Basics Of Literature! Trivia Questions Quiz

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  • 1/15 Questions

    Who was quoted as saying "Get the facts first, and then you can distort 'em as much as you please"?

    • Mark Twain
    • Al Capone
    • Bill Clinton
    • Will Rogers
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About This Quiz

These trivia questions quiz are on Basics of Literature! Books can be very interesting, an if you are a member of a book club or own a variety of books, you are in luck as the quiz below will test out just how many books you have read by showing you a line that is consistent with a certain book.

Basics Of Literature! Trivia Questions Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Who wrote, "coward die many times, the valiant never taste death but once"?

    • Mark Twain

    • William Shakespeare

    • Douglas Macarthur

    • Ernest Hemingway

    Correct Answer
    A. William Shakespeare
    Explanation
    The quote "coward die many times, the valiant never taste death but once" is attributed to William Shakespeare. Shakespeare is known for his profound and memorable quotes in his plays and sonnets. This particular quote highlights the bravery and courage of the valiant, emphasizing that they only experience death once, while cowards live in constant fear and die multiple times in their minds. Shakespeare's works are renowned for their exploration of human nature and the complexities of life, making him a fitting author for this powerful quote.

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  • 3. 

    Who wrote "Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old"?

    • Jonathan Swift

    • Stephen King

    • Mark Twain

    • Thomas Jefferson

    Correct Answer
    A. Jonathan Swift
    Explanation
    Jonathan Swift wrote the quote "Every man desires to live long, but no man would be old."

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  • 4. 

    Who wrote "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted"?

    • Aristotle

    • Confucius

    • Aesop

    • Plato

    Correct Answer
    A. Aesop
    Explanation
    Aesop is the correct answer because he was a Greek fabulist and storyteller credited with the creation of many fables, including the famous story of "The Lion and the Mouse." The quote "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" aligns with the moral lessons often found in Aesop's fables, emphasizing the importance of kindness and its lasting impact.

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  • 5. 

    Who wrote "Appearances often are deceiving"?

    • Shakespeare

    • Aesop

    • Confucius

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. Aesop
    Explanation
    Aesop is attributed with the quote "Appearances often are deceiving." Aesop was a Greek storyteller who is known for his fables, which often contained moral lessons. This quote reflects the theme of many of his fables, where things are not always as they seem and appearances can be deceptive. Shakespeare, Confucius, and Mark Twain are all renowned authors, but this quote is not attributed to them.

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  • 6. 

    Who wrote "conscience does make cowards of us all"?

    • Ernest Hemingway

    • William Shakespeare

    • Charles Dickens

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. William Shakespeare
    Explanation
    The quote "conscience does make cowards of us all" is from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In this line, Shakespeare suggests that our moral sense or conscience can often prevent us from taking action or making bold decisions, leading to fear or hesitation. This quote reflects the theme of conscience and moral dilemma present throughout the play.

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  • 7. 

    Who wrote "The perception of beauty is a moral test"?

    • Henry David Thoreau

    • Percy Shelley

    • William Shakespeare

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. Henry David Thoreau
    Explanation
    Henry David Thoreau wrote the quote "The perception of beauty is a moral test." This quote reflects Thoreau's belief that one's ability to recognize and appreciate beauty in the world is indicative of their moral character. Thoreau, a renowned American writer and philosopher, often emphasized the importance of nature and the need for individuals to live in harmony with it. This quote aligns with his overall philosophy, highlighting the connection between beauty, morality, and the natural world.

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  • 8. 

    Who said, "the mob has many heads but no brains"?

    • Mark Twain

    • Ernest Hemingway

    • William Shakespeare

    • Thomas Fuller

    Correct Answer
    A. Thomas Fuller
    Explanation
    Thomas Fuller is attributed with the quote "the mob has many heads but no brains." This quote suggests that a group of people acting together as a mob may lack intelligence or rational thinking, as they are driven by emotions and impulses rather than logical reasoning. The quote implies that mobs can be easily swayed and influenced by the actions and words of others, often leading to chaotic and irrational behavior.

