History of Valentines Day
Who is Saint Valentine believed to have been?
A. A Roman emperor
B. A Christian priest
C. A famous poet
D. A knight
Answer: B. A Christian priest
Shakespeare wrote about these two star-crossed lovers separated by family feud. Who are they?
Answer: Romeo and Juliet
In the lyric, “Love is like a river, always flowing,” what figurative language is used?
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
D. Personification
Answer: B. Simile
Which is the most common Valentine’s Day tradition today?
A. Exchanging Valentine cards
B. Wearing green
C. Lighting candles for New Year
D. Trick-or-treating
Answer: A. Exchanging Valentine cards
Who always has a date on Valentine's Day?
Answer: A Calendar
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on __________ 14th.
Answer: February
In Greek mythology, __________ is the goddess of love and beauty.
Answer: Aphrodite
“Death be not proud, though some have called thee / Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so.” – John Donne
The concept of Death being described as “proud” and “mighty” is an example of:
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Personification
D. Hyperbole
Answer: C. Personification
Which candy became widely associated with Valentine’s Day in the 1800s because it was packaged with messages like “Be Mine”?
A. Chocolate truffles
B. Candy hearts
C. Gummy bears
D. Lollipops
Answer: B. Candy hearts
XOXOXOX means what? _______
Answer: Hugs and Kisses
Which of these was an early symbol of Valentine’s Day?
A. Hearts
B. Birds
C. Cupcakes
D. Balloons
Answer: B Birds
Helen of Troy is often called “the face that launched a thousand ships” because:
A. She was a skilled sailor who led the Greek fleet
B. Her beauty caused the Trojan War when Paris took her to Troy
C. She wrote letters to both Greek and Trojan kings
D. She cursed the Greek soldiers with bad luck
Answer: B. Her beauty caused the Trojan War when Paris took her to Troy
In the line “I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach,” the speaker exaggerates to express love. This is an example of:
A. Hyperbole
B. Personification
C. Simile
D. Metaphor
Answer: Hyperbole
Which flower is the most commonly given on Valentine’s Day worldwide?
A. Tulip
B. Rose
C. Lily
D. Daisy
Answer: B. Rose
Which mammal boasts the largest heart?
Answer: A whale
Which ancient civilization is associated with the origin of Valentine’s Day?
A. Greeks
B. Egyptians
C. Romans
D. Vikings
Use your process of elimination
Answer: Romans
Cupid and Psyche’s love story eventually led to the birth of a daughter named Pleasure (Voluptas). How did their family impact the lives of humans according to mythology?
A. They caused humans to fear the gods
B. They brought love, desire, and happiness into human lives
C. They punished mortals who fell in love
D. They inspired humans to seek wisdom instead of love
Answer: B. They brought love, desire, and happiness into human lives
My love is a fever, longing still / For that which longer nurseth the disease.” – Shakespeare, Sonnet 147
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Personification
Answer: A. Simile and B. Metaphor
A metaphor is when you say one thing is something else to show a strong comparison.
Shakespeare does not mean love is really a sickness.
He compares love to a fever to show how it feels.
So:
Love = Fever
Wanting the person = Making the sickness worse
Which U.S. city sends the most roses for Valentine’s Day each year?
A. New York
B. Los Angeles
C. Chicago
D. Houston
Answer: A. New York
How does Cupid make you fall in love with someone?
Answer:
He shoots an arrow of love
Why do you think Valentine’s Day evolved from a religious feast to a commercial holiday focused on gifts and cards?
Answer: If you tried to answer you will receive 500 points. If you did not...
Valentine’s Day evolved from a religious feast to a commercial holiday because society changed over time. People began celebrating romantic love more than honoring a saint. Businesses realized they could sell gifts, cards, and chocolates to people who wanted to show love. Printing technology and advertising helped spread the tradition, making it easier and more popular to buy gifts rather than just write letters. Today, Valentine’s Day is often about expressing affection in ways that also support stores and industries.
Compare the motivations of Paris and Romeo in pursuing their loved ones. How are their actions similar or different, and what consequences result from their choices?
Answer Guidance:
Paris takes Helen because of desire and divine influence (Aphrodite’s promise).
Romeo pursues Juliet out of love and defiance of social rules.
Both face major consequences: Paris indirectly causes the Trojan War, Romeo and Juliet die because of family feuds.
Students should analyze character motivation and theme of love versus consequence.
In the lyric, “You have stolen my heart,” the phrase “stolen my heart” is an example of:
A. Metaphor
B. Hyperbole
C. Idiom
D. Personification
Double the points if you can explain your answer
Answer: C. Idiom
Why it’s an idiom:
An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood literally from the individual words.
Literally, someone cannot physically steal your heart—your actual organ isn’t being taken.
Figuratively, the phrase means “I have fallen in love with you” or “you have made me fall in love.”
Because the meaning is culturally understood rather than literal, it fits the definition of an idiom.
Conclusion: “Stolen my heart” is an idiom because it’s a common expression about love that cannot be taken literally.
In popular culture, what is Cupid’s weapon that causes people to fall in love?
A. Sword
B. Bow and arrow
C. Magic wand
D. Ring
Answer: B. Bow and arrow
Which popular website, that offers many educational and entertaining videos, was founded on February 14, Valentine’s Day?
Answer: Youtube