From the Bible or from Shakespeare? Quiz

Answer: Genesis

Although Shakespeare's works include many ghosts, including Julius Caesar, Hamlet's father, and several victims of Richard III, this phrase is from the Bible, Genesis 35:29, about the death of Isaac. ("And Isaac gave up the ghost, and died, and was gathered unto his people, being old and full of days: and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.")

Answer: Daniel

It is found in Daniel 2:33. ("His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.")

Answer: Macbeth

It is from "Macbeth," Act. I, Scene 7. Contemplating the murder of Duncan, Macbeth states: "If th' assassination/ Could trammel up the consequence, and catch/ With his surcease success; that but this blow/ Might be the be-all and the end-all--here..."

Answer: The Taming of the Shrew

In "Taming of the Shrew," Act IV, scene v, Kate states, "Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes,/ That have been so bedazzled with the sun,/ That everything I look on seemeth green..."

Answer: True

The Bible introduced over 250 phrases, such as "a drop in the bucket," "a law unto themselves," and "born again." Shakespeare created about 100, including "all one to me," "a forgone conclusion," and "bag and baggage." [www.langology.org/?p=1453]

Answer: False

Shakespeare invented far more than 1000 words, including "addiction" (Othello), "scuffle"(Antony and Cleopatra), and "uncomfortable" (Romeo and Juliet). The King James Bible introduced only about 40, including "liberty" and "irrevocable." [www.langology.org/?p=1453]

Answer: Romans

Both are from Romans. "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar..." (3:4), and "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but God: the powers that be are ordained by God" (13:1).

Answer: Twelfth Night

These words appear in Act 3, Scene 4. ["Let me speak a little. This youth that you see here/ I snatch'd one half out of the jaws of death..." spoken by Antonio]. Antonio is referring to Sebastian, whom he rescued from the shipwreck. Here, however, he confuses Sebastian with Viola, Sebastian's twin, who is disguised as a male.

Answer: II Timothy

II Timothy, 4:7. "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."

Answer: King Lear

In Act I, Scene 4, Lear says this about his daughter Goneril, who refuses to put up with his entourage. When he later complains to Regan, she proves to be worse than Goneril.