Persuasions #10, 1988                                                                                                                    Pages 134-135

The Quiz: The Cultural Background of the Novels

(Click here to see answers to the quizzes, not in the original publication of Persuasions Number 10)

1.   Political Passions.  “I dare say he will be in parliament soon.  When _______________ comes, I dare say he will be in some borough.”  Spoken by _______________ to _______________.

2.   Childhood Influences.  “That little boys and girls should be tormented,” said _______________,   “is what no one acquainted with human nature in a civilized state can deny”; spoken to   _______________, subject discussed _______________.

3.   Literary Background.  “Only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed. . .” What kind of literature is referred to? _______________.   Where is the passage to be found? _______________. One of the examples sited of such a work _______________.

4.   A Woman’s Place.    “Poor _______________!  It was melancholy to leave her to such society.”  Give two examples of the “charms” this lady found in the state of matrimony:   ________________________________________.

5.   Love and Courtship.    Give three examples of proposals of marriage made in each circumstance:  Indoors:  ____________________.  Outdoors:  ____________________.

6.   Parish Business.
       (a) Why did Emma need to notify Mr. Knightley about the gipsies?
             ____________________________________________________________
       (b) Why did young John Adby need to speak to Mr. Elton?

            ____________________________________________________________
       (c)
What specific piece of parish business did Mr. Knightley consult his brother about?
            ____________________________________________________________

7.   Music. Who plays at the following informal dances:
      (a) Fanny’s first ball ________________________________________.
      (b) After dinner at the Cole’s _________________________________.
      (c) After dinner at Uppercross ________________________________.

8.   Propriety and morality.
      (a) Why is Maria Bertram’s wedding considered very proper?   ___________________.
      (b) Why is the marriage immoral?   ________________________________________.

9.   Bookbinding
       (a) How did Catherine absorb knowledge from the library at Northanger Abbey?
             ____________________________________________________________
       (b) How did Mr. Collins know the book he was asked to read was a novel?
            ____________________________________________________________
       (c) How could Sir Thomas spot the copies of Lovers’ Vows which he destroyed?
            ____________________________________________________________

10.   Circulating Libraries.
      (a) Who was happy that she “got books from the library and changed them so often?   ___________________.
      (b) Why did Fanny Price subscribe to a circulating library?   ________________________________________.
      (c) What use did Mr. Parker make of the library at Sanditon?   ______________________________________.

11.   Stuart Loyalties.
      (a) When did the Elliots achieve a baronetcy?  ______________________________.
      (b) Who invented baronets and why?   ____________________________________.

12.   Money Talks.
      (a) What was unusual about the potential dowries of the Bennet girls?
            ____________________________________________________________
      (b) What was John Dashwood’
s increase of income when his father died?
            ____________________________________________________________
      (c) What would Catherine Morland’s dowry bring in per annum, assuming 5% interest?
            ____________________________________________________________

13.   Servants. Whom did the following work for?
      (a) Baddeley ____________________________________
      (b) Thomas  ____________________________________
      (c) Betty _______________________________________
      (d) William _____________________________________
      (e) Jemima  _____________________________________
      (f) James _______________________________________

14.   Gardens.    What three landowners in the novels had walled gardens and/or glass houses?
         ____________________________________________________________

15.   Aldeburgh.
      (a) Why did Harriet Smith dislike Italian singing?
            ____________________________________________________________
      (b) For what two reasons did Anne Elliot want to go to the concert?
            ____________________________________________________________
      (c) Why did Lady Susan want Frederica to play the harp?
            ____________________________________________________________

16.   Houses.
      (a) What house was fit to be in collections of engravings of Gentlemen
s seats?
            ____________________________________________________________
      (b) Name one of the disadvantages of Barton Cottage cited by Elinor.
            ____________________________________________________________
      (c) How many spare rooms were there at Randalls?
            ____________________________________________________________

(Click here to see answers to the quizzes, not in the original publication of Persuasions Number 10)

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