World Literature Questions! Trivia Quiz

Don Quixote is considered Cervantes' most famous novel. It tells the story of a middle-aged man who becomes obsessed with chivalry and sets out on a series of adventures as a self-proclaimed knight-errant. The novel is known for its satirical portrayal of the romantic ideals of chivalry and has had a significant impact on literature, inspiring countless adaptations and becoming a classic of Western literature.

John Milton's great epic poem is "Paradise Lost" because it is widely recognized as his most important and influential work. "Paradise Lost" is an epic poem that explores the fall of man, the battle between good and evil, and the nature of free will. It is considered a masterpiece of English literature and has had a significant impact on subsequent works. Milton's skillful use of language, vivid imagery, and complex themes make "Paradise Lost" a standout in the world of epic poetry.

The name of the Great Babylonian Epic Poem is Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh is an ancient epic poem from Mesopotamia, which is considered one of the earliest surviving works of literature. It tells the story of Gilgamesh, a legendary king of Uruk, and his adventures in search of immortality. The poem explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the human condition. It is an important piece of literature that provides insights into the ancient Mesopotamian culture and mythology.

Geoffrey Chaucer's great poetic work, The Canterbury Tales, revolves around a religious pilgrimage. The story follows a group of pilgrims who are traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim tells a tale, providing a diverse range of stories that reflect different aspects of medieval society. Chaucer's work explores themes of religion, social hierarchy, and human nature, making it a significant literary contribution of the Middle Ages.

Boccaccio's famous collection of short stories is "The Decameron." This work, written in the 14th century, consists of 100 tales told by a group of young people who have fled to the countryside to escape the Black Death. The stories cover a wide range of themes, including love, deceit, wit, and tragedy. "The Decameron" is considered a masterpiece of Italian literature and has had a significant influence on storytelling and narrative techniques.

Ovid's poetic collection of mythological tales is called "Metamorphoses." This work is a narrative poem that explores various stories from Greek and Roman mythology, focusing on the theme of transformation. It includes famous tales such as the creation of the world, the story of Apollo and Daphne, and the myth of Narcissus. Through his vivid and imaginative storytelling, Ovid captures the essence of these myths and presents them in a captivating and engaging manner. "Metamorphoses" is considered one of the most influential works of literature and has had a lasting impact on Western art and culture.

Montaigne's book of philosophy is titled "Essays" because it is a collection of his personal reflections and thoughts on various subjects. The word "essays" refers to short literary compositions that explore a specific topic or idea. Montaigne's book consists of a series of self-exploratory essays where he shares his observations, experiences, and philosophical musings. By titling his book "Essays," Montaigne emphasizes the informal and personal nature of his writings, inviting readers to engage with his ideas and engage in introspection.

The great epic poem by the Roman poet Virgil is "The Aeneid." This poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and his journey to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. Virgil's work is considered one of the most important pieces of Latin literature and a masterpiece of epic poetry. It explores themes of destiny, heroism, and the foundation of Rome.

Euripides is known for his tragic plays in ancient Greek literature. "Medea" and "The Trojan Women" are two of his most famous works. "Medea" tells the story of a woman who seeks revenge on her unfaithful husband by killing their children. "The Trojan Women" depicts the suffering of the women of Troy after the city's fall in the Trojan War. Both plays explore themes of betrayal, revenge, and the plight of women in society. These works showcase Euripides' skill in creating powerful and thought-provoking tragedies.

The correct answer is "The Orestia." The Orestia is the only existing Greek trilogy of tragic plays written by Aeschylus. It consists of three plays: "Agamemnon," "The Libation Bearers," and "The Eumenides." These plays explore themes of justice, revenge, and the transformation of society. Aeschylus is considered one of the greatest playwrights in ancient Greece, and The Orestia is a significant work in the history of Greek drama.

From Hebrew literature, Job is considered one of the world's great pieces of wisdom literature, known for its exploration of suffering and the human condition. The Psalms, on the other hand, is a highly regarded book of poetry that contains a collection of songs and prayers expressing a range of emotions and experiences. Both Job and The Psalms are significant works in Hebrew literature, showcasing different aspects of wisdom and poetic expression.

The correct answer is The Koran. The question asks for the scriptural book of Islam, and the Koran, also known as the Quran, is considered the holy book of Islam. It is believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. The Koran is considered the ultimate authority in Islam and serves as a guide for Muslims in matters of faith, worship, and daily life. It contains teachings, stories, and guidance on various aspects of life, including morality, ethics, and spirituality.

Dante Alighieri's greatest poetic work is "The Divine Comedy." It is divided into three main parts: "Inferno," "Purgatory," and "Paradise."

The two great epic poems of the Greek poet Homer are The Iliad and The Odyssey. These poems are considered masterpieces of ancient Greek literature and have had a significant influence on Western literature and culture. The Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War, focusing on the hero Achilles, while The Odyssey follows the adventures of Odysseus as he tries to return home after the war. Both poems are renowned for their rich storytelling, vivid characters, and exploration of themes such as heroism, fate, and the human condition.

The correct answer is Lysistra, The Clouds, and The Birds. Aristophanes was a comic playwright known for his satirical plays in ancient Greece. Lysistra is a play that revolves around the women of Athens going on a sex strike to end the Peloponnesian War. The Clouds is a comedy that mocks the intellectual and philosophical trends of the time. The Birds is a play that explores the idea of creating a utopian city in the sky. These three plays showcase Aristophanes' wit and social commentary.

Sophocles, a renowned playwright, wrote several plays, but two of his most famous works are "Oedipus the King" and "Antigone." "Oedipus the King" is a tragedy that tells the story of a king who unknowingly fulfills a prophecy by killing his father and marrying his mother, while "Antigone" is a tragedy that explores themes of loyalty, family, and the conflict between divine and human law. These plays are considered classics of Greek literature and have been widely studied and performed throughout history.

The correct answer is Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, The Tempest. A Midsummer's Night's Dream. This answer correctly identifies four of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies (Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, The Tempest) and one of his greatest comedies (A Midsummer's Night's Dream).