1.
"And when you're young, you just run, but you come back to what you need."
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This line is from Taylor Swift’s song This Is Me Trying. It reflects the experience of youthful impulsivity and eventual maturity. Swift’s lyrics often explore themes of personal growth and emotional struggles, resonating with contemporary audiences. In contrast, Shakespeare's works are rooted in Elizabethan poetry and drama. This modern introspection is characteristic of Swift's writing, emphasizing her focus on personal journeys and relatable narratives.
2.
"The course of true love never did run smooth."
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This line is spoken by Lysander in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It highlights the challenges and complexities of romantic relationships, a theme frequently explored in Shakespeare’s plays. Taylor Swift’s lyrics, while rich in emotional depth, belong to a contemporary style and would not feature the Elizabethan phrasing found here. Shakespeare’s enduring wisdom on love’s struggles makes this quote one of his most famous.
3.
"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none."
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This quote is from Shakespeare’s play All’s Well That Ends Well. It delivers timeless advice on navigating life: love universally, trust selectively, and avoid causing harm. The phrase embodies Shakespeare's ability to encapsulate profound moral principles in concise, memorable lines. His works often explore themes of human relationships, morality, and societal norms. While Taylor Swift’s lyrics focus on contemporary emotional storytelling, this philosophical and universal wisdom is distinctively Shakespearean, reflecting his mastery in articulating enduring truths about human conduct and ethics. This quote continues to resonate across generations due to its simplicity and universal appeal.
4.
"Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds."
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This quote is from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. It defines love as steadfast and unchanging, regardless of external circumstances. Shakespeare’s sonnets often delve into universal themes of love, time, and human nature. Taylor Swift, while adept at capturing emotions in her lyrics, focuses on personal and modern perspectives. This philosophical reflection on love’s ideal nature exemplifies Shakespeare’s mastery of timeless truths.
5.
"We're both young when I first saw you."
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This line is from Taylor Swift’s hit song Love Story. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the song presents a modern, romanticized version of the classic love story. Swift reimagines the tale with a hopeful tone, capturing youthful love with simplicity and charm. Shakespeare’s original work, while tragic and poetic, does not include this phrase. Swift’s relatable storytelling appeals to contemporary audiences, making her the author.
6.
"Speak low if you speak love."
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This line is from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It suggests that love should be expressed softly and sincerely, reflecting the understated elegance of Shakespeare’s era. Shakespeare often conveyed profound insights about love through poetic language. Taylor Swift’s songs, while emotionally evocative, favor open and direct expressions of feelings. The subtlety in this quote underscores Shakespeare’s influence on literary traditions.
7.
"The more that you say, the less I know."
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This lyric is from Taylor Swift’s song Willow. It captures the confusion and uncertainty that can arise in relationships. Swift’s introspective and conversational style often reflects on relational complexities. Shakespeare’s writings, while equally profound, belong to a different time and are characterized by intricate metaphors and Elizabethan language. Swift’s lyric reflects modern relational dynamics, making her the author.
8.
"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This quote is from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is the concluding line of the play, emphasizing the tragic nature of the star-crossed lovers’ story. Shakespeare’s poetic expression conveys the depth of their love and the sorrow of their fate. Taylor Swift, while inspired by Shakespeare in songs like Love Story, does not use lines directly from his plays. This line remains a hallmark of Shakespeare’s exploration of love and tragedy.
9.
"Band-aids don't fix bullet holes."
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This line is from Taylor Swift’s song Bad Blood. It metaphorically highlights the inadequacy of superficial solutions for deep emotional wounds. Swift often uses vivid imagery in her lyrics to express personal struggles and relational conflicts. Shakespeare’s poetic works, while profound, do not feature modern metaphors like this. Swift’s ability to blend contemporary language with relatable themes makes her the author.
10.
Who said, "Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow"?
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This iconic line is spoken by Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated plays. As Juliet bids farewell to Romeo after their secret meeting, her words express the mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. Saying goodnight to someone she loves deeply is painful but sweet because it marks the beginning of their connection. This line exemplifies Shakespeare’s ability to weave profound emotional depth into simple expressions, making it timeless. It highlights the intensity of young love, where even goodbyes become moments of poetic beauty.
11.
Who wrote, "In my dreams, you're touching my face"?
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This quote reflects Taylor Swift’s emotive and intimate songwriting style. Known for her ability to convey personal experiences through vivid imagery, this line illustrates a dreamlike and tender moment of longing. Unlike Shakespeare’s elaborate and metaphorical expressions, Taylor Swift often uses straightforward yet powerful language to connect with her audience. Her lyrics resonate with themes of vulnerability and unspoken desires, making them relatable to her fans. This quote is a testament to her skill in crafting emotionally charged narratives within her songs.
12.
Who said, "Nothing can come of nothing"?
