Christmas Comes but Once a Year Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What is the fictional suburb where the novel is set?

  • Mizzlington
  • London
  • Deptford
  • Virginia

Correct Answer: Mizzlington

Correct Answer Explanation: Mizzlington is a fictional suburb near London where the Browns reside, highlighting the growing popularity of suburbs among the newly wealthy in Victorian England.

What position does John Brown hold?

  • Teacher
  • Military Officer
  • Director
  • Minister

Correct Answer: Director

Correct Answer Explanation: John Brown is a director of the Deptford Direct and the Stag Assurance, reflecting the importance of financial institutions and investment in this era.

What significant historical event is mentioned in the novel, which reflected a source of national pride in Victorian England?

  • The Battle of Hastings
  • The Battle of Waterloo
  • The American Revolution
  • The French Revolution

Correct Answer: The Battle of Waterloo

Correct Answer Explanation: The Battle of Waterloo, a major event in British history, continued to be a source of national pride in Victorian England, as seen in its mention in the novel.

What traditional Christmas custom is illustrated by Mr. Brown’s purchase of a boar’s head, holly, and a butcher’s block for Christmas Eve festivities?

  • Gift giving
  • Yule log burning
  • Religious services
  • Festive feast

Correct Answer: Festive feast

Correct Answer Explanation: The purchase of a boar’s head, holly, and a butcher’s block highlights Mr. Brown’s adherence to traditional Christmas customs, especially the festive feasting tradition.

What popular form of entertainment, typically featuring slapstick comedy and elaborate costumes, is mentioned in the novel?

  • Circus
  • Puppet Show
  • Opera
  • Pantomime

Correct Answer: Pantomime

Correct Answer Explanation: Pantomime, a popular form of theatrical entertainment in Victorian England, featuring slapstick comedy and elaborate costumes, is referenced in the novel, reflecting the diverse entertainment options of the era.

What kind of architecture is John Brown’s home, Victoria and Albert Villas, described as?

  • Gothic Revival
  • Victorian
  • Tudor
  • Compo-cockney-gothic

Correct Answer: Compo-cockney-gothic

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel describes John Brown’s home as “compo-cockney-gothic,” a satirical term reflecting a blend of Gothic Revival and vernacular styles, highlighting the artistic tastes and aspirations of the emerging middle class.

What term is used in the novel to describe a young man who is fashionable and extravagant, reflecting the changing youth culture of the era?

  • Fast Gent
  • Dandy
  • Swell
  • Buck

Correct Answer: Fast Gent

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “Fast Gent” is used in the novel to describe John Brown’s son, reflecting the changing youth culture of the era, where young men embraced fashion and extravagance.

What traditional Christmas log, symbolizing warmth and comfort, reflects the importance of festive traditions in Victorian England?

  • Yule log
  • Christmas tree
  • Mistletoe
  • Wreath

Correct Answer: Yule log

Correct Answer Explanation: The Yule log, a traditional Christmas log symbolizing warmth and comfort, represents the importance of festive traditions in Victorian England, as seen in the novel.

What group of musicians serenaded homes during the Christmas season, reflecting a traditional practice in Victorian England?

  • Carolers
  • Minstrels
  • Wait
  • Troubadours

Correct Answer: Wait

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Wait,” a group of musicians who serenaded homes during the Christmas season, reflects a traditional practice in Victorian England, highlighting the festive atmosphere and traditions of the time.

What term is used to describe Captain de Camp’s gambling habits and financial ventures, reflecting the risky and often deceptive nature of Victorian finance?

  • Investing
  • Speculating
  • Trading
  • Managing

Correct Answer: Speculating

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “Speculation” describes Captain de Camp’s gambling habits and financial ventures, highlighting the risky and often deceptive nature of Victorian finance, where individuals sought quick profits through questionable means.

What traditional Christmas custom, a large bowl filled with a spiced drink, reflects the festive celebrations of the era?

