Which writer had a personal coat of arms bearing the motto Non sans droict, meaning Not without right?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: William Shakespeare

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question blends literature with heraldry by asking about a motto on a writer's coat of arms. The phrase Non sans droict, translated as Not without right, is historically linked to one of the most famous English writers. General awareness of literary history includes not only works and genres but sometimes personal symbols and honours associated with major authors.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The motto is Non sans droict.
  • The approximate translation is Not without right.
  • The question asks which writer had this motto on a coat of arms.
  • Four well known writers from different periods and countries are listed as options.


Concept / Approach:
Historical records from the College of Arms in England indicate that a coat of arms bearing the motto Non sans droict was granted in connection with the Shakespeare family. This motto has therefore become associated with William Shakespeare. Other authors listed in the options belong to different centuries and national traditions and did not use this particular heraldic phrase. Recognising this link is mainly a matter of factual recall.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the French wording of the motto and its translation. Step 2: Recall that William Shakespeare, the English playwright and poet, is often mentioned in discussions of this motto and the grant of arms to his family. Step 3: Look through the options and identify William Shakespeare among them. Step 4: Choose William Shakespeare as the correct answer and eliminate Dickens, Tolstoy, and Twain, who are not associated with this coat of arms.


Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be found in biographies of Shakespeare, especially those that discuss the social rise of his family and the grant of arms. Scholarly articles on Shakespeare's heraldry mention the motto Non sans droict explicitly. In contrast, biographies of Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, and Mark Twain do not mention such a motto or coat of arms connection.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Charles Dickens was a nineteenth century novelist known for works like Great Expectations and did not use this motto. Leo Tolstoy was a Russian author best known for War and Peace and Anna Karenina, again with no link to this heraldic phrase. Mark Twain, the American author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, also has no documented association with Non sans droict. Therefore, all three serve only as distractors.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners who are unfamiliar with heraldry may guess randomly among the options or choose a writer they like best. Another error is to assume that the French motto must belong to a French or continental European writer, which could lead to choosing Tolstoy or another non English author in a different set of options. A simple way to remember is to connect Non sans droict with Shakespeare and with the idea that even an author known for theatre sought social recognition in the form of arms and motto.


Final Answer:
William Shakespeare

More Questions from Basic General Knowledge

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion