From classic novels to modern bestsellers, literature trivia is a fun way to explore the world of books. Here’s what you’ll find in this article:
- Main Trivia Topics: Questions on classic authors, famous quotes, genres, and more.
- Tips for Hosting Trivia Nights: Event formats, question ideas, and setup essentials.
- Iconic Questions Answered: Who wrote Moby-Dick? What’s the first line of Pride and Prejudice? Where’s the green light in The Great Gatsby?
Whether you're a casual reader or a bookworm, you'll discover tips, resources, and trivia questions to challenge yourself or plan a perfect book-themed trivia night. Let’s dive in!
Famous Novels Trivia - 21 Questions about Classic Literature
Main Literature Trivia Topics
Literature trivia covers a wide range of categories, offering challenges for casual readers and dedicated book enthusiasts alike. These topics highlight the depth and variety of literary works across time, making them perfect for engaging trivia nights.
Classic Authors and Their Works
Questions about classic authors often center on literary giants like Shakespeare, Fitzgerald, and Christie . Trivia might delve into their best-known works, unique writing styles, or the historical periods that shaped their stories.
Character-Based Questions
This category focuses on memorable protagonists, villains, and side characters. For example, participants might be asked about the Artful Dodger from Charles Dickens' novels or the intricate personalities found in Shakespeare's plays .
Famous Quotes and Opening Lines
Recognizing famous lines and opening passages is a staple of literature trivia. Whether it's a Shakespearean soliloquy or the first sentence of a modern bestseller, these questions test a player’s familiarity with iconic literary moments.
Genre-Specific Knowledge
Each genre has its own trivia-worthy elements, from the detectives of mystery novels to the magical settings of fantasy. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Genre | Common Trivia Focus |
|---|---|
| Mystery | Famous detectives, plot twists, classic cases |
| Fantasy | Magical realms, mythical creatures, epic series |
| Classical Literature | Ancient texts, epic poems, literary movements |
| Contemporary Fiction | Bestsellers, award-winning authors, modern trends |
Best-Selling Books and Cultural Impact
Trivia in this area often highlights literary milestones. For instance, "Don Quixote" is recognized as the best-selling novel of all time . Similarly, Oprah Winfrey's Book Club, which has recommended 70 books and driven over 55 million in sales, is a popular topic .
Modern Literature and Pop Culture
Contemporary works, like the Harry Potter series, are frequently featured in trivia . These questions not only appeal to younger audiences but also explore how modern books have influenced culture and entertainment.
How to Run a Book Trivia Night
Plan a successful book trivia night by organizing it into a 90-minute event with four distinct rounds, each focusing on different aspects of literature.
Event Structure and Format
Using The Mystery League's proven format , you can structure the event like this:
| Round Type | Duration | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Literature | 25 min | Questions about authors, plots, and characters | Standard scoring |
| Picture Round | 20 min | Identify book covers or author photos | Double points |
| Mystery Round | 25 min | Themed questions with a unique twist | Triple points |
| Modern Literature | 20 min | Questions about contemporary works | Standard scoring |
Crafting Interesting Questions
"Creating engaging questions that challenge without boring is key."
To keep participants interested, mix up question types and difficulty levels. You can use professional services like Cheap Trivia, which offers themed packs of 40+ questions for $14.99. These pre-made packs are divided into rounds, making it easier to plan.
Essential Setup Elements
- Venue: Choose a venue with good lighting and enough seating, like a local bookstore or cafe.
- Rules: Set clear rules. A strict no-phone policy is a must. As one trivia host advises, “Good trivia hosts tell guests to turn off their phones.”
- Prizes: Offering prizes can make the event more engaging. For example, Twin Peaks Trivia Night rewards winners with a lifetime membership to a video rental store .
Professional Support Options
If you’re hosting trivia nights regularly, consider professional tools to maintain quality. Cheap Trivia offers a monthly subscription ($59.99/month) that includes weekly updates in both PDF and PowerPoint formats. These resources can save time and make your events feel polished.
1. Who wrote 'Moby-Dick'?
Herman Melville wrote Moby-Dick over a period of 18 months, starting in February 1850 . The novel is often regarded as one of America's greatest literary works, with its historical depth and rich narrative influenced by Melville's own experiences.
Melville drew inspiration from his time at sea (1841–1844) and two notable real-life events: the story of Mocha Dick, a legendary albino sperm whale, and the 1820 shipwreck of the Essex .
