Shakespeare/Shakespearean Theatre Quiz
This is a comprehensive quiz to gauge understanding of William Shakespeare and the Theatre of the Elizabethean era.
- 1.
What nationality is William Shakespeare?
- A.
Spanish
- B.
Italian
- C.
English
- D.
American
Correct Answer
C. EnglishExplanation
William Shakespeare is considered to be English because he was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in the English language and his works, such as Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet, are an integral part of English literature. His plays were written in English and he is often referred to as the national poet of England.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What year was William Shakespeare born?
- A.
1564
- B.
1616
- C.
1555
- D.
1601
Correct Answer
A. 1564Explanation
William Shakespeare was born in 1564.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Where was Shakespeare born?
- A.
London
- B.
Rome
- C.
Staford-upon-Avon
- D.
Spain
Correct Answer
C. Staford-upon-AvonExplanation
Shakespeare was born in Staford-upon-Avon, which is a town in Warwickshire, England. This is the birthplace of the famous playwright and poet William Shakespeare. London is a city in England, Rome is a city in Italy, and Spain is a country. However, none of these places are the correct birthplace of Shakespeare.Rate this question:
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- 4.
William Shakespeare was married to........
- A.
Emily Dickenson
- B.
Emily Post
- C.
Anne Hawthorne
- D.
Anne Hathaway
Correct Answer
D. Anne HathawayExplanation
William Shakespeare was married to Anne Hathaway. Anne Hathaway was a woman from Stratford-upon-Avon who married Shakespeare in 1582. They had three children together. This is a well-known fact in history and literature.Rate this question:
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- 5.
From the list below, select the statement that is not true.
- A.
Shakespeare was younger than his wife by nearly 10 years.
- B.
Shakespeare was a popular actor.
- C.
Shakespeare was exceptionally wealthy in his youth.
- D.
Shakespeare wrote many poems and plays.
Correct Answer
C. Shakespeare was exceptionally wealthy in his youth.Explanation
The statement "Shakespeare was exceptionally wealthy in his youth" is not true. While Shakespeare was indeed a successful playwright and actor, there is no evidence to suggest that he was exceptionally wealthy in his youth. In fact, there are records that show he faced financial difficulties at times and had to borrow money.Rate this question:
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- 6.
"Shakespeare was as much an __________________________ as an artist."
Correct Answer
entrepeneur
author
actorExplanation
The sentence suggests that Shakespeare was not only an artist, but also something else. The word "as much" indicates that this other role is equally significant. The options given are "entrepeneur," "author," and "actor." Shakespeare was indeed an author and an actor, but there is no evidence to suggest that he was an entrepeneur. Therefore, the correct answer is "author" and "actor."Rate this question:
- 7.
The Elizabethan period named for the rein of Queen Elizabeth I, lasted from 1558 to
- A.
1616
- B.
1603
- C.
1589
- D.
1605
Correct Answer
B. 1603Explanation
The Elizabethan period, named after Queen Elizabeth I, lasted from 1558 to 1603. This was the time when Elizabeth I ruled England as queen. The year 1603 is significant because it marks the death of Queen Elizabeth I, which brought an end to her reign and the Elizabethan era. Therefore, 1603 is the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In Shakespearean theatre all roles were played by
Correct Answer
women
men
both men and womenExplanation
In Shakespearean theatre, all roles were played by both men and women. This was because during that time, it was considered inappropriate for women to perform on stage. Therefore, female roles were portrayed by young boys or men who had not yet reached puberty. However, there were also instances where women did perform on stage, especially in the case of female characters disguising themselves as men within the play.Rate this question:
- 9.
Shakespearean audience were more_____________________
- A.
Stoic (quiet and respectful)
- B.
Imaginative and involved (booing, cheering, even throwing eggs)
Correct Answer
B. Imaginative and involved (booing, cheering, even throwing eggs)Explanation
During Shakespeare's time, the audience actively participated in the performance by expressing their emotions and reactions. They were not stoic but rather imaginative and involved, which is evident from their behaviors such as booing, cheering, and even throwing eggs. This level of engagement indicates that the audience was deeply immersed in the play, allowing them to connect with the characters and the story on a more visceral level.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
May 06, 2010Quiz Created by
Ltanner-jewell