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Classic Literature Trivia Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

Think you can ace this classic book trivia? Start the quiz!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art open book with floating pages quill pen and stacked books on blue background for classic literature trivia quiz

Use this classic literature trivia quiz to practice key plots, quotes, and authors across Austen, Dickens, Hemingway, and more. You'll have fun, spot gaps fast, and learn a new tidbit with each question - perfect for a quick study break or warm‑up before book club.

Who wrote the novel "Pride and Prejudice"?
Mary Shelley
Jane Austen
Emily Dickinson
Charlotte Bront
Jane Austen is the author of "Pride and Prejudice," first published in 1813. The novel explores themes of love, social standing, and personal growth through the Bennet family. It remains one of the most widely read works of English literature.
In George Orwell's "1984", what is the name given to the leader of the totalitarian regime?
The Overseer
Comrade Supreme
Big Brother
Grand Leader
In "1984," Big Brother is the figurehead and omnipresent leader of the Party, symbolizing oppressive surveillance and control. Although he may not exist as a person, his image is used to maintain loyalty and fear. The slogan Big Brother is watching you underscores the novels themes of government overreach.
The character Atticus Finch appears in which novel?
Of Mice and Men
Gone with the Wind
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Grapes of Wrath
Atticus Finch is a central character in Harper Lees "To Kill a Mockingbird," published in 1960. He is a lawyer and the moral backbone of the novel, defending a black man accused of rape in the Deep South. His character stands for justice and empathy in the face of prejudice.
In "Moby-Dick," Captain Ahab is obsessed with hunting what?
The white whale
A giant squid
A school of sharks
A sea serpent
Captain Ahabs monomaniacal quest in Herman Melvilles "Moby-Dick" is to kill the white whale, Moby Dick, which previously maimed him. The whale symbolizes natures power and inscrutability. Ahabs obsession drives the narrative toward tragedy.
Who is the author of "Jane Eyre"?
George Eliot
Charlotte Bront
Anne Bront
Emily Bront
Charlotte Bront published "Jane Eyre" in 1847 under the pen name Currer Bell. The novel is celebrated for its strong-willed heroine, themes of morality, and Gothic elements. It has remained a staple of English literature.
Which novel begins with the line "Call me Ishmael"?
Heart of Darkness
Moby-Dick
The Old Man and the Sea
Billy Budd
Herman Melvilles "Moby-Dick" opens with the famous line "Call me Ishmael," establishing the narrators identity. This introduction sets a conversational tone that contrasts with the novels epic scope. It has become one of the most recognizable opening lines in literature.
In "Wuthering Heights," what is the surname of the family that lives at Thrushcross Grange?
Earnshaw
Heathcliff
Earnshaw
Linton
Thrushcross Grange is home to the Linton family in Emily Bronts "Wuthering Heights." The Lintons are refined and contrasting neighbors to the Earnshaws of Wuthering Heights. Catherine Linton (ne Earnshaw) bridges both families.
Which Shakespeare play features the soliloquy beginning "To be, or not to be"?
Macbeth
King Lear
Hamlet
Othello
The famous soliloquy "To be, or not to be" appears in Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeares "Hamlet." In this speech, Prince Hamlet reflects on mortality and the burdens of life. It is one of the most analyzed passages in English literature.
In Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations", who is revealed to be Pip's secret benefactor?
Mr. Pumblechook
Miss Havisham
Jaggers
Magwitch
In "Great Expectations," the convict Abel Magwitch turns out to be Pips secret benefactor, financing his education and social advancement out of gratitude. This revelation subverts Pips expectations and social ambitions. Dickens uses it to critique class and gratitude.
Which novel begins with the line "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times"?
Oliver Twist
A Tale of Two Cities
David Copperfield
Bleak House
Charles Dickenss "A Tale of Two Cities," published in 1859, opens with the memorable paradox It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, reflecting the dualities of the French Revolution era. The novel contrasts London and Paris during upheaval.
Who serves as the primary narrator of "Wuthering Heights"?
Nelly Dean
Lockwood
Catherine Earnshaw
Heathcliff
Although Mr. Lockwood records much of the story, Ellen "Nelly" Dean is the primary narrator in Emily Bronts "Wuthering Heights." She recounts events from her firsthand experience as housekeeper. Her perspective shapes the novels emotional depth.
What is the name of the protagonist in Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"?
Ivan Karamazov
Rodion Raskolnikov
Dmitri Razumikhin
Alexei Sokolov
Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov is the conflicted former student who murders a pawnbroker in Dostoevskys "Crime and Punishment." The novel explores his psychological turmoil and moral awakening. It is a foundational work in psychological fiction.
Which Russian author wrote "War and Peace"?
Ivan Turgenev
Leo Tolstoy
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Nikolai Gogol
Leo Tolstoy published "War and Peace" between 1865 and 1869. The novel is celebrated for its psychological depth and panoramic depiction of Russian society during the Napoleonic Wars. It remains a landmark work in world literature.
Who authored the epic poem "Paradise Lost"?
William Blake
John Milton
Edmund Spenser
Geoffrey Chaucer
John Milton wrote "Paradise Lost," first published in 1667. The epic poem narrates the fall of Satan and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden. It is a pinnacle of English Renaissance literature.
Who is the elder Dashwood sister and protagonist of Austens "Sense and Sensibility"?
Fanny Dashwood
Elinor Dashwood
Marianne Dashwood
Lucy Steele
Elinor Dashwood is the sensible and reserved elder sister in Jane Austens "Sense and Sensibility." Her level-headed nature contrasts with Mariannes romantic impulsiveness. The novel examines emotional restraint versus expression.
In Bram Stoker's "Dracula", who leads the group determined to destroy the Count?
Renfield
Dr. Van Helsing
Quincey Morris
Jonathan Harker
Dr. Abraham Van Helsing is the Dutch professor and vampire hunter who spearheads the quest to defeat Count Dracula. He brings scientific and occult expertise to the effort. His leadership is crucial to the novels resolution.
On what date is James Joyce's "Ulysses" set?
May 4, 1922
July 4, 1776
January 1, 1900
June 16, 1904
"Ulysses" takes place on June 16, 1904, a date now celebrated as Bloomsday. Joyce chose this date for its personal significanceit was the day he first went out with his future wife, Nora Barnacle. The novel parallels Homers epic over a single day in Dublin.
What is the name of the whaling ship in Herman Melvilles "Moby-Dick"?
Hispaniola
Beagle
Nautilus
Pequod
The Pequod is the whaling ship commanded by Captain Ahab in "Moby-Dick." Named after the Pequot tribe, she becomes the site of Ahabs vengeful hunt for the white whale. The ships diverse crew symbolizes a microcosm of humanity.
In Thomas Hardys "Tess of the d'Urbervilles", what is Tesss maiden surname?
Durbeyfield
Tulliver
Talbothays
Clare
Tess Durbeyfield is the heroine of Hardys novel. After her family discovers a supposed aristocratic connection, Tess visits the dUrberville estate, leading to tragic consequences. Hardys work critiques class and morality in Victorian England.
Which Thomas Hardy novel features the shepherd Gabriel Oak as a central character?
The Mayor of Casterbridge
Far from the Madding Crowd
Jude the Obscure
The Return of the Native
Gabriel Oak is the steadfast shepherd and suitor in Hardys "Far from the Madding Crowd," first published in 1874. His loyalty and moral integrity contrast with other characters impulsiveness. The novel explores rural life and romantic entanglements.
In Leo Tolstoys "Anna Karenina", what is Annas husband Alexei Karenins profession?
Merchant
Military officer
Government official
Academic professor
Alexei Karenin is a high-ranking government minister in "Anna Karenina." His cold bureaucracy and social status create tension with Annas passionate affair. Tolstoy uses his character to examine institutional rigidity and personal crisis.
Which character in "Wuthering Heights" is Heathcliffs primary love interest?
Ellen Dean
Isabella Linton
Hareton Earnshaw
Catherine Earnshaw
Heathcliffs obsessive love is directed toward Catherine Earnshaw in Emily Bronts novel. Their tumultuous relationship drives much of the plot and themes of revenge and social constraint. Catherines choice to marry Edgar Linton intensifies Heathcliffs vengeance.
What is the subtitle of Mary Shelleys "Frankenstein"?
A Gothic Tale
A Warning to Mankind
The Modern Prometheus
Creation of Monsters
"Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus" was first published in 1818. The subtitle references the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, paralleling Victor Frankensteins quest to animate life. Shelleys work raises questions about scientific hubris.
In what year was "Pride and Prejudice" first published?
1820
1798
1801
1813
"Pride and Prejudice" was published in 1813 by Thomas Egerton. The novel was originally titled "First Impressions" before Austens revision. It quickly became popular and has never gone out of print.
In James Joyce's "Finnegans Wake", which river is central to the novels geography?
River Liffey
River Thames
River Shannon
River Boyne
James Joyces "Finnegans Wake" revolves around the River Liffey, which flows through Dublin and symbolizes the cyclical and fluid nature of history. The rivers flow mirrors the novels dreamlike narrative structure. Joyces inventive language often plays on the rivers name.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Authors and Works -