"One of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world" and "the greatest book of the sea ever written" - D. H. Lawrence
When it was first published, Moby-Dick sold fewer than 4,000 copies . It wasn’t until the 1920s that the novel gained widespread recognition, partly thanks to Melville’s revisions, which were influenced by his friendship with Nathaniel Hawthorne .
| Publication Details | First Edition |
|---|---|
| London Title | The Whale (October 1851) |
| New York Title | Moby-Dick; or, The Whale (November 1851) |
| Initial UK Sales | Fewer than 600 copies |
| Total Lifetime Sales | Fewer than 4,000 copies |
2. Which dystopian novel features the phrase "Big Brother is watching you"?
The phrase "Big Brother is watching you" originates from George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984), a dystopian novel that portrays a totalitarian regime built on constant surveillance and control. In the book, "Big Brother" symbolizes the Party's ever-present monitoring and its grip on society, crushing any form of dissent.
"What dystopian novel by George Orwell told of life in a future totalitarian state dominated by 'Big Brother'?" - Thought Catalog
Today, "Big Brother" is widely used as a metaphor for invasive surveillance and authoritarian oversight.
3. In which novel does the character Sydney Carton make a heroic sacrifice?
In A Tale of Two Cities (1859), Charles Dickens tells the story of Sydney Carton, a disillusioned lawyer who makes the ultimate sacrifice during the French Revolution. Carton takes the place of Charles Darnay at the guillotine, securing the happiness of Lucie Manette and her family.
"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."
These famous words highlight Carton's redemption and the depth of his sacrifice. Set against the chaos of the Reign of Terror, his act challenges the oppressive forces that threaten his loved ones.
4. Who is the author of 'The Alchemist'?
The Alchemist was written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, a writer celebrated worldwide for his work .
Coelho famously completed The Alchemist in just two weeks, explaining that "the book was already written in my soul" . This novel holds the Guinness World Record for being the most translated book by a living author, with translations in over 80 languages . It has also sold more than 65 million copies globally .
Before becoming an author, Coelho left a successful songwriting career to focus entirely on writing . His personal journey aligns with one of the book's most well-known lines:
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
These accomplishments make The Alchemist a standout in literary history and a popular pick for trivia enthusiasts.
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5. What is the first line of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice'?
The famous opening line of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
Written in the early 19th century, this line cleverly critiques societal norms around marriage and wealth during Austen's time. Its sharp wit and timeless relevance have made it one of the most quoted openings in literature.
This iconic sentence has also inspired numerous parodies, including Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Terry Pratchett's humorous take in Snuff .
6. Which Shakespeare play includes the line, 'To be, or not to be'?
The famous line "To be, or not to be" is from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, found in Act 3, Scene 1. Spoken by Prince Hamlet, this soliloquy is one of the most well-known passages in English literature. It captures Hamlet's deep internal struggle and philosophical reflections.
The soliloquy begins:
"To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?"
Here, Hamlet weighs the pain of enduring life's difficulties against the uncertainty of death. His thoughts on the unknown after death are further expressed in the line:
"The undiscover'd country from whose bourn / No traveller returns"
This soliloquy is often seen as Hamlet's contemplation of suicide, as well as his hesitation to take revenge for his father's murder. It highlights his existential crisis and the complexity of his character.
7. What is the name of the wizarding school in the 'Harry Potter' series?
The wizarding school in the Harry Potter series is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Hogwarts serves as the central setting for much of the series .
Hogwarts, established in the 10th century by four famous wizards, is known for providing an exceptional magical education . Here are some notable aspects of the school:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location Protection | Muggles are unable to see the castle due to powerful enchantments . |
| Architecture | Features 142 moving staircases . |
| Anti-Teleportation | Apparition (magical teleportation) is restricted within the grounds . |
| House System | Divided into four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin . |
The school's motto, Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus, means "Never tickle a sleeping dragon" . This phrase perfectly captures the mix of caution and whimsy that defines Hogwarts.
8. Who wrote the epic poem 'Paradise Lost'?
Paradise Lost was written by John Milton (1608-1674), who dictated the poem after losing his eyesight in 1652. This remarkable context adds depth to its complex publication journey.
Initially published in 1667 as a 10-book work, it was later revised into a 12-book edition in 1674. Spanning over 10,000 lines, Milton composed the poem between 1658 and 1663 .
