It Puzzles the Will, part 2 — Answers

Written by

Quizologist

Pursuit of the Trivial

Here are the answers to today’s questions.

William Shakespeare.
Image Wikimedia Commons

These questions build on yesterday’s theme and are all connected to Shakespeare.

One

Which Shakespeare play is named after a medieval royal who, in 1050, made a pilgrimage to Rome?

Answer: Macbeth.

Macbeth, King of Scotland from 1040 to 1057, succeeded Duncan I after killing him in battle. His reign was mostly peaceful, but he was killed in 1057 by forces loyal to Malcolm III. Shakespeare’s character Macbeth, is an inaccurate fictionalised account of the historical Macbeth.

Two

Which final novel by John Steinbeck derives its title from a quote in Shakespeare’s Richard III?

Answer: The Winter of Our Discontent.

John Steinbeck’s final novel The Winter of Our Discontent, published in 1961, draws its title from the opening lines

Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York.
— Richard III by William Shakespeare

Three

The Tragedy of … is a Shakespeare play which is set during the Trojan War. Complete the title?

Answer: Troilus and Cressida.

The Tragedy of Troilus and Cressida, often known simply as Troilus and Cressida, a play by William Shakespeare, is set during the Trojan War and explores the love affair between Troilus and Cressida amidst the backdrop of the war. The play’s tone shifts between comedy and tragedy, making it a subject of critical debate.

Four

Which 1948 Shakespeare adaptation became the first British film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture?

Answer: Hamlet.

Laurence Olivier’s 1948 film adaptation of Hamlet, which he adapted, directed, and starred in, won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Actor. Despite its accolades, the film was controversial among Shakespearean purists due to Olivier’s significant alterations to the original play.

Five

An album by Mumford and Sons is named after a song in Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing. Which album?

Answer: Sigh No More.

Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons’ debut album, was released in 2009 and achieved significant success, peaking at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and Billboard 200. It received critical acclaim, including a Mercury Prize nomination and a BRIT Award for Best British Album. Its name comes from the song Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more, which itself is from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Title info (if any)