Introducing William Shakespeare

What date do most scholars agree is William Shakespeare's birth date?

• April 26, 1564

• April 23, 1564

• April 29, 1564

• There is no agreement

Answer explanation

There is a record of Shakespeare's baptism at holy Trinity Church on April 26, 1564, in a town called Stratford-upon-Avon, and because children were baptized within days of their births, most scholars have agreed that April 23rd is a good guess for Shakespeare's birth date.

How old was William Shakespeare when he married twenty-six-year-old Anne Hathaway?

• 17

• 19

• 18

• 21

Answer explanation

Shakespeare and Anne had three children, two of which were twins, Hamnet and Judith. Hamnet died when he was only eleven years old. Shakespeare has no living descendents today.

What are the seven years following the birth of Shakespeare's children known as?

• "lost years"

• "daddy years"

• "creative years"

• "abandoned years"

Answer explanation

There is not much known about Shakespeare during this time, so these years are known as the "lost years."

Why were the theatres closed in 1593?

• Queen Elizabeth banned them.

• the plague

• Shakespeare went back to his family.

• the war

What is interesting about Shakespeare's death?

Answer explanation

Shakespeare's death is a mystery. Some speculate that it was syphilis or maybe even murder. He died in 1616.

Why is Shakespeare known as "the Bard of England"? Choose all that apply.

• He was acknowledged as the greatest poet from that country

• His writing was timeless—it would last forever.

• He was rude to most people he met.

• He didn't allow just anyone in to watch his plays.

During Shakespeare's time, Queen ____________________ reigned over England.

• Anne

• Margaret

• Elizabeth

• Emily

Answer explanation

Queen Elizabeth took the throne at only 25 years old, and she reigned from 1558-1603 (45 years!).

Why did Queen Elizabeth forbid the performance of plays on Thursdays?

• Thursdays were reserved for fencing tournaments.

• Thursday was a popular day for bear baiting.

• Thursdays were a day of rest.

• Thursdays were popular for public executions.

Who took over the throne when Queen Elizabeth died in 1603?

• King James

• King George

• King William

• King Henry

Answer explanation

King James was the reigning monarch of Scotland and loved the theatre as well. He became a patron of Shakespeare's company, which changed it's name to The King's Men. King James was very interested in witchcraft which inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, 38 plays, and _____ narrative poems.

Answer explanation

Shakespeare is said to be responsible for the introduction of 1700 new words into the English language.