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Literary Classics Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Literary Classics Quizzes, Trivia

Literary Classics Trivia

Literary Classics Trivia Quizzes

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What's a literary classic? You may have read it (or avoided reading it) in school or college; you have almost certainly heard people talk about it as a book with which everyone is familiar.
10 Literary Classics quizzes and 100 Literary Classics trivia questions.
1.
  The Revamped Classic Book Mash    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
After my first classic book mash quiz proved popular, I decided to make this revamped one, from JozG! Enjoy!
Average, 10 Qns, VBookWorm, May 01 23
Average
VBookWorm
May 01 23
490 plays
2.
  Mixture of Classic Literature    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
What do you know about classic literature? My quiz asks questions about the novels that have made a difference in the world of literature!
Average, 10 Qns, supadork1029, Sep 14 23
Average
supadork1029
Sep 14 23
4675 plays
3.
  Classical Classics   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Kindly join Jakeroo and myself on a Sprint to find some of our favorite classical novels.
Average, 10 Qns, BxBarracuda, Oct 15 22
Average
BxBarracuda
Oct 15 22
1682 plays
4.
  The Classics of English Literature 2    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
My second attempt to tease you with a Quiz about some of the classics of English Literature. I hope this is both fun and testing. Try it and see.
Difficult, 10 Qns, bracklaman, Feb 20 22
Difficult
bracklaman
Feb 20 22
1327 plays
5.
  The Classics of English Literature 1    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
What do you recall about the classics of English Literature I wonder? Try this quiz and see.
Very Difficult, 10 Qns, bracklaman, Feb 20 22
Very Difficult
bracklaman
Feb 20 22
920 plays
6.
  Mixed Classics    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I love to read classic novels. I'll name the title and author of the book, and ask a question about it. SPOILERS
Average, 10 Qns, smartie806, Feb 20 22
Average
smartie806
Feb 20 22
1547 plays
7.
  The Classics of English Literature 3    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
My third attempt to tease you with a Quiz about some of the classics of English Literature. I hope this is both fun and testing. Try it and see.
Difficult, 10 Qns, bracklaman, Feb 20 22
Difficult
bracklaman
Feb 20 22
644 plays
8.
  Classic Authors - Lesser-Known Works    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
In an ongoing mission to convince people that great literature extends far beyond the books forced upon us in high school, this is a quiz concerning some recommended lesser-known works by great authors. Simply pick which work I'm describing and learn!
Difficult, 10 Qns, firemaple783, Feb 20 22
Difficult
firemaple783
Feb 20 22
443 plays
9.
  Random Classics    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
A mix of questions from the works of my favorite authors. There are also a few "who said what" questions.
Difficult, 10 Qns, gablehawkeye, Feb 20 22
Difficult
gablehawkeye
Feb 20 22
996 plays
10.
  Literary Classics Questions    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
These questions are from books that you should know and have heard about, over all it should be easy.
Tough, 10 Qns, Piecrust, Feb 20 22
Tough
Piecrust
Feb 20 22
2464 plays

Literary Classics Trivia Questions

1. What Jules Verne novel is narrated by Professor Pierre Aronnax and involves a ship called the Nautilus?

From Quiz
Classical Classics

Answer: 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

"20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" starts with an expedition to find a mysterious sea monster which has been sighted roaming the ocean. Famed French marine biologist Professor Pierre Arronax is chosen to head an expedition on the "Abraham Lincoln" to find this sea monster. After fighting and losing a battle to the sea monster, they find out it is actually a submarine run by Captain Nemo. The rest of the story takes place on the Nautilus as it travels around the seas.

2. What is the translation for Freidrich Nietzsche's famous character, the Ubermensch?

From Quiz Random Classics

Answer: The Overman/The Superman

This philosophical character was first introduced in "Thus Spoke Zarathustra". The Ultimate Man appears to be the Ubermenchs' opposite while Zarathustra was the lonely hermit who preached the meaning of the Ubermensch.

3. What is the title of Nathaniel Hawthorne's first novel, sometimes called "amateurish," that the author himself attempted to suppress soon after self-financing its publication?

From Quiz Classic Authors - Lesser-Known Works

Answer: Fanshawe

"The Snow-Image" was Hawthorne's continuation of the beloved short story collection, "Twice-Told Tales," while "The Marble Faun" was Hawthorne's last finished novel--notable for being the author's only major work to take place outside New England. "Israel Potter" was Herman Melville's attempt to rejuvinate his career after the crushing disappointment of his controversial novel "Pierre."

4. "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins - The butler of the Verinder family always kept one book on hand and constantly referred to it for advice. What was the book?

From Quiz Mixed Classics

Answer: Robinson Crusoe

"The Moonstone" is a great classic mystery, with many good plot twists.

5. What was the name of the 'Great Enchanter', the symbol of hypocrisy who appeared in Spenser's 'Faerie Queene'?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 3

Answer: Archimago

Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) was one of the first scholars to attend the Merchant Taylors School in London. He became a graduate of Cambridge University (Pembroke College) but had been a published poet since school. He secured the patronage of Sir Philip Sidney, a leading political, literary and social icon of his day. Spenser created a particular verse form subsequently called the 'Spensarian Stanza' within which format he wrote the 'Faerie Queene'. Some academics and critics think his creation was derived from the verse form used by Chaucer in the 'Monk's Tale'.