  • Christmas Pudding
  • Yule Log
  • Wassail-bowl
  • Stollen

Correct Answer: Wassail-bowl

Correct Answer Explanation: The Wassail-bowl, a large bowl filled with a spiced drink, reflects the festive celebrations of the era, showcasing the traditions and customs associated with Christmas in Victorian England.

What day, the day after Christmas, is a traditional holiday celebrated in England, during which gifts and charitable donations were given?

  • Boxing Day
  • New Year’s Day
  • Epiphany
  • Good Friday

Correct Answer: Boxing Day

Correct Answer Explanation: Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is a traditional holiday in England, where gifts and charitable donations were given, reflecting the festive spirit and generosity of the season.

What type of drink is increasingly common in Victorian London?

  • Wine
  • Spirits
  • Water
  • Beer

Correct Answer: Beer

Correct Answer Explanation: Beer, a popular beverage in Victorian London, became increasingly common, reflecting the social trends and tastes of the era.

What is the price of a safety cab in the novel?

  • A few shillings
  • A few pounds
  • A few pence
  • The price is not mentioned

Correct Answer: The price is not mentioned

Correct Answer Explanation: Although the novel mentions a “safety” cab, a type of carriage that was gaining popularity, it doesn’t specify the cost, reflecting the lack of standardized pricing and prevalence of bartering in the era.

What significant achievement does John Brown achieve, reflecting the growing opportunities for social mobility in Victorian society?

  • He gets a promotion at work
  • He owns a pub
  • He buys a new home
  • He gets married

Correct Answer: He owns a pub

Correct Answer Explanation: John Brown’s new pub being licensed is a significant achievement, reflecting the growing opportunities for social mobility in Victorian society, where individuals from different backgrounds could rise through hard work and ambition.

What is the name of the fictional insurance company mentioned in the novel, which satirizes the speculative nature of Victorian business practices?

  • The Stag Assurance
  • The Dodo Assurance
  • The Deptford Direct
  • The Sun

Correct Answer: The Dodo Assurance

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Dodo Assurance,” a fictional insurance company, satirizes the speculative nature of Victorian business practices, highlighting the potential for risky ventures and financial instability during this era.

What popular collection of sermons is mentioned in the novel, reflecting the significance of religious discourse in Victorian England?

  • Blair’s Sermons
  • Luther’s Sermons
  • Calvin’s Sermons
  • Wesley’s Sermons

Correct Answer: Blair’s Sermons

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel references “Blair’s Sermons,” a popular collection of sermons by Hugh Blair, a Scottish preacher and literary figure, reflecting the importance of religious discourse in Victorian England.

What kind of architecture is “Hope Cottage,” a fictional Tudor lodge mentioned in the novel, reflecting the popularity of this style during this period?

  • Gothic Revival
  • Victorian
  • Tudor
  • Georgian

Correct Answer: Tudor

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions “Hope Cottage,” a fictional Tudor lodge, highlighting the popularity of Gothic Revival architecture during this period, where styles from past eras were revived and reinterpreted.

What kind of entertainment, featuring a dwarf old dame, reflects the popularity of puppetry and other forms of children’s entertainment in Victorian England?

  • Galanti show
  • Circus
  • Pantomime
  • Musical

Correct Answer: Galanti show

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Galanti show,” a fictional puppet show, reflects the popularity of puppetry and other forms of children’s entertainment in Victorian England, showcasing the diverse forms of entertainment that catered to different audiences.

What publication, dedicated to spreading the Christian message, is mentioned in the novel, reflecting the strong influence of religion in Victorian England?

  • The Missionary Record
  • The Times
  • The Sun
  • The Missionary News

Correct Answer: The Missionary Record

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Missionary Record,” a publication dedicated to spreading the Christian message, reflects the strong influence of religion in Victorian England, where Christian beliefs and values played a significant role in society.

What is the name of the fictional boarding school mentioned in the novel, which satirizes the harsh discipline of some Victorian schools?