    Identify major writers and novels featured in the classic literature trivia quiz, from Dickens to Austen.

  2. Analyze Literary Themes -

    Interpret key themes and motifs in timeless tales as highlighted by our classical literature quiz questions.

  3. Differentiate Literary Periods -

    Distinguish between Romantic, Victorian, and Modernist works when tackling classic book trivia questions.

  4. Evaluate Your Literary Expertise -

    Assess your knowledge level through engaging challenge questions and track improvement across literary trivia rounds.

  5. Apply Critical Thinking Skills -

    Use analytical strategies to answer nuanced questions in the classical literature trivia format.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Chronological Anchors -

    Mastering publication dates anchors your classic literature trivia in the right era. For example, university syllabi from Oxford University Press place Milton's "Paradise Lost" (1667) before Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" (1813), bridging Neoclassical and Romantic periods. A simple decade chart can turn this into a quick visual reference.

  2. Author-Work Mnemonics -

    Link authors to hallmark novels using playful memory tricks. The acronym "GAP" reminds you that Gatsby (The Great Gatsby), Animal Farm (Orwell) and Pride and Prejudice (Austen) are cornerstones of classic book trivia, as taught in Cambridge literature modules. This mnemonic turns author-work matching into a winning recall tool.

  3. Iconic First Lines -

    First lines often act as signature keys in classical literature trivia games. Memorize "Call me Ishmael." for Moby-Dick or Dickens's opening "It was the best of times..." - a focus in many MLA-endorsed courses - to instantly identify novels. Use the rhyme "Ishmael's call is hard to stall" to lock it in your memory.

  4. Literary Devices & Definitions -

    Being able to define and spot devices like allegory, stream of consciousness and unreliable narrators gives you an edge in any classical literature quiz. For instance, Animal Farm's allegory mirrors the Russian Revolution, a staple example in Harvard's literature department. Flashcard apps with device-definitions from the Modern Language Association can streamline your review.

  5. Movement Features -

    Identifying hallmark features of Romanticism, Victorian realism and Modernism sharpens your responses on a classical literature quiz. Romanticism's emphasis on emotion and nature contrasts Victorian social critique in novels like Dickens's David Copperfield and the fragmented narratives of Modernism found in Woolf's works. Draft a simple table - dates, themes, authors - to compare movements at a glance.

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