English Words: Shakespeare

What does Macbeth mean by 'sound and fury' ?
1. Angry people
2. Angry words and threats which have no significance
3. Angry words and threats which will lead to serious problems
4. A loud concert
In modern English the phrase 'a brave new world' (The Tempest) usually refers to:
1. technological change
2. more courageous politicians
3. other planets
4. Fascist/Communist governments
What is a 'laughing stock'? (Mary Wives of Windsor)
1. a nice sauce
2. something that makes you laugh
3. something that makes other people laugh at something/somebody
4. a very funny joke
'A foregone conclusion' (Othello) means
1. the result not known yet but can be predicted with certainty
2. the result not known yet and cannot be predicted with certainty
3. the end is coming
4. the end has happened
Where does 'All corners of the world' refer to? (Cymbeline)
1. all big cities
2. all street corners
3. all houses
4. all over the world
Cleopatra talks of her 'salad days'. Is she referrring to
1. Her time as a vegetarian
2. Her younger, more innocent self
3. Her love for nature
4. Summers when she was a young girl
'Neither a lender or a borrower be' (Hamlet) means
1. Don't get borrow or lend too much
2. Don't borrow or lend at all
3. Always give money rather than lend it
4. Always save money rather than spend it
Which of these does not mean 'a sorry sight'? (Macbeth) in modern English?
1. In poor condition/untidy
2. Something you are sorry about seeing
3. pathetic
4. object of pity