Question 1: Who wrote the play "Waiting for Godot"?
Question 2: Which city is famed for its expansive canal system and is often referred to as "The Venice of the North"?
Amsterdam is often referred to as "The Venice of the North" due to its extensive network of canals. There are around 165 canals in the city, totaling over 100 kilometers in length.
Question 3: Who painted the Mona Lisa?
Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, one of the most famous and recognized portraits in the world, in the early 16th century. The art piece is exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Question 4: What was the codename for the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II?
Operation Overlord was the codename given to the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day. It remains the largest seaborne invasion in history.
Question 5: Where was the first World Cup soccer tournament held?
The first World Cup tournament was held in Uruguay, in 1930. In this memorable tournament, Uruguay also won the first FIFA World Cup.
Question 6: The Beatles originally hailed from which city in the UK?
The Beatles, who are widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of popular music, were originally from Liverpool. Their association with the city helped to put Liverpool on the map as a significant center of rock and roll during the 1960s.
Question 7: Which plant family does the tomato belong to?
The tomato is a member of the nightshade family, a diverse plant group also including the potato, pepper, and eggplant. This family is known for its vegetables, herbs, flowers, trees, and also some poisonous species.
Question 8: Why is the play 'Macbeth' considered unlucky in the theater world?
This superstition around the play 'Macbeth' is so strong in the theater world that it is often referred to as 'The Scottish Play' to avoid saying the title. Various accidents, illnesses, and even deaths are said to have plagued productions of the play over the centuries.
Question 9: How many labors did Heracles (Hercules in Roman mythology) have to perform as penance?
In Greek mythology, Heracles was punished for murdering his wife and children in a fit of insanity. As penance, he was ordered to serve King Eurystheus for twelve years and perform twelve difficult feats, known as the Twelve Labors of Hercules.
Question 10: Why is fasting considered important during Ramadan in Islam culture?
Fasting during Ramadan in Islam is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It’s a time of worship and contemplation. Fast is broken each day with a meal called Iftar and begins again with pre-dawn meal Suhur.
Samuel Beckett, an Irish playwright, is the author of "Waiting for Godot". The play is widely considered to be one of the most significant works of existentialist literature and was first performed in 1953.