Question 1: We’re celebrating Shakespeare Day. What was William Shakespeare also known as?
A The Bard of Avon
B The Master of the Macabre
C The Good Gray Poet
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 23, 1564. He gave us iconic love stories, epic tragedies, and unforgettable insults like ‘Thou art a boil, a plague-sore’ in ‘King Lear’ and ‘I’ll beat thee, but I would infect my hands’ in ‘Timon of Athens.’ Even in death, he had a way with words—his epitaph warns against grave robbery, saying, ‘Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.’
Correct Answer: The Bard of Avon
Question 2: Which Shakespeare play is also known as ‘The Scottish Play’ because of a superstition?
A Hamlet
B Macbeth
C The Tempest
There is a theatrical superstition that saying ‘Macbeth’ inside a theater—except when required in the script during rehearsals or performances—can bring misfortune. This stems from a legend that Shakespeare included real witches’ spells in the play, angering supernatural forces. If someone does utter the word, tradition requires them to leave, perform a cleansing ritual, and be invited back in to ward off bad luck. Common rituals include spinning three times, spitting over the left shoulder, swearing, or reciting a line from another Shakespeare play.
Correct Answer: Macbeth
Question 3: Which of these words is believed to have been first used by Shakespeare?
A Champion as a verb
B Exhibit as a noun
C Love as a noun
The noun ‘champion’ had been in use since the early 13th century, but Shakespeare is credited with being the first to use it as a verb in ‘Macbeth.’ In Act III, Scene I, Macbeth tells Fate, ‘Come fate into the list. And champion me to the utterance!’ Here, the verb ‘champion’ conveyed the meaning of challenging someone to a contest. Today, its meaning has evolved; the word now signifies advocating for or defending a cause.
Correct Answer: Champion as a verb