Favourite "Downton Abbey" Quotes Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. "There is nothing more ill-bred than trying to steal the affections of one's dog".

Answer: Robert, Lord Grantham

Lord Grantham was talking about Mr Bricker, who had shown a particular interest in the Downton art collection, if not more much interest in Lady Grantham.

2. "You know me - never complain, never explain."

Answer: Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

The Dowager is often noted for having the funniest quotes and if you've seen any of the episodes you will know how inaccurate this statement is.

This particular statement brought a surprised giggle from Lady Edith who clearly didn't agree with the sentiment.

3. "Hope is a tease, designed to prevent us accepting reality."

Answer: Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

This was gently spoken, yet delivering a pessimistic message which is characteristic of The Dowager. This statement follows the harsh reflection of a former lover (Prince Kuragin - played by the still mesmerising Franco Nero) of hers following his rushed departure from Russia and his life of excess and grandeur to that of a titled poverty stricken refugee.

4. "If you must pay money, better to a doctor than an undertaker."

Answer: Mrs. Patmore

Mrs Hughes was always able to confide in Mrs Patmore and as she became more concerned about her health and a clear diagnosis of a lump, Mrs Patmore found a sure way to identify the possible scary outcome between an immediate active response against inaction.

Mrs Patmore clearly appreciates good old common sense and a simple health message.

5. "Good men - They're not like buses. There won't be another one round in 10 minutes."

Answer: Anna Bates nee Smith

This Lady's Maid is smart, loyal, patient and wise, but even she had her challenges holding onto the 'love of her life' when they were both hit by numerous obstacles in their relationship.

6. "It's easy to be generous when you have nothing to lose."

Answer: Lady Mary Crawley

This does sound like a rather snide comment which can be both mocking and accurate. Lady Mary is bright, fearless and an able survivor not unlike her grandmother. Among those qualities is also the ability to both compliment and insult with one jibe.

Her Grandmother would be proud.

The upstairs residents of Downton Abbey though very 'comfortable' compared to so many others, were also a part of English society that was slowly diminishing in wealth and they were having to face some stark financial realities for their present and future lives. At various points it looked as though the Crawleys could lose a significant portion of their wealth. The statement was also a little too close to the truth for the fighter Mary.

7. "I don't dislike him. I just don't like him. Which is quite different."

Answer: Lady Violet Crawley - Dowager

Some might say quite accurate - making a clear distinction between 'dislike' and 'don't like'.

8. "Love is like riding or speaking French: if you don't learn it young, it's hard to get the trick of it later."

Answer: Hugh "Shrimpy" MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire

A sad conclusion at the end of a very unhappy marriage and, by the sounds of it, the beginning wasn't that hopeful either.

Shrimpy is married to the not very pleasant Susa, Marchioness of Flintshire, they are the parents of the very lively Rose (Lady Aldridge nee MacClare) who is their youngest child. Susan is Violet Crawley's (Dowager Countess of Grantham) niece. After all the lovely doveyness of Robert and Cora Grantham (Lord and Lady Grantham), Shrimpy and Susan are a stark and often painful contrast of two people in an unhappy marriage.

Shrimpy's comment might be his acknowledging the outcome of marrying for duty rather than love and the inability to reach a happy conclusion.

9. "No farmer is his own boss - he takes his orders from the sun and the snow and the wind and the rain."

Answer: Daisy Mason nee Robinson - Kitchen Assistant

Daisy, the hardworking kitchen assistant to the demanding Mrs Patmore, develops beautifully throughout the entire show. Once she is given the opportunity to revisit education and really extend her knowledge Daisy displays a considerable light that was well and truly embedded under her bushel.

Daisy's relationship with her father-in-law showcases what can grow from tradition and expectation to a beautiful unconditional love and respect.

10. "Real love means giving someone the power to hurt you."

Answer: Thomas Branson

Tom Branson, the former Chauffeur then business owner and widowed husband of Lady Sybil Crawley, shares his painful experience whilst also indicating that hope still exists.

This quote is also directly attributed to Julian Fellowes (Baron Fellowes of West Stafford), the actual creator and writer of "Downton Abbey".

Source: Author tag11

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ladymacb29 before going online.
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Questions		Choices
1. "There is nothing more ill-bred than trying to steal the affections of one's dog".		Lady Violet Crawley - Dowager
2. "You know me - never complain, never explain."		Daisy Mason nee Robinson - Kitchen Assistant
3. "Hope is a tease, designed to prevent us accepting reality."		Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
4. "If you must pay money, better to a doctor than an undertaker."		Lady Mary Crawley
5. "Good men - They're not like buses. There won't be another one round in 10 minutes."		Mrs. Patmore
6. "It's easy to be generous when you have nothing to lose."		Robert, Lord Grantham
7. "I don't dislike him. I just don't like him. Which is quite different."		Anna Bates nee Smith
8. "Love is like riding or speaking French: if you don't learn it young, it's hard to get the trick of it later."		Thomas Branson
9. "No farmer is his own boss - he takes his orders from the sun and the snow and the wind and the rain."		Hugh "Shrimpy" MacClare, Marquess of Flintshire
10. "Real love means giving someone the power to hurt you."		Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

I am a huge fan of the "Downton Abbey" series - not only is the attention to detail excellent but the dialogue is witty and memorable. How much can you remember about who said what quote?