  • Westminster School
  • Tortwhack House
  • Hope Cottage
  • Blackstone’s School

Correct Answer: Tortwhack House

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions “Tortwhack House,” a fictional boarding school, which satirizes the harsh discipline of some Victorian schools, highlighting the sometimes-unpleasant aspects of education during this era.

What popular publication in Victorian London is referenced in the novel?

  • The Sun
  • The Times
  • The Missionary Record
  • The Missionary News

Correct Answer: The Sun

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel references “The Sun,” a popular publication in Victorian London, reflecting the growing influence of newspapers and mass media during this era.

What is the name of the fictional pub mentioned in the novel, reflecting the popularity of this type of establishment in Victorian London?

  • The Welsh Rarebit Warren
  • The Fox and Hounds
  • The King’s Arms
  • The Golden Lion

Correct Answer: The Welsh Rarebit Warren

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions “The Welsh Rarebit Warren,” a fictional pub, reflecting the popularity of this type of establishment in Victorian London, where people gathered for social interaction, food, and drink.

What is the name of the fictional pub owned by John Brown?

  • The Welsh Rarebit Warren
  • The Fox and Hounds
  • The King’s Arms
  • The Golden Lion

Correct Answer: The Welsh Rarebit Warren

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions the “Welsh Rarebit Warren,” which John Brown owns, reflecting the growing opportunities for social mobility in Victorian society, where individuals from different backgrounds could rise through hard work and ambition.

What does Captain de Camp borrow from John Brown, indicating the practice of using counterfeit coins and the prevalence of financial fraud?

  • A gold watch
  • A horse and carriage
  • A sovereign
  • A suit of clothes

Correct Answer: A sovereign

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain de Camp borrows a sovereign from Mr. Brown and later puts a bad shilling in the church plate, indicating the practice of using counterfeit coins and the prevalence of financial fraud in Victorian society.

What traditional festive dish, described as “candied mixture,” highlights the emphasis on sugary treats in Victorian cuisine?

  • Christmas Pudding
  • Yule Log
  • Fruitcake
  • Stollen

Correct Answer: Christmas Pudding

Correct Answer Explanation: The Christmas pudding, a traditional festive dish, is described as “candied mixture,” highlighting the emphasis on sugary treats in Victorian cuisine, reflecting the culinary trends and preferences of the era.

What does Mr. Brown spend five shillings per quarter on, reflecting a significant amount of money for a middle-class family in 1850?

  • Rent
  • Food
  • Gas
  • Hair cuts

Correct Answer: Hair cuts

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Brown spends five shillings per quarter to cut his son’s hair, a significant amount of money for a middle-class family in 1850, highlighting the cost of personal grooming and the importance of maintaining appearances during this era.

What is the omnibus fare from Mizzlington to the city, suggesting a lack of standardized pricing and the prevalence of bartering in this era?

  • One shilling
  • Two shillings
  • Five shillings
  • Invisible

Correct Answer: Invisible

Correct Answer Explanation: The omnibus fare from Mizzlington to the city is “invisible,” suggesting a lack of standardized pricing and the prevalence of bartering in this era, reflecting the less regulated nature of transportation and commerce.

How much does Mr. Spohf charge for teaching music per quarter, reflecting the low wages of musicians during this period?

  • Five shillings
  • Ten shillings
  • Thirty shillings
  • Fifty shillings

Correct Answer: Thirty shillings

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Spohf teaches music for thirty shillings per quarter, reflecting the low wages of musicians during this period, highlighting the economic realities and challenges faced by those in the arts.

How much does Captain de Camp borrow from Mr. Brown?

  • A sovereign
  • Two sovereigns
  • Five sovereigns
  • Ten sovereigns

Correct Answer: A sovereign

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain de Camp borrows a sovereign from Mr. Brown and later puts a bad shilling in the church plate, indicating the practice of using counterfeit coins and the prevalence of financial fraud in Victorian society.

What is the cost of a “Gibus” hat, a type of hat popular with gentlemen?

