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Quiz about The Life of William Shakespeare

The Life of William Shakespeare Quiz

You think you know Shakespeare? This quiz focuses mostly on his life rather than his works. Answer carefully, and enjoy!

A multiple-choice quiz by Brainz. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
Brainz

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
1,148

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
2440

Last 3 plays: Guest 96 (8/10), Guest 75 (7/10), Guest 119 (10/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is generally thought to have been William Shakespeare's date of birth? Hint

January 1, 1569

April 23, 1564

July 4, 1579

October 19, 1563

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Question 2 of 10

2. What was the name of William's father? Hint

John

Samuel

Richard

James

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Question 3 of 10

3. Where was William Shakespeare buried? Hint

Stratford's pauper cemetery

The site is unknown

Behind the house in which he was born

Chancel of Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

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Question 4 of 10

4. Whom did William marry? Hint

Elizabeth Halters

Anne Hathaway

Mary Swinworth

Deborah Kirshing

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Question 5 of 10

5. In 1596 William's only son died. What was his name? Hint

Hamlet

Hamnet

Romeo

Jacob

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Question 6 of 10

6. In which county is Shakespeare's Stratford? Hint

Oxfordshire

Staffordshire

Warwickshire

Derbyshire

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Question 7 of 10

7. How many plays did Shakespeare write? Hint

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Question 8 of 10

8. How did William Shakespeare die? Hint

Typhus

Malaria

The cause is unknown

Smallpox

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Question 9 of 10

9. When did William's wife die? Hint

August 6, 1623

March 29, 1630

February 19, 1618

July 17, 1601

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Question 10 of 10

10. William was sentenced to a flogging after he was caught doing what on a nearby estate? Hint

Poaching

Beating a horse

Stealing

Dumping garbage

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Most Recent Scores

Dec 18 2024 : Guest 96: 8/10
Dec 01 2024 : Guest 75: 7/10
Nov 21 2024 : Guest 119: 10/10
Nov 20 2024 : Verbonica: 10/10
Nov 18 2024 : Guest 89: 9/10
Nov 10 2024 : Johnmcmanners: 10/10
Oct 25 2024 : Guest 89: 6/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is generally thought to have been William Shakespeare's date of birth?

Answer: April 23, 1564

William Shakespeare's actual date of birth is not known. He was baptized on April 26, 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England and at the time it was customary to baptize infants three days after birth. Of course, 23 April has the added attraction of being St. George's day ...

2. What was the name of William's father?

Answer: John

A butcher and glove maker by trade, John was elected town bailiff (equivalent to modern day mayor) and held various other official positions.

3. Where was William Shakespeare buried?

Answer: Chancel of Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon

William Shakespeare was buried in the chancel of Stratford's Holy Trinity Church, an honor reserved for those who had left their mark on the world.

4. Whom did William marry?

Answer: Anne Hathaway

On November 27, 1582, William married Anne Hathaway. William was only 18 years old. Anne was 26.

5. In 1596 William's only son died. What was his name?

Answer: Hamnet

Hamnet died at the age of 11 due to a fever.

6. In which county is Shakespeare's Stratford?

Answer: Warwickshire

Stratford-upon-Avon should never be confused with Stratford in the London Borough of Newham!

7. How many plays did Shakespeare write?

Answer: 37

8. How did William Shakespeare die?

Answer: The cause is unknown

Confusion reigns in respect of his death. Some records state that he died from congestion of the lungs as a result of a chill he caught while exercising the longbow. Another version is that he was out drinking with friends and drank something laced with typhus. Yet another version states he was murdered seeing as he changed his will one month prior to his death.

9. When did William's wife die?

Answer: August 6, 1623

Anne died August 6, 1623, over six years after the death of her husband. She was buried beside him in the chancel of Stratford's Holy Trinity Church.

10. William was sentenced to a flogging after he was caught doing what on a nearby estate?

Answer: Poaching

William fled to London to escape his punishment.

Source: Author Brainz

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor thejazzkickazz before going online.
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