Shakespeare Background Honors

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as:

• A famous British king

• The first actor to perform in London

• One of England’s greatest writers

• A wealthy merchant from Avon

Where was William Shakespeare born?

• London

• Stratford-upon-Avon

• Globe Theatre

• York

What subjects did Shakespeare most likely study in school?

• Math and Science

• Philosophy and Music

• Latin, Greek, English, and world history

• Art and Astronomy

What was Shakespeare’s first involvement in the theater world when he moved to London?

• Stagehand

• Playwright

• Theater owner

• Actor

Which of the following is a romantic tragedy written by Shakespeare early in his career?

• Macbeth

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream

• The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

What was the name of the acting company for which Shakespeare wrote plays?

• The Royal Players

• The King’s Men

• The Globe Troupe

• The Lord Chamberlain’s Men

How did Shakespeare make money from the theater?

• Ticket sales and costume rentals

• Selling books and teaching

• Acting salary, playwriting fees, and company profits

• Government funding and donations

In Shakespeare’s time, who was at the top of the social ladder?

• Merchants

• Royal guards

• The nobility

• The clergy

What was true about moving between social classes in Elizabethan England?

• It was common and encouraged

• It was impossible for women only

• It was difficult, if not impossible

• It was only allowed for playwrights

In Elizabethan families, who made decisions for the children?

• The town council

• Schoolteachers

• The children themselves

• The parents