Shakespearean Era Trivia

Question 1

Representing a minority opinion, scholar Joseph Pearce argues that Shakespeare was a secret:

Accepted Answer

Catholic

Question 2

Malcolm confesses to each of the following sins except:

Accepted Answer

Murder

Question 3

The Elizabethan Era overlapped with what other period in English history?

Accepted Answer

The English Renaissance

Question 4

The Blackfriar Theater had a roof and __________, allowing for year-round performances.

Accepted Answer

Artificial lighting, Windows

Question 5

Banquo’s son is:

Accepted Answer

Fleance

Question 6

The period between Henry VIII and Queen Mary can best be described as:

Accepted Answer

A period of religious and political turmoil

Question 7

The language of Shakespeare's time is referred to as: (Choose all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Early Modern English, Elizabethan English, The Elizabethan Idiom, Shakespearean English

Question 8

James Burbage built the Theater in Shoreditch in 1576 because:

Accepted Answer

Laws forbade one in nearby London

Question 9

Shakespeare's "missing years" refer to:

Accepted Answer

A period of his life for which we have no written record

Question 10

In the opening act, Duncan praises Macbeth as a:

Accepted Answer

War hero

Question 11

When was Shakespeare born?

Accepted Answer

1564

Question 12

Lady Macbeth would have killed Duncan herself, but:

Accepted Answer

He looked like her father

Question 13

Shakespeare lived during which notable era in English history?

Accepted Answer

The Elizabethan Era

Question 14

What was his father's trade? (Choose 2)

Accepted Answer

Wittawer, Glove Maker

Question 15

Shakespeare could retire early because he: (Choose all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Had patrons who sponsored him, Earned benefits from each performed play, Earned a salary from his work as an actor and playwright, Was a shareholder in a successful London theater company

Question 16

There is no conclusive proof that Shakespeare went to college—either in England or Rome.

Accepted Answer

True

Question 17

All of the following characters are thanes except:

Accepted Answer

Donalbain

Question 18

Duncan’s heir is:

Accepted Answer

Malcolm

Question 19

Shakespeare lived during the reigns of which two British monarchs?

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth I & James I

Question 20

John Shakespeare, William Shakespeare's father, was elected to which of the following public offices?

Accepted Answer

Mayor, Chief Magistrate, Bailiff, Alderman

Question 21

Who discovers Duncan’s body?

Accepted Answer

Macduff

Question 22

At school, Shakespeare likely studied which subjects? (Choose all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Reading, Writing, & Math, The Classics (Latin & Greek Literature), Greek, Latin

Question 23

Some scholars believe that if Shakespeare had attended college, his writing might have been:

Accepted Answer

Less original

Question 24

How might a sincere Catholic have viewed Henry VIII's "conversion" of England from Catholic to Protestant?

Accepted Answer

As illegitimate, being political—not religious—in motivation

Question 25

Where was Shakespeare born?

Accepted Answer

Stratford-upon-Avon

Question 26

The original Thane of Cawdor was executed for what reason?

Accepted Answer

Treason

Question 27

What factors led to the English Renaissance? (Choose all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The emergence of important writers, musicians, and scientists, The rediscovery of Ancient Greek and Roman texts, Increased trade and economic prosperity, The end of the War of Roses

Question 28

The witches predict that Macbeth will possess each of the following titles except:

Accepted Answer

Thane of Fife

Question 29

All of the following adjectives describe the witches except:

Accepted Answer

Kind

Question 30

During Shakespeare's lifetime, the roles of women in plays were performed by:

Accepted Answer

Male actors, often boys

Question 31

Scholars believe Shakespeare likely attended which school?

Accepted Answer

King Edward VI's School

Question 32

Mary Arden Shakespeare, William's mother, came from a well-to-do (rich) family of ______________.

Accepted Answer

farmers

Question 33

Who was the founder of the Tudor dynasty?

Accepted Answer

Henry VII

Question 34

Which character escapes the murders?

Accepted Answer

Fleance

Question 35

The Globe Theatre had no roof, limiting performances to:

Accepted Answer

Daytime during good weather

Question 36

In what country does this play take place?

Accepted Answer

Scotland

Question 37

According to the murder plan, who will be blamed for the king’s death?

Accepted Answer

The Guards

Question 38

Macbeth murdered or ordered the murder of each of the following characters except:

Accepted Answer

Macduff’s son, Banquo, Duncan, Malcolm

Shakespearean Era Trivia

Questions 38

Shakespearean Era Trivia

Questions 38