Translation
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” (Romeo and Juliet)
Juliet says this in her famous balcony speech while Romeo listens in secret. She is talking about the family rivalry between the Montagues and the Capulets and asks herself what difference does a name make; it would still smell as sweet if it were called something different.
What year do you think he was born?
a. 1564
b. 1602
c. 1578
d. 1553
a. 1564
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” – William Shakespeare
This quote reminds us that life is a performance where everyone has a role to play. Each of us contributes to the story of our lives and those around us. We all face various experiences and emotions, just like actors on a stage. This perspective can inspire us to embrace our roles and perform them with authenticity, making the most out of the moments we have.
True or False: There was no such thing as copyright.
True - Copyright didn’t exist in William Shakespeare’s time, as a result, there was a thriving trade in copied plays. To help counter this, actors got their lines only once the play was in progress – often in the form of cue acting where someone backstage whispered them to the person shortly before he was supposed to deliver them.
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.” (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
This means that it shouldn’t matter what a person looks like, you love them for their personality and what’s inside. The quote is said in jealousy, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, by Helena because Demetrius thinks that Hermia is more beautiful than Helena and has been swayed by her beauty. Helena thinks that Demetrius should love her for who she is and keep his promises to her rather than loving Hermia for her beauty.
How many plays do historians suspect he wrote?
a. 45 plays
b. 37 plays
c. 28 plays
d. 32 plays
b. 37 plays (at least)
“The course of true love never did run smooth.” – William Shakespeare
This quote highlights the challenges that often accompany love. Relationships take effort and can be filled with ups and downs. It teaches us that while love is beautiful, it isn’t always easy. We can learn from this to be patient and resilient in our relationships, cherishing the moments of joy amid difficulties.
True or False: Females were allowed to perform on stage.
False - It was illegal for women and girls to perform in the theatre in Shakespeare’s lifetime so all the female parts were written for boys. It was only much later, during the Restoration, that the first woman appeared on the English stage.
“Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and deep desires.” (Macbeth)
This quote is by Macbeth to himself (the classic Shakespeare soliloquy) he is asking the stars to hide their light so that no one will be able to see the dark desires he has inside him.
How many sonnets has he written?
a. 172 Sonnets
b. 128 Sonnets
c. 98 Sonnets
d. 154 Sonnets
d. 154 Sonnets
“All that glitters is not gold.” – William Shakespeare
This line serves as a caution against judging things by their appearance. Often, what looks appealing on the outside may not hold true value on the inside. We can relate this to our own lives by learning to look deeper and appreciate the substance over the superficial. Recognizing this can help us make wiser choices in friendships and opportunities.
True or False: Writing by candlelight didn't happen.
True - Candles were very expensive in Shakespeare’s time so they were used only for emergencies, for a short time. Most writers wrote in the daytime and socialized in the evenings. There is no reason to think that William Shakespeare was any different from his contemporaries.
“My tongue will tell the anger of my heart, or else my heart concealing it will break.” (The Taming of the Shrew)
It’s delivered by Katherine to Hortensio during an argument in which he is being particularly foul and she feels she has to speak her mind; she tells him she has to express her anger to him or she will die from keeping it in.
How many siblings did he have?
a. 0 Siblings
b. 2 Siblings
c. 7 Siblings
d. 5 Siblings
7 siblings
“This above all: to thine own self be true.” – William Shakespeare
This line conveys the importance of authenticity and integrity. We must remain genuine to ourselves in our thoughts and actions. Staying true to who we are can help us navigate life’s challenges more clearly. This principle serves as a guide for our decisions and relationships, promoting a sense of self-respect.
True or False: Despite many waves of plague, the theatres stayed open as they didn't understand the spread of diseases.
False - An outbreak of the plague in Europe resulted in all London theatres being closed between 1592 and 1594. As there was no demand for plays during this time, Shakespeare began to write poetry, completing his first batch of sonnets in 1593, aged 29.
“To die, to sleep – to sleep, perchance to dream – ay, there’s the rub, for in this sleep of death what dreams may come…” (Hamlet)
This is said by Hamlet to himself when he thinks he is alone. He is asking himself if it is better to give up and die rather than facing his troubles but he is frightened that he will dream when he is dead and never get any peace from his earthly troubles. The speech starts with the even more famous “To be or not to be…” which is the ‘should I live or die?’ part.
What significant day of his life did he die?
a. On his wedding anniversary
b. On his 52nd birthday
c. The day he was scheduled to meet the queen
d. There was no significant day, he just died.
b. On his 52nd birthday
“Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” – William Shakespeare
This quote reflects on fear and how it can hold us back from truly living. It suggests that constantly fearing failure or rejection can lead to a metaphorical death. Conversely, taking risks and facing challenges may lead to a more fulfilling life. We can draw strength from this understanding and encourage each other to embrace bravery.
True or False: The Globe Theatre burned down.
True - Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre came to a premature end on 29th June 1613 after a cannon shot set fire to the thatched roof during a performance of Henry VIII. Within two hours the theatre was burnt to the ground, to be rebuilt the following year.