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Quiz about Gilbert and Sullivans Iolanthe

Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Iolanthe' Quiz

I played the title role in Iolanthe in 2001, and it's one of my favorite G&S operettas. Here's a quiz on it.

A multiple-choice quiz by Anna M. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
Anna M

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
122,876

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
495

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. At the beginning of the operetta, where is Iolanthe? Hint

Fairyland

Somewhere in the forest

The House of Lords

At the bottom of a stream

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Question 2 of 10

2. 'To think that five-and-twenty years have elapsed since she was banished! What could she have done to have deserved to terrible a punishment?' What did Iolanthe do? Hint

She refused to get married

She insulted the fairy queen

She married a mortal

She had a son

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Question 3 of 10

3. Strephon, Iolanthe's son, is only half a fairy. Which half? Hint

Bottom half

Top half

Right half

Left half

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Question 4 of 10

4. Why is Phyllis unable to marry Strephon? Hint

She is engaged to Lord Mountararat

Iolanthe does not want her son to marry a mortal

Strephon is her brother

The Lord Chancellor forbids it

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Question 5 of 10

5. After being insulted by the Lord Chancellor, the Fairy Queen sends Strephon into Parliament. What does she threaten to have him do there? Hint

Make the peerage open to competitive examination

Make Britain a republic

Burn down the houses of Parliament

Make it legal for shepherds to marry wards in chancery

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Question 6 of 10

6. Who is the only character on stage at the beginning of Act II? Hint

Strephon

The Lord Chancellor

Private Willis

Iolanthe

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Question 7 of 10

7. Why do Lord Tolloller and Lord Mountararat decide that neither of them should marry Phyllis? Hint

Their friendship is too important

They have learned that she is a fairy

She has already married Strephon

The Lord Chancellor has decreed that neither of them can marry her

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Question 8 of 10

8. The Lord Chancellor decides that it would be unethical for him to marry Phyllis, as she is his ward, and so he allows Strephon to marry her.

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. What is Iolanthe's secret? Hint

The Lord Chancellor is her husband

She is the one who killed the Lord Chancellor's wife

Strephon isn't really her son

Phyllis is also her child

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Question 10 of 10

10. At the end of the operetta, the Fairy Queen must marry a mortal. Who does she choose? Hint

Private Willis

Lord Mountararat

Lord Tolloller

Strephon

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. At the beginning of the operetta, where is Iolanthe?

Answer: At the bottom of a stream

She was banished for marrying a mortal, and she chose to be banished to the bottom of the stream so she could be near her son, Strephon.

2. 'To think that five-and-twenty years have elapsed since she was banished! What could she have done to have deserved to terrible a punishment?' What did Iolanthe do?

Answer: She married a mortal

Leila: 'Something awful! She married a mortal!'
Fleta: 'Oh! Is it injudicious to marry a mortal?'
Leila: 'Injudicious? It strikes at the root of the whole fairy system!'

3. Strephon, Iolanthe's son, is only half a fairy. Which half?

Answer: Top half

'He's a fairy down to the waist - but his legs are mortal.'

4. Why is Phyllis unable to marry Strephon?

Answer: The Lord Chancellor forbids it

'Oh, mother, weep with me, for the Law has interposed between us, and the Lord Chancellor has separated us for ever!'

5. After being insulted by the Lord Chancellor, the Fairy Queen sends Strephon into Parliament. What does she threaten to have him do there?

Answer: Make the peerage open to competitive examination

'Peers shall teem in Christendom, And a Duke's exalted station be attainable by Competitive Examination!'

6. Who is the only character on stage at the beginning of Act II?

Answer: Private Willis

He sings his famous song, 'When all night long a chap remains', about the convenient division of the world into Liberal and Conservative politicians.

7. Why do Lord Tolloller and Lord Mountararat decide that neither of them should marry Phyllis?

Answer: Their friendship is too important

'Not even love should rank above True Friendship's name!'

8. The Lord Chancellor decides that it would be unethical for him to marry Phyllis, as she is his ward, and so he allows Strephon to marry her.

Answer: False

In fact, 'After a severe struggle with myself, I reluctantly - most reluctantly - consented' to his own marriage with her.

9. What is Iolanthe's secret?

Answer: The Lord Chancellor is her husband

The Lord Chancellor is her husband, and Strephon's father! This really is a typical Gilbert and Sullivan plot.

10. At the end of the operetta, the Fairy Queen must marry a mortal. Who does she choose?

Answer: Private Willis

As he says, 'Well, ma'am, I don't think much of the British soldier who wouldn't inconvenience himself to save a female in distress'.

Source: Author Anna M

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ltc717 before going online.
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