Joliette Masquerade Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lady Elspeth Flashman

If you think Victorian history is boring, says Supersal1, the lady in the crinoline, I urge you to read the Flashman books by George McDonald Fraser. In most of the books Elspeth only has fleeting appearances. The exception to this is 'Flashman's Lady', in which her flirtatious ways lead to her being kidnapped by pirates - well it could happen to anyone!

All the other characters are real - Elizabeth Garret Anderson was the first British woman to qualify as a doctor . Mary Seacole was a nurse who set up her own hospital to nurse soldiers injured in the Crimean war. Madeline Smith stood trial for poisoning her lover - the verdict was 'not proven' - a verdict which has been described as 'not guilty but don't do it again'.

Answer: Puss in Boots

The character of Puss in Boots was created by French author Charles Perrault. The screen debut about which he was so excited was 'Shrek 2' whose characterisation of Puss, brought to life so admirably with the sophisticated tones of Antonio Banderas, awakened interest in the character.

And beneath the plumed hat and whiskered face? None other than Elskede.

Answer: Sacajawea

Sacajawea's role in assisting the expedition is well documented. Her interpreting skills were invaluable, as was her mere presence on the journey, as hostile tribe members encountered on the way invariably realised that a woman with a baby accompanying the men meant that their intentions would not be aggressive.
Pocahontas (Pamunkey tribe) is credited with saving John Smith's life in the first English settlement in America at Jamestown, Virginia. Kateria Takawitha (Mohawk father/Algonquin mother) was the first Native American Catholic nun, and the first Native American to be considered for sainthood. Maria Tallchief (Osage) is an internationally-known ballerina who was the first American to dance at the Paris Opera.

j2cp2 was proud to wear the outfit of a man who is one of his ancestors to the costume ball.

Answer: Glue made out of old cake to keep riders in the saddle

Lewis Carroll's character of the White Knight is the figure with which he is often identified by many students of his works.

StuHern is equally fascinated by the Knight who appears in 'Through the Looking Glass', the sequel to 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'.

Answer: Sir Percy Blakeney

Sir Percy Blakeney is, of course, the man behind the character known as 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' in the books written by Baroness Orczy. In his 'real life' Sir Percy was thought by all, including his wife, Marguerite initially, to be a foolish, witless fop, a masterly disguise which enabled him to carry out his daring exploits without fear of discovery.

Tommy-r enjoyed playing the part of Sir Percy.

Answer: John Lydon (Johnny Rotten)

Johnny Rotten, now better known as John Lydon was a member of the Sex Pistols who shocked the world with their approach to life and music - their album 'Anarchy in the UK' was well named, and they were a seminal part of the punk movement. John Lydon, however, demonstrated a softer side to his character on an appearance in the 2004 Version of 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here' when he professed to being there for 'the nature' and stood a good chance of winning the series when he walked out. The title of his autobiography, 'No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs' was a reference to signs which were posted in London boarding houses until as recently as the mid-sixties, and which he saw on a regular basis in his early life in London.

Answer: Tom Bombadil

Just who (or to some experts the question is what) was Tom Bombadil is a debate which has long entangled Tolkien scholars. He was obviously a being of great power, in his own words taken from The Silmarillon, "In the House of Tom Bombadil", Tom says of himself, "He was here before the Kings and the graves and the Barrow-wights. When the Elves passed westward, Tom was here already, before the seas were bent." All of the above alternative answers appear as characters in one or more of Tolkien's works.

Bracklaman was delighted to be able to don the costume of one of his favourite characters.

Answer: Mrs Malaprop

Mrs Malaprop is one of the most famous and enduring creations of Richard Brinsley Sheridan in his 1775 play 'The Rivals'. Mrs Malaprop's habit of misusing words has endeared her to generations of theatre goers and English students for many years. One of her most famous quotations is, "He is the very pine-apple of politeness!" Baldricksmum played the character faultlessly, "...as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of Nile."

Answer: HMS Bellerophon

For three weeks the Bellerephon was responsible for holding Napoleon under the guard of its commanding officer, Captain Maitland, to whom Napoleon had surrendered, until his transfer to HMS Northumberland which took him to St.Helena, the island on which he died six years later.

Beneath the hat, pimplehead is relishing the role of Napoleon.

Answer: Mildred Hubble

Mildred Hubble is 'The Worst Witch' in the series of children's books written by Jill Murphy. Despite her good intentions, Mildred's spells frequently get her into a good deal of trouble, aided and abetted by her two friends, Enid Nightshade and Maud Moonshine. The first book was filmed in 1986, while the whole series was later broadcast on British television from 1998 - 2001. Hermione Grainger, is, of course, from the Harry Potter series.