The Impossible Quiz

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The "Ashrei" is the recitation from Hebrew literature (Psalm 145) which occurs three times each day in Hebrew worship. What is the first assertion of the "Ashrei"? Speak to me from the heights, o God Bless the Lord, O my soul I will extol Declare the mercies of the Lord

2. Not all scholars of poetry appreciate acrostics. Samuel Butler wrote the following: "He uses [acrostics] to lay the outsides of his verses even, like a bricklayer, by a line of rhyme and acrostic, and fill the ____ with rubbish." What word best fits both the quote and the key to the quiz? middle poem remainder courses

3. Which author composed verse about "Annabelle Lee", but evidently reserved his true feelings for: "Elizabeth it is in vain you say, 'Love not' — thou sayest it in so sweet a way: In vain those words from thee or L.E.L. Zantippe's talents had enforced so well: Ah! if that language from thy heart arise, Breath it less gently forth — and veil thine eyes. Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried To cure his love — was cured of all beside — His follie — pride — and passion — for he died."? Poe Socrates Keats Landon

4. In the Anglican Church, the final days of Advent are marked by the chanting of verses which are named for the various names of Christ. What is the name given to these verses? Christmas Canticles O Antiphons Oratoria Christonymic Canticles

5. In 1711, Joseph Addison and Richard Steele published a widely read daily in London for the purpose of raising up morality and philosophy - all with a sense of humor. What was the name of his newspaper? Times Spectator Unspoken Truth Vox Zephyrus

6. When the Dutch sweep the skating events in international competition, they stand proudly on the podium to hear "Het Wilhelmus" played - the national anthem of the Netherlands since 1586. What country is mentioned in the anthem's first verse? England Holland Spain France

7. One of the earliest known acrostics refers to followers of Jesus Christ. In Greek, the letters spell the word for fish. What is the Greek name for the letter "I"? ichthys id yodh iota

8. Of the three British authors, Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell, one was - Best Remembered for One Novel That Excelled. What was her real surname? Browning Emily Alcott Bronte

9. In 1871, Lewis Carroll wrote a sequel to "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". What was featured in the title of Carroll's odd sequel? Jabberwocky Looking-Glass Snark Phantasmagoria

10. In 1616, a book was published wherein the initial letter of each chapter spelled out "I Franciscus Godwinus Landavensis Episcopus Hoc Conscripsit". What sovereign state's ruler was the author keen not to offend by publishing his name on the cover? Spain Brandenburg England The Vatican