1.
When was Shakespeare born?
Correct Answer
B. 1564
Explanation
William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564. The exact date of his birth is not known, but historical records indicate that he was baptized on April 26, 1564. Therefore, it is widely accepted that he was born on or around April 23, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. The year 1564 is the correct answer to the question about Shakespeare's birth year.
2.
How many plays did Shakespeare write?
Correct Answer
C. 37
Explanation
William Shakespeare is traditionally credited with writing 37 plays. These works include comedies, tragedies, and histories, and they are among the most performed and studied plays in the world of literature and theater. Some scholars and critics debate the exact number due to questions about authorship for certain plays and possible lost works, but the commonly accepted number remains 37.
3.
How many sonnets did Shakespeare write?
Correct Answer
A. 154
Explanation
William Shakespeare wrote a total of 154 sonnets. These sonnets are a collection of 154 poems, each consisting of 14 lines written in iambic pentameter. They are considered one of the greatest achievements in English literature and cover various themes, including love, beauty, time, and mortality. The number 154 is the correct answer to the question about the total number of sonnets written by Shakespeare.
4.
Who said, "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
Correct Answer
C. Juliet
Explanation
In William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is the one who says the famous line, "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" This line is spoken by Juliet on her balcony, expressing her love and longing for Romeo, despite the fact that he is from the rival Montague family. The line is often misinterpreted as asking where Romeo is physically located, but in reality, Juliet is questioning why Romeo has to be a Montague, the one person she is forbidden to love.
5.
"To be or not to be" is a quote from:
Correct Answer
D. Hamlet
Explanation
The quote "To be or not to be" is from the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. It is spoken by the character Hamlet in his famous soliloquy in Act III, Scene I. In this soliloquy, Hamlet contemplates the meaning of life and the value of existence. The quote has become one of the most well-known and frequently quoted lines in all of Shakespeare's works.
6.
Where was Shakespeare born?
Correct Answer
D. Stratford-upon-Avon
Explanation
Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. This is a well-known fact and is widely documented in historical records. Stratford-upon-Avon is a town in Warwickshire, England, and it is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. He was baptized on April 26, 1564, in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare's birthplace has become a popular tourist attraction and is celebrated as the birthplace of one of the greatest playwrights in history.
7.
The movie Shakespeare in Love is a true story.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement that "The movie Shakespeare in Love is a true story" is false. Shakespeare in Love is a fictional movie that tells a fictional story about William Shakespeare. While it incorporates elements of Shakespeare's life and work, it is not based on true events. The movie is a work of fiction and should not be considered a true story.
8.
Which of the following words were invented by Shakespeare?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Assassination
B. Bump
C. Puke
Explanation
The words "Assassination," "Bump," and "Puke" were all indeed invented by Shakespeare. Shakespeare is known for his extensive contribution to the English language, having coined and popularized numerous words and phrases that are still in use today. "Assassination" was first used in his play Macbeth, while "Bump" and "Puke" can be found in his works as well. These words have since become part of the English lexicon and are widely recognized and used.
9.
"A horse! A horse! My kingdom of a horse!" is a quote from:
Correct Answer
A. King Richard III
Explanation
The quote "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" is from the play King Richard III. In this scene, King Richard III is in battle and realizes that having a horse would greatly improve his chances of survival. He expresses his desperation and the value he places on a horse by exclaiming that he would give his entire kingdom in exchange for one. This quote has become one of the most famous lines from the play and is often used to highlight Richard III's desperation and downfall.
10.
"Men of few words are the best" is a quote from:
Correct Answer
B. Henry King V
11.
Shakespeare died on:
Correct Answer
A. April 23, 1616
Explanation
William Shakespeare is believed to have died on April 23, 1616. The exact cause of his death is not definitively known, but it is widely accepted that he passed away on his birthday. While the specific details surrounding Shakespeare's life and death may have some uncertainties, the date of April 23, 1616, is the commonly recognized date of his death. His legacy as one of the greatest playwrights and poets in the English language continues to endure through his timeless works.
12.
Who was the ghost in Hamlet?
Correct Answer
C. King of Denmark
Explanation
In Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the ghost is revealed to be the spirit of the late King of Denmark, Hamlet's father. The ghost appears to Hamlet and reveals that he was murdered by his brother, Claudius, who then married the Queen of Denmark and became the new king. The ghost's appearance and message serve as the catalyst for Hamlet's quest for revenge and the central conflict of the play.
13.
Who called William Shakespeare, "An upstart crow?"
Correct Answer
C. Robert Greene
Explanation
Robert Greene called William Shakespeare "An upstart crow." This statement refers to a historical incident where Greene, a contemporary playwright, criticized Shakespeare for his rising success and lack of formal education. The phrase "upstart crow" implies that Greene saw Shakespeare as an arrogant and unqualified newcomer to the theater scene. This insult highlights the rivalry and competition that existed among playwrights during Shakespeare's time.