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This famous line is from Act 1, Scene 1 of King Lear. The phrase is a philosophical observation that highlights the necessity of action or effort to achieve results. In the play, Lear utters these words while addressing his daughter Cordelia, pressing her to express her love for him. Shakespeare uses this line to reflect on themes of gratitude, consequence, and morality. It encapsulates the idea that empty gestures or words without substance lead to no meaningful outcomes, resonating with the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in the play.
13.
Who said, "Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind"?
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This line is spoken by Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It explores the nature of love, suggesting that true affection is not based on outward appearance but on deeper intellectual and emotional connections. Helena, frustrated with her unrequited love, highlights the irrational and unpredictable aspects of love. Shakespeare masterfully conveys that love is a profound force that transcends superficial judgments. This quote encapsulates the timeless idea that beauty and attraction are subjective and often influenced by one’s perspective and emotions, a recurring theme in his works.
14.
Who created the line "Out of the Woods"?
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
"Out of the Woods" is a song from Taylor Swift’s 1989 album. It metaphorically represents the struggle of navigating through challenges in a fragile relationship and emerging stronger on the other side. Swift’s lyrics often delve into the complexities of love, anxiety, and growth, with this song capturing the uncertain and tumultuous phases of a romantic journey. Unlike Shakespeare’s classical and thematic approach, Swift’s storytelling is contemporary, offering listeners a window into her personal experiences. The phrase is a symbol of resilience and the hope of finding clarity after enduring trials.
15.
Who wrote, "To be, or not to be: that is the question"?
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This iconic soliloquy from Hamlet in Act 3, Scene 1, is one of the most profound reflections in literature. Hamlet questions the purpose of existence, contemplating whether it is better to endure life’s sufferings or to seek escape through death. Shakespeare delves deeply into themes of mortality, morality, and human resilience. The line represents Hamlet’s internal struggle with despair, fear of the unknown, and the ethical implications of his choices. This philosophical inquiry resonates universally, showcasing Shakespeare’s unparalleled ability to explore the human condition.
16.
"Love sought is good, but given unsought is better."
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
This line from Twelfth Night is spoken by Olivia, reflecting the idea that true love should arise naturally and spontaneously, rather than being forced or pursued. Shakespeare contrasts the concepts of unrequited and mutual love, emphasizing the value of love that is freely given. The quote reveals his deep understanding of human relationships, where genuine affection holds greater meaning than love obtained through effort or manipulation. By exploring these nuances, Shakespeare captures the complexities of emotional connections and the authenticity of unsought love in his timeless narrative.
17.
"I'm shining like fireworks over your sad, empty town."
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This vivid lyric is from Taylor Swift’s song "Dear John." It conveys a sense of triumph and self-empowerment in the aftermath of a challenging relationship. The imagery of fireworks symbolizes strength, independence, and celebration in contrast to the sadness and emptiness of the subject’s environment. Swift’s songwriting often incorporates powerful metaphors to express personal growth and emotional resilience. Unlike Shakespeare’s classical motifs, her modern and relatable approach connects deeply with contemporary audiences, making her lyrics resonate with themes of overcoming adversity and finding one’s light.
18.
"My only love sprung from my only hate!"
Correct Answer
B. Shakespeare
Explanation
Juliet speaks this line in Romeo and Juliet upon discovering that Romeo, her newfound love, belongs to the rival Montague family. This realization captures the central conflict of the play: love and hate existing simultaneously. Shakespeare masterfully illustrates the intensity of young love and the tragedy of forbidden relationships. The line conveys the emotional turmoil of loving someone who is supposed to be an enemy, highlighting the play’s themes of passion, loyalty, and the destructive nature of feuds. This quote remains a powerful reflection of the complexities of human emotions.
19.
"I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it."
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This lyric from Taylor Swift’s song "All Too Well" reflects the emotional struggle of self-discovery after a life-changing experience, often tied to heartbreak. It resonates with themes of nostalgia, loss, and healing, common in Swift’s songwriting. Her ability to articulate deeply personal emotions in a relatable way is a hallmark of her music. Unlike Shakespeare’s abstract and philosophical explorations, Swift’s language is grounded in contemporary experiences. This quote encapsulates the universal longing to reconnect with one’s past identity while navigating the complexities of growth and change.
20.
Who said, "You're on your own, kid, you always have been"?
Correct Answer
A. Taylor Swift
Explanation
This line is from the song You're On Your Own, Kid on Taylor Swift’s 2022 album Midnights. The lyric captures a poignant moment of self-realization and independence, themes often explored in Swift’s songwriting. It reflects the bittersweet journey of growing up, learning resilience, and embracing solitude as a means of empowerment. Taylor’s conversational style and emotional depth resonate with modern audiences, offering a candid glimpse into her experiences. Shakespeare, while equally profound, employs elaborate metaphors and dramatic structures, distinguishing his style from Swift’s contemporary and introspective storytelling. This lyric exemplifies Swift's mastery of conveying universal truths in a personal way.