Question

Who was described as "an upstart crow beautified with our feathers"?

• A. Chaucer
• B. Shakespeare
• C. Churchill
• D. Russell

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Shakespeare

• Person described: William Shakespeare

• Description: "an upstart crow beautified with our feathers"

• Author of the description: Robert Greene

• Source: Greene's pamphlet "Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit" (1592)

• Explanation: Robert Greene, a rival playwright and poet, criticized Shakespeare for allegedly borrowing ideas and phrases from other writers (Greene and his contemporaries) without proper credit. The phrase "beautified with our feathers" suggests that Shakespeare adorned himself with the literary accomplishments of others, much like a crow might decorate itself with brightly colored feathers.