Lesser Bronte Novels

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. True or False? "The Professor" was published during Charlotte Brontë's lifetime. True False

2. "The Professor" is the only novel that Charlotte wrote that: ended without the hero & heroine marrying. had long passages written in French. used flashbacks from the main story. was narrated by a male protagonist.

3. In "The Professor," with whom does William Crimsworth fall in love and marry? Frances Henri, his student Mlle Reuter, another professor Mme Pelet, his landlady Eulalie Deboix, his student

4. In "The Professor," what was the allegorical barrier that kept Crimsworth from the girl's school, which he calls an "unseen paradise?" a boarded up window. a tall wall. a closed gate. a long shrubbed alleyway.

5. Where, exactly, was Crimsworth a "Professor?" France. Coite D'Ivoire Switzerland Belgium.

6. Moving on to Charlotte's third novel, "Shirley." (We have skipped "Jane Eyre.") Upon whom did Charlotte base the character of Shirley? Anne Brontë Fanny Burney Elizabeth Gaskell Emily Brontë

7. "Shirley" is a "historical novel," in that it was not contemporary with when it was written (in 1849.) During what time of English history did it take place? During the plague of 1349 During the restoration of Charles II in 1660 During factory and industry strife in 1811-1812 During the rise of the middle class in 1580

8. In a famous self-description in the first chapter of the novel, Charlotte describes "Shirley" as being "as unromantic as a... Monday morning." walk on a cold day." slap in the face." piece of dry toast."

9. At one point in "Shirley," a young lady says, "Till lately I had reckoned securely on the duties and affections of wife and mother to occupy my existence. I considered, somehow, as a matter of course, that I was growing up to the ordinary destiny, and never troubled myself to seek any other; but now, I perceive plainly, I may have been mistaken. Probably I shall be an old maid. I shall live to see Robert married to some one else, some rich lady: I shall never marry. What was I created for, I wonder? Where is my place in the world?" Does this character end up getting married in the novel? Yes or no. Yes No

10. Robert Moore proposes to two young women in "Shirley." What is the outcome? Shirley says no, Caroline says yes. They both say no. Shirley says yes, Caroline says no. They both say yes.

11. Moving on to Charlotte's last novel, "Villette." In many ways it is a reworking of "The Professor," but in some ways different. What was different? The heroine was English. In this novel, Charlotte criticizes Catholicism. A Professor marries his student. The story takes place in England & Belgium.

12. How does "Villette" end? Lucy & M. Emanuel live happily ever after. We don't really know. Lucy & Graham live happily ever after. M. Emanuel dies in a storm at sea.

13. In "Villette," what does Lucy give M. Emanuel for a gift at his fête? bon-bons a watch chain wildflowers hot-house flowers

14. From where did Charlotte get her information in the "opium trip" scene in "Villette?" "Confessions of an English Opium Eater," Thomas De Quincey From her friend, Elizabeth Gaskell. From her brother, Branwell. From personal experience.

15. Graham Bretton (aka Dr. John) makes several appearances in the novel "Villette." What was chronologically the first time he and Lucy met? After she swooned in the streets. When he was treating her landlady's daughter. When he helped her with her trunks. At her Godmother's house.

16. We must skip Emily Brontë, because she never published any novels other than "Wuthering Heights", so we will move on to Anne Brontë. In "Agnes Grey", Agnes was miserable at her first post as a governess. What was her greatest problem with the son, Tom Bloomfield? He would leave frogs in her bed. He couldn't understand mathematics. He would beat up his little sisters. He would torture and kill small animals.

17. This is a hard, unfair question. But, there is a difference. What is the profession of Mr. Murphy, whom Agnes loves in "Agnes Grey?" Vicar Rector Deacon Curate

18. In "Agnes Grey," Anges' vivacious pupil, Rosalie Murray, has several flirtations during the novel. Which of her conquests does she actually marry? Mr. Meltham Mr. Hatfield Sir Thomas Ashby Mr. Green

19. True or false? "Agnes Grey" was first published as the third volume of a three volume set, with the first two novels being "The Professor" and "Wuthering Heights." True False

20. For what purpose does Agnes repeatedly visit Nancy Brown in "Agnes Grey?" To share gossip on the Murray girls. To help tend her garden. To help her with her religious questions. To read to her.

21. Moving on, last of all, to Anne's criminally underrated "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." Why does Helen refuse Gilbert's affectionate attentions? Because he is her social inferior. She is in love with Mr. Lawrence. She is still married. She wants to remain single.

22. There is a very substantial flashback in the middle of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." In what form does this take place? Helen telling Eliza her "history." A letter Helen wrote to Gilbert. Helen's diary. A story Mr. Lawrence tells Gilbert.

23. In "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," what is NOT a reason that Helen left her husband? He was an alchoholic. He beat her. He was verbally abusive. He cheated on her.

24. Which of Mr. Huntington's horrible friends is always trying to seduce Helen in "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall?" Mr. Hattersley Mr. Hargrave Lord Lowborough Mr. Grimsby

25. At the end of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," what precipitates Mr. Huntington's final illness? Helen stabs him. A fall from a horse. Lady Lowborough stabs him. Little Arthur stabs him.