  • A few shillings
  • A few pounds
  • A few pence
  • The price is not mentioned

Correct Answer: The price is not mentioned

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions a “Gibus” hat, a type of hat popular with gentlemen, reflecting the fashionable trends of the time, but it doesn’t specify the price, reflecting the potential variation in cost and the role of fashion in Victorian society.

What is the name of the fictional lodge where the Captain is staying?

  • Hope Cottage
  • Tortwhack House
  • Victoria and Albert Villas
  • The Welsh Rarebit Warren

Correct Answer: Hope Cottage

Correct Answer Explanation: The Captain is staying at Hope Cottage, a fictional lodge mentioned in the novel, reflecting the diverse housing options available in Victorian England.

How many guests does Mr. Brown have at his Christmas Ball?

  • A few
  • Dozens
  • Hundreds
  • Thousands

Correct Answer: Dozens

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Brown’s guests at his Christmas ball number in the dozens, suggesting the size and scope of festive gatherings in Victorian London, highlighting the social dynamics and practices of the era.

What is Miss Price, a potential partner for young Brown, said to be worth, reflecting the significant wealth of some Victorian families?

  • £1,000
  • £10,000
  • £100,000
  • £150,000

Correct Answer: £150,000

Correct Answer Explanation: Miss Price, a potential partner for young Brown, is said to be worth £150,000, reflecting the significant wealth of some Victorian families, highlighting the importance of economic status and inheritance in marriage and social standing.

What is the name of the newspaper that is mentioned in the novel?

  • The Sun
  • The Times
  • The Missionary Record
  • The Missionary News

Correct Answer: The Times

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions “The Times” newspaper, a prominent publication in Victorian England, reflecting the growing influence of newspapers and mass media during this era.

What is the name of the fictional insurance company that Captain de Camp claims to work for?

  • The Stag Assurance
  • The Dodo Assurance
  • The Deptford Direct
  • The Sun

Correct Answer: The Dodo Assurance

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain de Camp claims to work for the “Dodo Assurance,” a fictional insurance company, adding to his deceitful nature and highlighting the potential for financial fraud in Victorian society.

What is the name of the fictional lodging house where the Captain lives?

  • Hope Cottage
  • Tortwhack House
  • Victoria and Albert Villas
  • The Welsh Rarebit Warren

Correct Answer: Hope Cottage

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain de Camp is staying at Hope Cottage, a fictional lodge mentioned in the novel, reflecting the diverse housing options available in Victorian England.

What is the name of the fictional school that is mentioned in the novel?

  • Westminster School
  • Tortwhack House
  • Hope Cottage
  • Blackstone’s School

Correct Answer: Tortwhack House

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions “Tortwhack House,” a fictional boarding school, which satirizes the harsh discipline of some Victorian schools, highlighting the sometimes-unpleasant aspects of education during this era.

What is the name of the character that is described as a “Fast Gent”?

  • Captain de Camp
  • John Brown
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Lark

Correct Answer: Tom Brown

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “Fast Gent” is used to describe John Brown’s son, Tom Brown, reflecting the changing youth culture of the era, where young men embraced fashion and extravagance.

What is the name of the fictional company that John Brown is a director of?

  • The Stag Assurance
  • The Dodo Assurance
  • The Deptford Direct
  • The Sun

Correct Answer: The Deptford Direct

Correct Answer Explanation: John Brown is a director of the Deptford Direct and the Stag Assurance, reflecting the importance of financial institutions and investment in this era.

What is the name of the fictional character who is a music teacher?

  • Mr. Spohf
  • Captain de Camp
  • Mr. Lark
  • Mr. Pest

Correct Answer: Mr. Spohf

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Spohf teaches music for thirty shillings per quarter, reflecting the low wages of musicians during this period, highlighting the economic realities and challenges faced by those in the arts.

What is the name of the fictional character who is a potential partner for young Brown?

