1.
What was Shakespeare's father's occupation?
Correct Answer
A. A Glove Maker
Explanation
Shakespeare's father's occupation was a glove maker. This means that he was involved in the production and selling of gloves.
2.
In Shakespeare's "Macbeth", why is Macbeth given the title the Thane of Cawdor?
Correct Answer
A. The King Appointed Him This After Good Deed In Battle
Explanation
Macbeth is given the title Thane of Cawdor because the king appoints him to this position as a reward for his good deed in battle.
3.
What Shakespeare play is also known as "The Scottish Play"?
Correct Answer
A. Macbeth
Explanation
Macbeth is also known as "The Scottish Play" because of a superstition in the theater world. It is believed that saying the actual name of the play inside a theater brings bad luck. Therefore, actors and theater professionals refer to it as "The Scottish Play" to avoid invoking the supposed curse. This tradition has been followed for centuries, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the play.
4.
Who kills Macbeth in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth"?
Correct Answer
A. Macduff
Explanation
Macduff kills Macbeth in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth". In the play, Macbeth becomes a tyrant and commits numerous murders to secure his power. Macduff, a nobleman, opposes Macbeth and seeks revenge for the murder of his family. In the final battle, Macduff confronts Macbeth and reveals that he was not "born of woman" but instead "untimely ripped" from his mother's womb. This prophecy fulfills the witches' earlier predictions and ultimately leads to Macbeth's downfall and death at the hands of Macduff.
5.
In William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", who kills Mercutio?
Correct Answer
B. Tybalt
Explanation
In William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet," Tybalt kills Mercutio. This occurs during a heated confrontation between Tybalt and Romeo, where Mercutio intervenes to defend Romeo's honor. In the ensuing fight, Tybalt fatally wounds Mercutio, leading to a chain of tragic events that ultimately result in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
6.
In "Romeo and Juliet", what did Friar Laurence give Juliet for faking her death?
Correct Answer
D. A Poisonous Potion
Explanation
In "Romeo and Juliet," Friar Laurence gave Juliet a poisonous potion to fake her death. This potion would induce a death-like sleep, making Juliet appear dead to everyone. This plan was devised to help Juliet escape her arranged marriage and reunite with Romeo. The potion was meant to buy them time until Romeo could come and rescue her, but unfortunately, the plan did not go as intended, leading to the tragic ending of the play.
7.
What was the Globe Theatre?
Correct Answer
C. A Theater Shakespeare's Men Built
Explanation
The Globe Theatre was a theater that was built by Shakespeare's men. It was a famous theater in London, England during the time of Shakespeare. It was known for its unique circular design and open-air structure. Many of Shakespeare's plays were performed at the Globe Theatre, making it an important cultural and historical landmark.
8.
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", what does Hamlet consider his mother's marriage to Claudius to be?
Correct Answer
B. Incestuous
Explanation
Hamlet considers his mother's marriage to Claudius to be incestuous. This is because Claudius is Hamlet's uncle and therefore marrying his mother is seen as a violation of familial boundaries. The term "incestuous" implies a taboo and immoral relationship between close relatives, which Hamlet finds deeply troubling and disturbing.
9.
What character berates the Weird Sisters in "Macbeth" for practicing their craft without him/her?
Correct Answer
C. Hecate
Explanation
In "Macbeth," Hecate is the character who berates the Weird Sisters for practicing their craft without her. Hecate is the goddess of witchcraft and is angered by the witches' actions, as they are meddling in affairs that they should not be involved in without her guidance. She scolds them for their disobedience and warns them of the consequences they will face for their actions.
10.
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet", how does Hamlet let Claudius know he suspects he killed his father?
Correct Answer
D. By Putting On A Play
Explanation
Hamlet lets Claudius know he suspects he killed his father by putting on a play. In the play, Hamlet reenacts the murder of his father, with the hope that Claudius will react guiltily and reveal his guilt. This plan is known as "The Mousetrap" and is a clever way for Hamlet to gather evidence and confirm his suspicions about Claudius.
11.
In the Shakespeare play "Hamlet", how does Ophelia die?
Correct Answer
A. Drowns
Explanation
In the Shakespeare play "Hamlet", Ophelia dies by drowning. After being driven to madness by the death of her father and the rejection of her love, Hamlet, Ophelia finds herself by a brook and accidentally falls into the water. Unable to save herself, she drowns. This tragic event adds to the overall theme of sorrow and despair in the play.
12.
Which Shakespeare hero has a friend in whom he can truly confide?
Correct Answer
A. Hamlet
Explanation
Hamlet has a friend in whom he can truly confide. This is evident in the play when Hamlet confides in his friend Horatio about his plans and thoughts. Horatio is a loyal and trustworthy friend who listens to Hamlet's fears, doubts, and conspiracies without judgment. He provides support and acts as a sounding board for Hamlet, allowing him to express his innermost thoughts and emotions. Their friendship is based on trust and understanding, making Horatio the friend in whom Hamlet can truly confide.
13.
Which is not written by Shakespeare?
Correct Answer
A. Aida
Explanation
Aida is an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi, not a play written by Shakespeare. Shakespeare did write the plays Othello, King Lear, and Much Ado About Nothing.
14.
In the Shakespearean soliliquy that begins "All the world's a stage", what are the men and women?
Correct Answer
C. Players
Explanation
In the Shakespearean soliloquy "All the world's a stage," the men and women are referred to as players. This means that they are the actors in the performance of life, each playing different roles and going through various stages as they age. Shakespeare uses this metaphor to highlight the transient nature of human existence and the idea that we are all merely playing our parts on the grand stage of life.
15.
What does Shakespeare call the first act in "All the World's a Stage"?
Correct Answer
B. Infancy
Explanation
In "All the World's a Stage," Shakespeare refers to the first act as "Infancy." This suggests that he sees life as a play, with different stages representing different ages and experiences. Infancy symbolizes the beginning of life, the stage where individuals are young and naive, just starting to explore the world around them. Shakespeare's use of this term highlights the idea that life is a performance, with each person playing a role and going through various stages before reaching maturity.
16.
Which Shakespearean character said "My kingdom for a horse"?
Correct Answer
C. Richard III
Explanation
In Shakespeare's play "Richard III," the character Richard III utters the famous line "My kingdom for a horse" during the Battle of Bosworth Field. This line is spoken when Richard III's horse is killed in battle and he is left vulnerable and desperate. The phrase is often used to express the idea of being willing to give up everything for something of great importance or necessity.