Shakespeare In Love Act I

Question 1

VIOLA: …But how can one care for Silvia while she is - by the order of the Lord Chamberlain - played by a pipsqueak boy in petticoats!

Answer 1

I liked the dog.

Question 2

VIOLA: Stage love will never be real love until we women can be onstage ourselves. Yet when can we see another?

Answer 2

When the queen commands it.

Question 3

VIOLA: But at the playhouse.

Answer 3

Playhouses are not for well-born ladies.

Question 4

VIOLA: I am not so well-born.

Answer 4

Well-monied is the same as well born these days and well-married better than both. Lord Wessex was looking at you tonight.

Question 5

VIOLA: All the men at court are without poetry. If they look at me they see my father’s fortune. I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all.

Answer 5

Like Valentine and Silvia?

Question 6

VIOLA: No - not the artful postures of love, but the love that overthrows life. Unbiddable, ungovernable, like a riot in the heart, and nothing to be done, come ruin or rapture. Love like there has never been in a ply. I will have love or I will end my days -

Answer 6

As a Nurse?

Question 7

WILL: My Romeo. Hands off.

Answer 7

My Lady. Where have you been?

Question 8

VIOLA: I have been to audition for the theatre.

Answer 8

I’ll be in my grave if they find out. Quick indoors, you must get ready for the ball. The guests are already arriving. Special guests, too, as you well should know. Your father is waiting to introduce you to Lord Wessex. You’ll drive me to madness.

Question 9

WILL: But I have a letter. For Thomas Kent.

Answer 9

Who asks for Thomas Kent?

Question 10

WILL: Will Shakespeare - actor, poet, and playwright of the Rose. Master Kent auditioned for me this afternoon.

Answer 10

Master Kent?

Question 11

WILL: You know him?

Answer 11

Yes. He is my… nephew.

Question 12

WILL: I have a letter. To offer him the lead part in my play.

Answer 12

I will see that he gets it, sirs. Catling, let them through.

Question 13

WILL: By all the stars in heaven, who is she?

Answer 13

That’s my lady - Viola de Lesseps

Question 14

WESSEX: I am perfectly happy, now.

Answer 14

Look, My Lady, a letter to Thomas Kent.

Question 15

VIOLA: Who from?

Answer 15

From the playwright, William Shakespeare. He was desperate to speak to “Master Kent.”

Question 16

VIOLA: And I would have you play Romeo Montague - a young gentleman of Verona.”

Answer 16

Verona again?

Question 17

VIOLA: Is Master Shakespeare not handsome?

Answer 17

He looks well enough for a mountebank.

Question 18

VIOLA: Oh, Nurse! He would give Thomas Kent the life of Viola de Lesseps’ dreaming.

Answer 18

My Lady, this play will end badly.

Question 19

VIOLA: ‘Tis a comedy. It ends with a pirate jig. As you love me and as I love you, you will bind my breast and buy me a boy’s wig. Rehearsals begin tomorrow.

Answer 19

Your father–

Question 20

WILL: I don’t dare! The nurse is there.

Answer 20

My Lady. You’ll catch your death out here.

Question 21

VIOLA: Leave me Nursey.

Answer 21

Believe me, this will end in tears.

Question 22

VIOLA: Who is there?
WILL: Will Shakespeare.

Answer 22

Madam!

Question 23

VIOLA: ALas indeed, for I thought you the highest poet of my esteem and a writer of the most brilliant comedies that capture my heart.
WILL: Oh - I am him too.

Answer 23

Lady Viola!

Question 24

VIOLA: Not another word. It’s perfect.

Answer 24

Madam.

Question 25

MARLOWE: Very good.
WILL: Thank you.

Answer 25

Lady Viola!

Question 26

VIOLA: Oh, go away!

Answer 26

Your father comes.

Question 27

MARLOWE: Jump!
SHAKESPEARE: Hang on, I’m just getting the hang of this.

Answer 27

Screams

Question 28

VIOLA: Oh, I am made immortal!

Answer 28

My Lady. My Lady. My Lady. Where have you been? Lord Wessex is waiting for you. He’s waiting downstairs. Quickly, you must change.

Question 29

VIOLA: How long has he been here?

Answer 29

All morning.

Question 30

VIOLA: What did you tell him?

Answer 30

I told him you were at prayer, My Lady.

Question 31

VIOLA: For four hours.

Answer 31

I said you were pious, My Lady.

Question 32

VIOLA: Why is he here today?

Answer 32

You know perfectly well, My Lady.

Question 33

WESSEX: Nurse. Nurse! Where is the future Lady Wessex?

Answer 33

You must have patience, sir. My Lady is still in the act of contemplation.

Question 34

WESSEX: Lengthy orisons for one so young.

Answer 34

She always was a pious little girl, My Lord. My mistress is the sweetest lady, My Lord, and still as pious. Lord, Lord, even when she was a rating child, sir, she would spend hours on her knees. I used to wear she’d wear them out!

Question 35

WESSEX: Oh, for heaven’s sake, where the devil is she?!

Answer 35

My Lady, My Lady, Lord Wessex is here…