1.
In Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream", what changes the lovers' minds about each other?
Correct Answer
A. Nectar Squeezed On The Eyes
Explanation
In Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream", the lovers' minds are changed about each other by nectar being squeezed on their eyes. This nectar is actually the juice of a flower called love-in-idleness, which has magical properties. When the juice is applied to a person's eyes, it causes them to fall in love with the first thing they see upon waking up. In the play, the fairy king Oberon instructs his servant Puck to squeeze the nectar on the eyes of various characters, leading to a series of comedic and chaotic love mix-ups.
2.
After Hero's death in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", Claudio is to redeem himself by marrying whom?
Correct Answer
C. Antonio's Daughter
Explanation
After Hero's death in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", Claudio is to redeem himself by marrying Antonio's Daughter. This is because Hero was Antonio's daughter, and Claudio's betrayal of her led to her supposed death. By marrying Antonio's daughter, Claudio would be making amends for his actions and restoring honor to Hero's family.
3.
Who is called "The Prince of Cats" in one of Shakespeare's plays?
Correct Answer
D. Tybalt
Explanation
Tybalt is called "The Prince of Cats" in one of Shakespeare's plays.
4.
Graymalkin in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" refers to what?
Correct Answer
A. A Witch's Familiar
Explanation
In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," Graymalkin refers to a witch's familiar. A familiar is a supernatural entity that assists witches in their magical practices. Graymalkin is specifically mentioned in the play as a gray cat, and it is believed to be one of the witches' familiars. This term is often used in witchcraft folklore to describe an animal, usually a cat, that acts as a companion and helper to a witch.
5.
What does Titus Andronicus do to Tamora's sons in Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus"?
Correct Answer
A. Serves Them To Tamora In Pies
Explanation
In Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus," Titus Andronicus serves Tamora's sons to her in pies. This gruesome act is a form of revenge for the murder of his own sons and the rape and mutilation of his daughter. Titus seeks to enact a brutal and horrifying punishment on Tamora by feeding her the flesh of her own sons. This act symbolizes the cycle of violence and revenge that drives the tragic events of the play.
6.
In "Hamlet", what did the funeral baked meats do "coldly"?
Correct Answer
A. Furnish Forth The Marriage Table
Explanation
In "Hamlet", the funeral baked meats are said to do "coldly" to Furnish Forth The Marriage Table. This means that the food meant for the wedding feast is being served coldly or without warmth. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the lack of joy and celebration in the marriage, reflecting the overall somber and melancholic tone of the play.
7.
Which character in Shakespeare's "King Lear" is the bastard?
Correct Answer
C. Edmund
Explanation
In Shakespeare's "King Lear," the character who is the bastard is Edmund. He is the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester and is portrayed as cunning, manipulative, and ambitious. Edmund's actions throughout the play are driven by his desire for power and status, leading him to betray his father and brother. His character serves as a contrast to the legitimate son, Edgar, and highlights themes of illegitimacy and the consequences of societal norms.
8.
Which Shakespeare hero dies by his hand?
Correct Answer
B. Othello
Explanation
Othello is the correct answer because in Shakespeare's play "Othello," the tragic hero Othello ultimately takes his own life. Manipulated by the villainous Iago, Othello becomes consumed by jealousy and believes his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful. In the final act, Othello smothers Desdemona to death and, upon realizing his mistake, takes his own life by stabbing himself. This tragic ending underscores the theme of jealousy and the destructive consequences it can have.
9.
What country is the title character in Shakespeare's "King Lear" the king of?
Correct Answer
B. Britain
Explanation
In Shakespeare's "King Lear," the title character is the king of Britain. The play revolves around the aging King Lear's decision to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, leading to a series of tragic events. The setting of the play is primarily in Britain, and the political dynamics and power struggles within the kingdom are central to the plot.
10.
Which Shakespeare play has the most sets of twins in it?
Correct Answer
B. Comedy Of Errors
Explanation
"Comedy of Errors" is the correct answer because it is the only Shakespeare play that revolves around the theme of mistaken identity caused by the presence of two sets of identical twins. The plot of the play is built upon the confusion and chaos that arises from the mistaken identities of the characters, leading to comedic situations and misunderstandings. The other options, "As You Like It," "King Lear," and "Twelfth Night," do not have multiple sets of twins as central to their plots.
11.
Hotspur is a rival for which Shakespearean prince?
Correct Answer
B. Hal
Explanation
Hal is a Shakespearean prince who has a rival named Hotspur.
12.
Who plans "to set my brother Clarence and the king in deadly hate the one against the other"?
Correct Answer
C. Richard Of Gloucester (Richard III)
Explanation
Richard Of Gloucester, also known as Richard III, plans "to set my brother Clarence and the king in deadly hate the one against the other". This can be seen as a part of Richard's larger scheme to manipulate and eliminate his rivals in order to seize the throne for himself. Richard is known for his cunning and Machiavellian tactics, using deception and manipulation to achieve his goals. In this case, he intends to create conflict and discord between his brother Clarence and the current king, thus weakening their positions and paving the way for his own ascent to power.
13.
What was the age difference between William Shakespeare and his wife?
Correct Answer
B. Eight Years
Explanation
The correct answer is Eight Years. This means that there was an age difference of eight years between William Shakespeare and his wife.
14.
Who murdered the two young princes in Shakespeare's "Richard III"?
Correct Answer
A. Sir James Tyrrell
Explanation
Sir James Tyrrell is the correct answer because in Shakespeare's play "Richard III," he is the one who is ordered by Richard III to murder the two young princes, who are Edward V and Richard, Duke of York. Tyrrell carries out the orders and confesses to the murders later in the play.
15.
What is the primal eldest curse that Claudius refers to in "Hamlet"?
Correct Answer
B. Cain's Murder Of Abel
Explanation
In "Hamlet," Claudius refers to the primal eldest curse of Cain's murder of Abel. This refers to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain kills his brother Abel out of jealousy. Claudius may be referencing this curse to highlight the theme of fratricide and the consequences of such actions, as he himself is guilty of killing his own brother, King Hamlet, in order to seize the throne. The reference to Cain's murder of Abel adds depth to the character of Claudius and emphasizes the theme of betrayal and the destructive nature of ambition.