6. During the latter part of the nineteenth century this writer produced two classic novels of the sinister and supernatural, one called 'Uncle Silas' and the other titled 'In A Glass Darkly'. Can you identify the author?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 2

Answer: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu (1814 -1873) was an Irish writer of short stories and novels concerning the strange and supernatural. His work is an early example of the genre of horror fiction. He was related to both Alice Sheridan Le Fanu (his grandmother) and Richard Brinsley Sheridan (his great-uncle) who were both playwrights.

7. Which writer published the first ever sequel novel to be written in English?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 1

Answer: Walter Scott

Published in 1820 by Sir Walter Scott the novel was 'The Abbot' and it continued the story begun in Scott's earlier novel called 'The Monastery'. Curiously, the sequel was much better received by the public than had been the original novel. Scott has become one of the giants of English Literature. As both writer and poet, he was an accomplished storyteller and one of the greatest historical novelists of al time. Scott wrote twenty-seven historical novels as well as plays and poetry.

8. What is the name of the nurse in Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell To Arms"?

From Quiz The Revamped Classic Book Mash

Answer: Catherine Barkley

The American soldier, Frederic Henry, and the English nurse, Catherine Barkley, liked each other when they first met. After Henry got wounded in battle and was sent to the hospital, they fell in love head over heels. Catherine and Henry spend so much time together that Catherine became pregnant. She died in childbirth.

9. Who wrote the book 'Kon-Tiki'?

From Quiz Literary Classics Questions

Answer: Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl wrote about a 4,300-mile voyage on a raft.

10. What Alexandre Dumas novel of revenge has Edmond Dantes imprisoned in the Chateau d'If for 14 years?

From Quiz Classical Classics

Answer: The Count of Monte Cristo

The story was first published as a serial in the "Journal Des Debats" in 1844 and borrowed from a work by Jacques Peuchet. Edmond Dantes is a rising star of a sailor, with a beautiful fiancée, who, because of this, has others who wish him ill fortune. His friend Fernand would also like the love of his fiancée Mercedes, Danglars is jealous of Edmond rising in seniority on the ship. Edmond is set up by Fernand and Danglars as a Bonapartist, which the prosecutor Vilefort believes is untrue. When Vilefort finds out the real Bonapartist is his father, he ensures that Edmond takes the rap for the false accusations. The rest of the story follows Edmond's imprisonment, escape and revenge on those who did him wrong.

11. What Lovecraftian legend is known to be the first chronological story of the famous Cthulu Mythos?

From Quiz Random Classics

Answer: The Nameless City

"The Call of Cthulu" is arguably the most famous of his stories; however, "The Nameless City" is considered by scholars to be the first tale of Lovecraft's Cthulu Mythos. It is also the introduction of Abdul Alhazred, the infamous author of the legendary Necromonicon.

12. With events including an accidental bombing incident perpetrated by the RAF, George Orwell wrote this comic novel about a man who tires of his life and becomes determined to return to his roots.

From Quiz Classic Authors - Lesser-Known Works

Answer: Coming Up For Air

"The Road to Wigan Pier" and "Down and Out in Paris and London" are both nonfiction works by Orwell noted for their technically uneven writing and passionate sympathy for the working classes. "Butterfield 8" is an often overlooked novel deserving a place among author John O'Hara's best works.

13. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne - Who was Pearl's father?

From Quiz Mixed Classics

Answer: Arthur Dimmesdale

Roger Chillingworth was Hester Prynne's husband, believed to be dead. Governor Bellingham and John Wilson were minor characters.

14. In which of Dickens' novels did 'Miss La Creevy' appear?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 3

Answer: Nicholas Nickleby

It must be impossible to do justice to a quiz on classic English Literature without reference to the great novelist Charles Dickens (1812-1870). Much of Dickens' own life is reflected in his novels. He had a hard childhood and worked as a child labourer in a blacking factory. His father had more optimism than business sense and was eventually imprisoned in Marshalsea prison. Any detailed look at his novels and his own biography provide revealing glimpses of art and reality.

15. Which leading literary critic of his contemporary classic literature was also a well-regarded poet and produced works such as 'Sohrab and Rostum' and 'Tristram and Yseult'?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 2

Answer: Matthew Arnold

Matthew Arnold (1822-88) was the son of Dr Thomas Arnold, famous as the headmaster of Rugby School and as an innovator of ethical education practices. After graduating from Oxford in 1844 he spent several years travelling. His first poem 'Strayed Reveller' surprised family, friends and critics with its evidence of serious learning. He also became a noted publisher of prose. He established a reputation as a leading poet of the day. In the year 1851 he married and became one of 'Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools' a post he held for thirty-five years. In addition, he was Professor of Poetry at Oxford from 1857 to 1867.