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  • 9. 

    From whom did we get the quote "Hitch your wagon to a star"?

    • Ralph Waldo Emerson

    • Mark Twain

    • Henry David Thoreau

    • William Shakespeare

    Correct Answer
    A. Ralph Waldo Emerson
    Explanation
    The quote "Hitch your wagon to a star" is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson. This quote is often interpreted as encouraging individuals to aim high and set ambitious goals for themselves. It suggests that by aligning one's aspirations with something grand and significant, success and fulfillment can be achieved. Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet who was known for his inspirational and philosophical writings.

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  • 10. 

    Who wrote "Let's kill all the lawyers"?

    • William Shakespeare

    • Ernest Hemingway

    • Francis Bacon

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. William Shakespeare
    Explanation
    William Shakespeare wrote the phrase "Let's kill all the lawyers" in his play "Henry VI, Part 2". This line is spoken by the character Dick the Butcher, who is a follower of the rebel leader Jack Cade. The line is often misinterpreted as a literal attack on lawyers, but in the context of the play, it is meant to highlight the chaos and anarchy that would ensue if the rule of law were to be abolished.

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  • 11. 

    Who said "the meek shall inherit the earth, but not the mineral rights"?

    • J. Paul Getty

    • Andrew Carnegie

    • Howard Hughes

    • Donald Trump

    Correct Answer
    A. J. Paul Getty
    Explanation
    J. Paul Getty is the correct answer because he was an American industrialist and founder of the Getty Oil Company. This quote reflects his belief that while the meek may inherit the earth, they will not have control over its valuable resources, such as mineral rights. Getty was known for his wealth and business acumen, making this statement align with his perspective on the distribution of power and wealth.

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  • 12. 

    Who wrote "advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't"?

    • Erica Jong

    • Steven King

    • Anne Rice

    • Suzanne Pulitzer

    Correct Answer
    A. Erica Jong
    Explanation
    Erica Jong is the correct answer because she is the author of the quote "advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't." This quote reflects the idea that sometimes we seek advice not because we are unsure of what to do, but because we hope to receive a different perspective or confirmation of our own thoughts. Erica Jong is known for her feminist writings and her exploration of women's experiences, making her a likely candidate for authoring this insightful quote.

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  • 13. 

    Who wrote "art is a jealous mistress"?

    • William Shakespeare

    • Ralph Waldo Emerson

    • Mark Twain

    • Vincent Van Gogh

    Correct Answer
    A. Ralph Waldo Emerson
    Explanation
    Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the phrase "art is a jealous mistress." This quote is often used to describe the consuming and demanding nature of art, suggesting that it requires full dedication and attention. Emerson, an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, was known for his philosophical writings and his belief in the importance of individualism and self-reliance. The quote reflects his perspective on the role of art in one's life and the commitment it requires.

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  • 14. 

    Who wrote "The more things change, the more they stay the same"?

    • Benjamin Franklin

    • Alan Greenspan

    • Alphonse Karr

    • Steve Allen

    Correct Answer
    A. Alphonse Karr
    Explanation
    Alphonse Karr is the correct answer because he is the author of the quote "The more things change, the more they stay the same." This quote suggests that despite changes that may occur, certain things remain constant or unchanged.

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  • 15. 

    Who wrote "communism is like Prohibition, it's a good idea but it won't work"?

    • Will Rogers

    • Ernest Hemmingway

    • Winston Churchill

    • Mark Twain

    Correct Answer
    A. Will Rogers
    Explanation
    Will Rogers is the correct answer because he was an American humorist and social commentator known for his witty and insightful remarks. The quote in question reflects his opinion on communism, comparing it to Prohibition, implying that while the idea may seem good in theory, it is ultimately impractical or ineffective in practice. This aligns with Rogers' style of using humor to highlight societal and political issues.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 14, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    RoggerFinch
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