a Saki story. Therefore, Tobermory is the most appropriate choice.

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  • 9. 

    Which ingredient is not used in the witches' brew from "Macbeth"?

    • A. 

      Tongue Of The African Giraffe

    • B. 

      Liver Of The Blaspheming Jew

    • C. 

      Finger Of Birth-Strangled Babe

    • D. 

      Lizard's Leg And Owlet's Wing

    Correct Answer
    A. Tongue Of The African Giraffe
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Tongue Of The African Giraffe." In the witches' brew from "Macbeth," various gruesome and supernatural ingredients are used, such as "Liver Of The Blaspheming Jew," "Finger Of Birth-Strangled Babe," and "Lizard's Leg And Owlet's Wing." However, there is no mention of using the "Tongue Of The African Giraffe" in the play.

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  • 10. 

    Which author wrote the book "A Prayer for Owen Meany"?

    • A. 

      John Irving

    • B. 

      James Michener

    • C. 

      Billy Graham

    • D. 

      Emma Sammons

    Correct Answer
    A. John Irving
    Explanation
    John Irving is the correct answer because he is the author of the book "A Prayer for Owen Meany". This novel, published in 1989, tells the story of a boy named Owen Meany who believes he is an instrument of God's purposes. John Irving is a renowned American author known for his unique storytelling style and complex characters.

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  • 11. 

    The Washington Irving character Ichabod Crane had feet shaped like what?

    • A. 

      Shovels

    • B. 

      Washboards

    • C. 

      Pumpkins

    • D. 

      Ladles

    Correct Answer
    A. Shovels
    Explanation
    In Washington Irving's story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Ichabod Crane is described as having feet shaped like shovels. This description emphasizes Ichabod's lanky and awkward appearance, further highlighting his eccentric and comical nature. The comparison to shovels suggests that Ichabod's feet are large, flat, and possibly clumsy, adding to the humorous portrayal of his character.

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  • 12. 

    In "Flowers for Algernon", who is Algernon?

    • A. 

      The Mouse

    • B. 

      The Pigeon

    • C. 

      The Dumb Janitor

    • D. 

      The Brain Surgeon

    Correct Answer
    A. The Mouse
    Explanation
    In the novel "Flowers for Algernon," Algernon is a mouse. He is the subject of an experiment that enhances his intelligence, making him exceptionally intelligent compared to other mice. Algernon's progress and behavior serve as a parallel to the main character, Charlie, who undergoes the same experiment. Algernon's role in the story is significant as his experiences foreshadow Charlie's own journey and provide insight into the potential consequences of the experiment.

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  • 13. 

    What is Louis L'Amour famous for?

    • A. 

      Cookbooks

    • B. 

      Editing Romances

    • C. 

      Writing Westerns

    • D. 

      Art Criticism

    Correct Answer
    C. Writing Westerns
    Explanation
    Louis L'Amour is famous for writing Westerns. He was an American author known for his prolific output of Western novels and short stories. L'Amour's works often featured themes of adventure, survival, and exploration of the American frontier. His writing style and detailed portrayals of the Wild West made him one of the most popular and successful authors in the Western genre.

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  • 14. 

    In 1996, which John Gray book was the second leading nonfiction book on the best sellers list?

    • A. 

      Gift And Mystery

    • B. 

      The Zone

    • C. 

      Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus

    • D. 

      In Contempt

    Correct Answer
    C. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
    Explanation
    In 1996, the second leading nonfiction book on the best sellers list was "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" by John Gray. This book explores the differences between men and women in relationships and communication, and offers advice on how to bridge those gaps. Its popularity and sales during that time period made it one of the top nonfiction books of the year.

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  • 15. 

    What biblical character was said to have been created from the dust of the ground and the breath of God?

    • A. 

      Abraham

    • B. 

      Abel

    • C. 

      Moses

    • D. 

      Adam

    Correct Answer
    D. Adam
    Explanation
    Adam is the correct answer because according to the Bible, Adam was said to have been created by God from the dust of the ground and then God breathed life into him, making him a living being. This story can be found in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament.

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