16. In which comedy by playwright Ben Jonson is the central character called 'Face'?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 1

Answer: The Alchemist

The playwright and poet Ben Jonson lived during the turbulent and exciting (in terms of English Literature anyway) times of the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean period. He made something of a notorious reputation when in 1599 he was imprisoned along with other actors for his part in a scurrilous play, "Isle of Dogs", and later again for killing an actor in a duel. Most critics agree that his particularly volatile nature was reflected in his poetry and plays, which are a combination of satire and classic references.

17. Who was the youngest of the March sisters in 'Little Women'?

From Quiz Literary Classics Questions

Answer: Amy

18. In the novel "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, what race of beings does Gulliver encounter on his last voyage?

From Quiz Classical Classics

Answer: Houyhnhnms

In his first voyage Gulliver encounters the Liliputians, on his second voyage the Brobdinagians, the Glubbdubribians were met on his third voyage and on his fourth and final voyage he encountered the Houyhnhnms. The Houyhnhnms were intelligent horses and in their country human-like creatures were barbaric and referred to as Yahoos.

19. In Dostoyevsky's "The House of the Dead" how long was Aleksandr Petrovich Goryanchikov's prison sentence?

From Quiz Random Classics

Answer: Ten years

While Dostoyevsky's sentence was four years, his character received a much harsher ten years of hard labor in the Siberian prison camps.

20. In this early sometimes-comic novel about rural Russian life, Fyodor Dostoevsky pokes fun at a narrator he describes as being "not unlike myself."

From Quiz Classic Authors - Lesser-Known Works

Answer: The Village of Stepanchikovo

"The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" is one of Dostoevsky's particularly bleak short stories, "Old Fashioned Farmers" is a short story by Nikolai Gogol, and "Petersburg" is Andrei Bely's surrealist masterpiece about the title city.

21. "Middlemarch" by George Eliot - Who or what is Middlemarch?

From Quiz Mixed Classics

Answer: a place

A very long but very good book, following the lives of people in and around Middlemarch.

22. Who wrote 'The Lays of Ancient Rome' in 1842?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 3

Answer: T. B. Macaulay

Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859) was an accomplished and voluminous author of essays, literary criticisms, histories and political works. He gained an impressive reputation as a classical scholar and debater.

23. In which play does 'Sir Giles Overreach' appear?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 2

Answer: A New Way To Pay Old Debts

Philip Massinger (1583-1640) wrote all of these plays including 'A New Way To Pay Old Debts'. He was one of the many brilliant dramatists and poets who lived in Elizabethan and Jacobean Britain. He left Oxford without taking his degree but was soon commissioned by the theatre manager Henslowe. It was the established playwright Fletcher, however, who became his mentor and collaborator and it is now thought that he was joint author in no less than twenty of the so-called Fletcher plays.

24. In the play 'The Mourning Bride' written by William Congreve the heroine is abandoned on her wedding night. What was her name?

From Quiz The Classics of English Literature 1

Answer: Almeria

William Congreve (1670-1729), although born at Bardsey near Leeds, was mainly educated in school in Ireland and at the University of Dublin where he was a contemporary and friend of Swift. His first play 'The Old Bachelor' (1693) was welcomed by Dryden and others as a work of comedic genius. He was regarded by many as being out of the same literary stable as Sheridan and Wilde which is high praise indeed.

25. What was the name of the man that Tom Joad met in John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath"?

From Quiz The Revamped Classic Book Mash

Answer: Jim Casy

The other three choices are from George Orwell books. Jim Casy was a former preacher who also went with the Joad family on their trek to California. Later in the trip, Tom hit a policeman. Casy took the blame because he felt he had nothing to live for, while Tom had everything to live for.

26. The novel "The Turn of the Screw", by Henry James, involves what type of supernatural creatures?

From Quiz Classical Classics

Answer: Ghosts

The story takes place mainly at a country house named Bly, and the main characters are a governess, a maid named Mrs. Grose and two young children, Miles and Flora. There are two ghosts, one seemingly attached to each child, one the former governess, Miss Jessel, who is attached to Flora and the other a former valet, Mr. Quint, who is attached to Miles.

27. What peasant in Gogol's "Dead Souls" was said to resemble a bear?

From Quiz Random Classics

Answer: Sobakevich

Indeed it is said that he was a veritable bear. The rest of his name, Mikhailo Semyonich, actually contains the Russian name for bear ie: mikhail/mikhailo.

28. This is Vladimir Nabokov's story of a Russian professor who becomes entangled in a web of academic conspiracies that play out at a climactic faculty party.

From Quiz Classic Authors - Lesser-Known Works

Answer: Pnin

"Papillon" is the story of author Henri Charriere's daring escape from imprisonment in French Guiana, "Sanctuary" is William Faulkner's brutal novel about a group of people who come together and do horrible things in Tennessee, while "Another Country" is a fiery work by James Baldwin dealing with racism and sexual boundaries.

29. "Sherlock Holmes" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - What is the name of Sherlock's brother?

From Quiz Mixed Classics

Answer: Mycroft

All of the Sherlock Holmes stories are very interesting and fun to read. Sherlock lived on Baker Street with his friend Watson.

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