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Publication | 1667 (10 books) |
| Final Edition | 1674 (12 books) |
| Composition Period | 1658-1663 |
| Writing Method | Dictation (due to blindness) |
| Theme | Satan's rebellion and the fall of humanity |
Samuel Johnson captured the essence of Milton's literary genius with these words:
"Milton seems to have been well acquainted with his own genius, and to know what it was that Nature had bestowed upon him more bountifully than upon others: the power of displaying the vast, illuminating the splendid, enforcing the awful, darkening the gloomy, and aggravating the dreadful"
Written during the politically charged years following the English Civil War, the poem explores themes like disobedience, rebellion, free will, and predestination . William Blake offered a striking perspective on Milton's work:
"The reason Milton wrote in fetters when he wrote of Angels & God, and at liberty when of Devils & Hell, is because he was a true Poet and of the Devil's party without knowing it"
9. In 'The Great Gatsby,' what is the color of the light at the end of Daisy's dock?
The light at the end of Daisy's dock is green. While it may seem simple, it carries deep symbolism throughout the novel.
F. Scott Fitzgerald describes the green electric light at the end of Daisy and Tom Buchanan's dock . Its meaning shifts over the course of the story, starting as a symbol of hope for Jay Gatsby and eventually representing the universal struggle for unattainable dreams.
| Symbolic Meaning | Representation |
|---|---|
| Personal Level | Gatsby's longing for Daisy |
| Material Level | Wealth and success |
| Universal Level | The elusive American Dream |
Two key quotes from the novel highlight the light’s significance. Nick Carraway, the narrator, observes:
"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther"
"Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the moon. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one"
The green light embodies complex emotions and themes, from hope and ambition to disillusionment. Fitzgerald uses it to explore the duality of the American Dream - its promise and its corruption .
10. Which novel features the character Atticus Finch as a central figure?
Atticus Finch is the heart of Harper Lee's 1960 novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. This Pulitzer Prize-winning book has sold over 40 million copies globally and has been translated into more than 40 languages .
| Key Aspects of Atticus Finch | Details |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Lawyer in the small town of Maycomb |
| Famous Case | Defends Tom Robinson, an innocent Black man |
| Core Traits | Upholds justice, equality, and moral integrity |
| Real-Life Influence | Inspired by Harper Lee's father, Amasa Coleman Lee |
Atticus stands as a literary icon of fairness and morality. Scholar Joseph Crespino highlights:
"In the twentieth century, To Kill a Mockingbird is probably the most widely read book dealing with race in America, and its main character, Atticus Finch, the most enduring fictional image of racial heroism."
The novel also delivers timeless lessons, like this one from Atticus:
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus in the 1962 film adaptation brought the character to life, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor . Miss Maudie's words perfectly capture Atticus's consistency and principles:
"Atticus Finch is the same in his house as he is on the public streets."
Where to Find Literature Trivia
Looking for literature trivia? There are plenty of platforms offering both free and paid options, whether you're playing for fun or organizing an event. Here's a breakdown of some top picks.
FunTrivia is a go-to choice with a massive library of 11,140 quizzes and 155,960 questions . This community-driven platform has been around since 1995 and features multiple-choice and matching exercises.
Professional Trivia Providers
If you're after premium trivia services, these platforms deliver:
| Platform | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap Trivia | Weekly questions, PDF & PowerPoint formats, themed literature packs | $59.99/month subscription, $14.99 per pack |
| Water Cooler Trivia | Difficulty-ranked questions, weekly delivery, custom content | Four-week free trial |
| TriviaPacks.com | Customizable formats, multiple rounds | $31.99 (5 rounds), $51.99 (10 rounds) |
Educational and Free Resources
For classroom or casual use, Quizizz is a powerful tool with over 30 million activities . It lets users create custom quizzes with formats like multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank.
Another great option is Sporcle, which offers 57,189 literature quizzes that have been played more than 211 million times . Their content is neatly categorized into themes like "Shakespeare", "Harry Potter", and "Young Adult."
Finally, check out Britannica for specialized quizzes and TriviaPlaza for a mix of general and literature-focused questions .
Wrap-Up
Literature trivia offers a fun way to sharpen your mind while delivering the satisfaction of getting answers right . Recent updates have made trivia even more engaging. For instance, in January 2024, Water Cooler Trivia boosted its collection of literature trivia questions to 201, organized by difficulty - from easiest to hardest . As Eli Robinson, Chief Trivia Officer at Water Cooler Trivia, puts it:
"The best literature trivia questions bring together quotes, authors, books, and characters in a way that's both entertaining and educational."
Events like the Center for Fiction's Literary Trivia Nights create a lively setting where participants can test their knowledge and enjoy the social perks of trivia, which can help reduce stress .
To get the most out of literature trivia, start with simpler questions to build your confidence, then tackle harder ones as you go. Beyond testing your knowledge, these activities bring book lovers together, offering an exciting way to delve into and celebrate the world of literature.