  • Miss Price
  • Mrs. Pest
  • Cook
  • The Captain’s wife

Correct Answer: Miss Price

Correct Answer Explanation: Miss Price, a potential partner for young Brown, is said to be worth £150,000, reflecting the significant wealth of some Victorian families, highlighting the importance of economic status and inheritance in marriage and social standing.

What is the name of the character who claims to be a military officer?

  • Captain de Camp
  • John Brown
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Lark

Correct Answer: Captain de Camp

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain de Camp is an officer in the East India Company’s service, a reflection of British colonialism and the significance of the East India trade during this period, however, he is not who he seems to be.

What is the name of the fictional character who is the head of the household in the novel?

  • Captain de Camp
  • John Brown
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Lark

Correct Answer: John Brown

Correct Answer Explanation: John Brown, the head of the household, finds himself in a series of amusing mishaps and misunderstandings, particularly involving Captain de Camp, a mysterious new lodger who arrives with his two sons.

What is the name of the character who is a director of the “Stag Assurance”?

  • Captain de Camp
  • John Brown
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Lark

Correct Answer: John Brown

Correct Answer Explanation: John Brown is a director of the Deptford Direct and the Stag Assurance, reflecting the importance of financial institutions and investment in this era.

What is the name of the character who claims to be a wealthy gentleman from Madras?

  • Captain de Camp
  • John Brown
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Lark

Correct Answer: Captain de Camp

Correct Answer Explanation: Captain de Camp is an officer in the East India Company’s service, a reflection of British colonialism and the significance of the East India trade during this period, however, he is not who he seems to be.

What is the name of the character who is a potential partner for Tom Brown?

  • Miss Price
  • Mrs. Pest
  • Cook
  • The Captain’s wife

Correct Answer: Miss Price

Correct Answer Explanation: Miss Price, a potential partner for young Brown, is said to be worth £150,000, reflecting the significant wealth of some Victorian families, highlighting the importance of economic status and inheritance in marriage and social standing.

What is the name of the character who is the wife of John Brown?

  • Mrs. Price
  • Mrs. Pest
  • Cook
  • The Captain’s wife

Correct Answer: Mrs. Pest

Correct Answer Explanation: Mrs. Pest, John Brown’s wife, plays a significant role in the story, often adding to the comedic misunderstandings and social commentary within the novel.

What is the name of the character who is the son of John Brown?

  • Captain de Camp
  • John Brown
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Lark

Correct Answer: Tom Brown

Correct Answer Explanation: Tom Brown, the son of John Brown, is a young man who is fashionable and extravagant, reflecting the changing youth culture of the era.

What is the name of the character who is the maid of Mrs. Pest?

  • Miss Price
  • Mrs. Pest
  • Cook
  • The Captain’s wife

Correct Answer: Cook

Correct Answer Explanation: Cook, the maid of Mrs. Pest, plays a role in the story, often providing insights into the domestic lives and social dynamics of the characters.

What is the name of the character who is a friend of John Brown?

  • Mr. Lark
  • Captain de Camp
  • Tom Brown
  • Mr. Spohf

Correct Answer: Mr. Lark

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Lark, a friend of John Brown, adds to the comedic situations and social commentary within the novel, often engaging in playful banter and highlighting the social dynamics of Victorian society.

What is the name of the character who is a teacher at a boarding school?

  • Mr. Spohf
  • Captain de Camp
  • Mr. Lark
  • Mr. Pest

Correct Answer: Mr. Pest

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Pest, a teacher at a boarding school, adds to the comedic situations and social commentary within the novel, often engaging in playful banter and highlighting the social dynamics of Victorian society.

What is the name of the fictional boarding school that Mr. Pest is a teacher at?

  • Westminster School
  • Tortwhack House
  • Hope Cottage
  • Blackstone’s School

Correct Answer: Tortwhack House

Correct Answer Explanation: The novel mentions “Tortwhack House,” a fictional boarding school, which satirizes the harsh discipline of some Victorian schools, highlighting the sometimes-unpleasant aspects of education during this era.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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