Quotes from William Shakespeare's Plays Quiz

Answer: Hamlet

The play "Hamlet" was first published in 1623. The plot revolves around the ghost of the King of Denmark, who urges his son Hamlet to seek revenge for his murder by killing the new king. The quote in question is spoken by the character Horatio to Hamlet in Act 5, Scene 2, during the final moments of the play, as Hamlet is dying in Horatio's arms.

Answer: King Lear

In 1608, "King Lear" was first published. The play tells the story of an old king in ancient Britain who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, which leads to tragic consequences. In Act 1, Scene 4, there is a quote by King Lear in which he compares the pain of having an ungrateful daughter to being bitten by a snake.

The reason for this quote is that Goneril says she loves her father, King Lear, but after he has given Goneril everything, she begins to mistreat him.

Answer: Othello

"Othello" is a play that was first published in 1622. It's about a character named Iago, who is really upset that he didn't get a promotion, so he decides to get revenge against his general. This is a quote that Iago says to another character named Roderigo in Act 1 Scene 3.

In the quote, Iago is basically saying that he believes people aren't controlled by their nature or by God - they have the freedom to make their own choices.

Answer: The Taming of the Shrew

"The Taming of the Shrew" is a play that was first published in 1623. It's a story about a man named Lucentio who wants to pursue Bianca, but he can't because her difficult older sister, Katherina, needs to get married first. The quote comes from Act 5 Scene 1, where a character named Petruchio talks to Katherina.

The quote is said when Petruchio first wants a kiss from Kate, but she does not want to in the middle of the street. Petruchio thinks Kate is ashamed of him, but she is ashamed to kiss. Petruchio then asks why and says, "Let's go home again." Then Kate says, "Nay," and kisses him.

Answer: Romeo and Juliet

"Romeo and Juliet" was first published in 1597. It's a story about a long-standing feud between two high-ranking families that leads to violence. In Act 2, Scene 5, Friar Laurence advises Romeo to love in moderation and not too intensely.

Answer: The Tempest

"The Tempest" is a play that was first published in 1623. This story is about a man named Prospero who uses magic to brew up a big storm to cause the destruction of a ship carrying passengers that include his dishonest brother, Antonio, and Antonio's ally Alonso.

This quote, from Act 2, Scene 2, is made by Trinculo, Alonso's servant who is also a survivor of the shipwreck, when he discovers Caliban (a half-human monster living on the desolate island) sleeping and seeks shelter under his cloak. Trinculo and his fellow-servant Stephano provide the comic relief in this play.

Answer: Macbeth

"Macbeth" is a play that was first published in 1623. It tells the story of a brave Scottish general who is told by three witches that he will become the king of Scotland. In Act 2, Scene 2, Macbeth is startled by mysterious knocking after his wife, Lady Macbeth, leaves the castle, and makes this quote.

The blood on Lady Macbeth and Macbeth's hands represents the guilt they carry with them till their death and won't let them forget their evil act.

Answer: The Winter's Tale

"The Winter's Tale" is a play that was first published in 1611. The plot revolves around the character King Leontes, who becomes jealous and falsely accuses his wife, Hermione, of being unfaithful with his best friend. In Act 2, Scene 2, Paulina requests Emilia to bring the infant to Leontes, hoping that seeing his new daughter might soften his heart and make him recognise the child as his own.

Answer: Twelfth Night

"Twelfth Night" is a 1602 play featuring a character called Viola, who becomes separated from her twin brother, Sebastian. Viola adopts a male disguise and begins serving Duke Orsino, ultimately developing romantic feelings for him. The quote is from Act 2, Scene 5, where Malvolio, a character in the play, reads a letter authored by Maria, who is playing a practical joke.

The quote in the letter refers to different paths to greatness. "Some are born great" refers to individuals born into privilege, such as royalty, and destined for positions of power. "Some achieve greatness" highlights the efforts of individuals who attain greatness through hard work and persistence. "Some have greatness thrust upon 'em" highlights how external factors can propel individuals into positions of significance beyond their control.

Answer: Julius Caesar

In the play "Julius Caesar", written in 1599, a group of jealous conspirators convinces Julius Caesar's friend Brutus to help them plot and carry out the assassination of Julius Caesar. Their aim is to prevent Caesar from gaining too much power. Brutus cares about Caesar and is reluctantly convinced to participate in his assassination but thinks it would be best for Rome.

In Act 2, Scene 1 of the play, he emphasizes to his co-conspirators the significance of not disfiguring Caesar's body during the killing.