1.
What do we recognize as Shakespeare's birthday? (Month Day, Year)
Explanation
Shakespeare's birthday is recognized as April 23, 1564. This date is widely accepted as his birthdate based on historical records and baptismal records from the time. While some details about Shakespeare's life remain uncertain, the April 23rd date is the most commonly accepted and celebrated as his birthday.
2.
What day did Shakespeare die? (Month Day, Year)
Explanation
Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616. This date is widely accepted as his death date based on historical records and documents. It is well-documented that Shakespeare was alive in 1616 and that his burial took place on April 25, 1616, suggesting that he died a few days prior, on April 23. Additionally, April 23 is also celebrated as his birthday, making it a significant date in Shakespearean history.
3.
What is Shakespeare's wife's name? (First and last name)
Explanation
Anne Hathaway is the correct answer because it is the name of William Shakespeare's wife. She was born Anne Hathaway in 1556 and married Shakespeare in 1582. Anne Hathaway was eight years older than Shakespeare and they had three children together. She is often referred to as Shakespeare's wife and is known for being the recipient of his famous "second-best bed" in his will.
4.
What is the name of the theatre Shakespeare did most of his work at? (The ___ Theatre)
Explanation
Shakespeare did most of his work at the Globe Theatre. The Globe was a famous theatre in London where many of Shakespeare's plays were performed. It was a significant venue during the Elizabethan era and is still known today for its association with Shakespearean plays.
5.
Shakespeare was born in Stratford but moved to ___ to work.
Explanation
Shakespeare was born in Stratford but moved to London to work.
6.
A famous line from Romeo and Juliet is when Juliet says, "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
What does "wherefore" mean?
Explanation
The word "wherefore" in this context means "why". Juliet is questioning the purpose or reason for Romeo's identity as Romeo. She is wondering why he has the name and family background that he does, as it is the obstacle keeping them apart.
7.
Who played women's roles in Shakespearean plays?
Explanation
In Shakespearean plays, women's roles were played by men and boys. During the Elizabethan era, it was considered inappropriate for women to perform on stage, so young boys or adolescent males would play the female characters. These male actors would dress in women's clothing and use their voices and mannerisms to portray the female characters convincingly. This practice was a unique aspect of the theatrical tradition during Shakespeare's time.
8.
What do you call two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme?
Explanation
A couplet is a pair of consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme. It is a common form used in various types of poetry, including sonnets and ballads. The rhyme scheme of a couplet is typically AABB, meaning that the last word of the first line rhymes with the last word of the second line. This rhyming pattern helps create a sense of rhythm and cohesion in the poem, allowing the poet to convey their message or tell a story in a concise and structured manner.
9.
How many syllables do most of the lines of Shakespeare's plays have?
Explanation
Most of the lines in Shakespeare's plays have 10 syllables. This is known as iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern consisting of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables. The use of iambic pentameter gives Shakespeare's lines a poetic and musical quality, making them easier to memorize and perform.
10.
How old were people (boys OR girls) when they got married during Shakespeare's time?
Explanation
During Shakespeare's time, people, both boys, and girls, would often get married at a very young age. The answer options of 12 and 14 suggest that individuals could be married as early as 12 years old or 14 years old. This was a common practice during that era, as societal norms and expectations were different compared to modern times. Marriages at such young ages were often arranged for various reasons, including economic and social considerations.