Literary Before & After Quiz | Before and After

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1. Creator of fictional character Dorian Gray; movie starring Neve Campbell and Denise Richards.

Answer: Oscar Wilde Things

The mysterious and enigmatic Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) wrote, among other things, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" about a young man whose portrait alters and ages in correlation with his own corruption, while he himself remains young and attractive. "Wild Things" was a 1998 film about a high school student (Campbell) who orchestrates an intricate con job involving her teacher, a police officer, and a fellow student and her rich mother.

2. Author of "Persuasion"; comic character made famous by Mike Myers.

Answer: Jane Austen Powers

Jane Austen (1775-1817) was an English novelist in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was a very popular and influential writer whose stories primarily dealt with the notion of love. Her novels include "Emma," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Pride and Prejudice." "Austin Powers" is a 1997 film starring Canadian comedian Mike Myers, and which spawned two sequels in 1999 and 2002. Myers also portrays other characters in the movies, such as Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard.

3. British author who was part of the Bloomsbury Group, and who eventually drowned herself in a river; CNN journalist and reporter known for his often blunt reporting style.

Answer: Virginia Woolf Blitzer

Virginia Woolf (1882-1941) was an influential modernist literary figure who wrote novels such as "To the Lighthouse," and "Mrs. Dalloway." She is one of the most notable authors to use the stream-of-consciousness narrative technique. She led a very troubled life, before committing suicide in 1941. Wolf Blitzer is an Emmy-award winning news reporter and has been with CNN since 1990.

His hard-nosed style has garnered him both praise and criticism throughout his career.

4. 18th-century Roman Catholic poet who penned a series of "Moral Essays"; leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005.

Answer: Alexander Pope John Paul II

Alexander Pope (1688-1744) wrote many poems, essays, and epistles, which he used as a medium to address many of the religious, social, and political issues of the time. He also often employed satire, such as in "The Dunciad." His most popular poem was the mock-heroic "The Rape of the Lock." Born in Poland in 1920 as Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II's reign over the Catholic Church was the second longest pontificate in history.

He led a fascinating life which included an impressive education (he could speak in over 11 languages), and extensive travel (he visited over 100 countries during his reign).

He was shot by a would-be assassin in 1981, but recovered and eventually forgave the man who shot him. He was known for his staunch aversion to Communism, but also for his willingness to meet and co-operate with leaders of other non-Christian faiths. Thousands of people flocked to St. Peter's Square outside the Vatican as he lay on his deathbed, and many nations mourned his eventual death. He was succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI.

5. Author of "Paradise Lost"; American comedian of the 1940s and '50s known as "Mr. Television" and who hosted "Texaco Star Theater."

Answer: John Milton Berle

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet whose most famous work is definitely his epic poem "Paradise Lost," the story of Adam and Eve, which he wrote as a means of explaning God's actions to men. Milton Berle (1908-2002) was an American icon and had a showbusiness career that included radio, television, and vaudeville. Known as "Mr. Television" or "Uncle Miltie," he was thought by many to be the first big television star.

6. Punk band fronted by the twin Madden brothers; one of three famous 19th-century literary sisters, she wrote under the pseudonym "Currer Bell."

Answer: Good Charlotte Bronte

Good Charlotte formed in 1996 and is composed of Benji and Joel Madden, Billy Martin, and Paul Thomas. They have achieved international success through a number of hit singles and albums. Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855) is the eldest of the famous Bronte trio, and is probably best-known for her enduring novel "Jane Eyre." She survived longer than any of her siblings, but passed away during her first pregnancy.

7. Monkey made famous in a series of childrens' books by H.A. and Margaret Rey; writer known for his political essays as well as his politically-driven novels, which deal with topics such as the Russian Revolution and totalitarianism.

Answer: Curious George Orwell

Curious George is the adorable monkey who is more often than not getting into trouble of some kind, and who is taken care of by "the man in the yellow hat." These popular books have been translated into many languages, and have even been adapted into a movie, released in 2006. George Orwell (1903-1950) had a literary career that included essays, newspaper columns, and novels. All of his work had political undertones of some kind.

His most famous novels are "Animal Farm" and "1984."

8. A pioneer of American rhythm and blues, this singer-songwriter was completely blind by the age of thirty; English novelist whose work includes "Bleak House" and "Hard Times."

Answer: Ray Charles Dickens

Ray Charles (1930-2004) is considered by many to be an American musical icon. He was a talented pianist and a pioneer of "soul" music. Jaime Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal of Charles in the 2004 film "Ray." Charles Dickens (1812-1870) is considered by many to be the greatest writer of his time.

His novels attained instant success during his lifetime, and have remained consistently popular to the point where many argue that he will never go out of print. Some of his most popular novels include "Great Expectations," "A Tale of Two Cities," "A Christmas Carol," and "Oliver Twist."

9. 16th-century English poet and author of "The Faerie Queene"; American movie actor who starred in "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and who engaged in a long-term relationship with Katharine Hepburn.

Answer: Edmund Spenser Tracy

Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) contributed the longest epic poem in the English language with "The Faerie Queene." It is an epic allegorical poem relating to the mythology of King Arthur and the legend of St. George. It was originally intended to be 12 books, but he only wrote 6 before his death. Spencer Tracy (1900-1967) was a very popular actor who garnered much praise and numerous awards for his performing abilities.

He won 2 Best Actor Oscars in his career (and received 9 nominations).

10. Contemporary actress who had roles in "Scary Movie" and "American Pie" 1 and 2; Victorian-era poet whose most famous work is "Sonnets from the Portuguese."

Answer: Shannon Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Shannon Elizabeth worked as a model before entering the world of acting. She also at one point considered a career in professional tennis. Her breakthrough role is thought to be in the 1999 teen comedy "American Pie." Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) is considered one of the greatest poets of her time, and nearly everyone is familiar with her famous love sonnet that begins: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." She was married to another poet and writer: Robert Browning.

Source: Author PrincessJoey

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Literary Before & After Trivia Quiz

Half of each answer is the name of a literary figure; the other half may relate to a movie, actor, musician, or public figure. (e.g. playwright who wrote "Romeo & Juliet"; film starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. A: William Shakespeare in Love)

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