Literary Inspirations

 Quiz-Time

 

Topic : ‘Literary Inspirations’

 

In 1995, UNESCO decided that the World Book and Copyright Day would be celebrated on 23 April, as the date is also the anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, as well as that of the birth or death of several other prominent authors. In a historical coincidence, Shakespeare and Cervantes died on the same date — 23 April 1616 — but not on the same day!

Actually during that period, Spain used to follow the Gregorian calendar and England used the Julian calendar. So, in reality, Shakespeare actually died 10 days after Cervantes died.

On the occasion of the World Book Day, this week’s quiz is on Literary Inspirations.  

 

1.         Known for his quirky resemblance to Richard III, John Nettleship (vis) started teaching Chemistry at Caldicot School in Monmouthshire, Wales, moving to become the Head of Science at Wyedean School in Sedbury, Gloucestershire in 1974. He was instrumental in setting up Caerwent Historic Trust, becoming its Secretary and researching the history of the area. A popular figure, he was also a great advocate for people’s rights, especially for women’s rights and always believed in fighting for the underdog. But despite all his achievements, his real claim to fame was achieved, courtesy one of his students.

 *  Put funda.

Ans. – The character of Prof. Severus Snape was modelled after him by J.K. Rowling

2.         Nora (vis) first met her then boyfriend (who later became her husband) on 10^th  June 1904. Six days later, they decided to go for a romantic date.

 

* How is that particular date being celebrated annually?

Ans. – Bloomsday (Her husband James Joyce chose 16^th June 1904 as the date for the setting for his novel Ulysses.)

3.         Born near Port Tobacco, Maryland, around 1789, Josiah Henson’s first memory was of his father being whipped, having his ear cut off, and sold south — all as punishment for striking a white man who had attempted to rape his wife. He never saw his father again.

* Josiah, the first black man to be featured on a Canadian stamp, later became the inspiration behind which iconic piece of literature?

Ans. – Uncle Tom’s Cabin

4.         In Shashi Tharoor’s satirical masterpiece - The Great Indian Novel, the story of the Mahabharata is retold as recent Indian history, and renowned political personalities begin to resemble characters from the Mahabharata. Curiously enough, most of the central characters have a curious and ambiguous relationship with Draupadi Mokrasi.

* Apart from Draupadi, who or what is said to be the inspiration behind that character?

Ans. – Democracy (D. Mokrasi is the shorter form of the name Draupadi Mokrasi.)

5.         Prospero is the main protagonist of Shakespeare’s play, The Tempest. He is probably the most unusual of Shakespeare’s major characters in that, although he is a human being with human qualities, including human faults, he has magical powers: he has the ability to control the weather, the conditions on the island on which he lives, and also the actions and movements of people and the spirits who also live on the island. Prospero, the great magician, uses his power and love of magic to coerce others into behaving in ways he wants them to behave.

* As per the historians, upon whom that character from the play, considered to be the  last play by Shakespeare, was modelled?

Ans. – Shakespeare himself

Audience Question

Q.        Described as ‘a large, rather fierce-looking Berkshire boar’ who is ‘not much of a talker’ and has ‘a reputation for getting his own way’, Napoleon is the main antagonist of George Orwell’s 1945 novel Animal Farm.

* After whom, was he based on?

Answer to the last week’s question ---

Q.        Gossamer _______ is a human-powered aircraft built by American aeronautical engineer Dr. Paul B. MacCready’s company AeroVironment. On June 12, 1979, it completed a successful crossing of the English Channel. Piloted by Bryan Allen, the aircraft completed the 22 mile crossing in 2 hours 49 minutes achieving a top speed of just 18 mph and an average height of less than 6 feet.

* Considering the wingspan of that aircraft, what word would very appropriately fill the blank in it’s name?

Ans. – Albatross

 

Please send me your answers quickly. Next Saturday, I will share another short set of questions on another topic. Your suggestions are always welcome.

Happy quizzing!!!!