14.
Which novel are Cassius, Portia, and Octavius the characters from?
Correct Answer
B. Julius Caesar
Explanation
Cassius, Portia, and Octavius are characters from the play "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare. Cassius is a Roman senator and one of the main conspirators against Caesar, Portia is the wife of Brutus and is known for her loyalty and strength, and Octavius is Caesar's adopted son and one of the triumvirs who eventually becomes the emperor of Rome.
15.
"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once." This is an extract from:
Correct Answer
C. Julius Caesar
Explanation
This quote is from Julius Caesar. It reflects the idea that those who are cowardly experience fear and anxiety multiple times throughout their lives, while those who are brave and valiant only face death once. This quote highlights the themes of bravery, mortality, and the contrasting attitudes towards death in the play Julius Caesar.
16.
_____________ is Shakespeare's shortest play.
Correct Answer
D. The Comedy of Errors
Explanation
The correct answer is "The Comedy of Errors." This play is Shakespeare's shortest because it has the fewest number of lines and is also one of his earliest works. It is a farcical comedy that revolves around mistaken identities and misunderstandings, making it a fast-paced and light-hearted play.
17.
_____________ is Shakespeare's longest play.
Correct Answer
C. Hamlet
Explanation
Hamlet is Shakespeare's longest play, consisting of approximately 4,042 lines. It is a tragedy that explores themes of revenge, madness, and the complexity of human nature. The play follows the story of Prince Hamlet, who seeks to avenge his father's murder. Hamlet's length allows for a deep exploration of its characters and their motivations, making it one of Shakespeare's most renowned works.
18.
Shakespeare was the father of ________ children.
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway had three children: Susanna, born in 1583, and twins Judith and Hamnet, born in 1585. Tragically, Hamnet died at the age of 11, an event that is speculated to have influenced some of Shakespeare's later works, particularly his tragedies.
19.
Shakespeare was one of the founding members of The Lord Chamberlain's Men.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Shakespeare being one of the founding members of The Lord Chamberlain's Men is true. This theater company, later known as the King's Men, was established in 1594 and Shakespeare was an important member. He not only acted in their productions but also wrote many of his famous plays for the company. The Lord Chamberlain's Men was one of the most prominent theater companies of its time, and Shakespeare's association with them played a significant role in his career as a playwright and actor.
20.
Which of the following statements are correct?
Correct Answer(s)
B. "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is an extract from Sonnet 18
C. Shakespeare was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford
Explanation
The opening line of The Comedy of Errors is not "If music be the food of love, play on..." but rather "Aegeon. Proceed, Solinus, to procure my fall" which indicates that the statement is incorrect. On the other hand, "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is indeed an extract from Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare was indeed buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford. Therefore, the correct answer is that "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day…" is an extract from Sonnet 18 and Shakespeare was buried at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford.
21.
Which of the following is reckoned as Shakespeare's first comedy?
Correct Answer
A. The Comedy of Errors
Explanation
The Comedy of Errors is considered Shakespeare's first comedy because it was one of his earliest plays and follows the conventions of a comedic plot. The play revolves around mistaken identities and misunderstandings, resulting in humorous situations. Additionally, it incorporates elements of farce and slapstick comedy, which were typical of comedies during Shakespeare's time. The play's light-hearted tone, witty dialogue, and resolution with marriages also align with the characteristics of a comedy.
22.
Which of the following plays constitute Shakespeare's histories?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
All of the plays mentioned in the options, King Henry VIII, King John, Richard II, and Richard III, are considered to be part of Shakespeare's histories. These plays depict events from English history and explore themes of power, politics, and the rise and fall of monarchs. Shakespeare's histories are known for their complex characters, intricate plots, and insightful commentary on the nature of leadership and governance. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."
23.
Which of the following plays constitute Shakespeare's tragedies?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Timon of Athens
B. Titus Andronicus
Explanation
Timon of Athens and Titus Andronicus are both plays written by Shakespeare that are classified as tragedies. These plays explore themes of betrayal, revenge, and the downfall of their main characters. On the other hand, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Winter's Tale are classified as comedies because they have a lighter tone and typically end with a happy resolution. Therefore, the correct answer includes Timon of Athens and Titus Andronicus as Shakespeare's tragedies.
24.
Which of the following plays constitute Shakespeare's comedies?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Measure for Measure
B. Merchant of Venice
C. Merry Wives of Windsor
Explanation
The plays Measure for Measure, Merchant of Venice, and Merry Wives of Windsor are considered Shakespeare's comedies because they all contain elements of humor, wit, and lightheartedness. These plays often feature mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and humorous wordplay. On the other hand, Coriolanus is not a comedy but rather a tragedy, as it explores themes of power, politics, and betrayal.