Moonfleet Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What was the name of the inn in Moonfleet that was originally called the Mohune Arms?

The Why Not?
The Admiral Nelson
The Mermaid Tavern
The Crown and Anchor

Correct Answer: The Why Not?

Correct Answer Explanation: The Why Not? inn was originally called the Mohune Arms, but the name was changed after a previous landlord made a jest about the Mohune family.

What kind of contraband did the “landers” smuggle into Moonfleet?

Spices
Tobacco
Liquor
Textiles

Correct Answer: Liquor

Correct Answer Explanation: The landers smuggled liquor, such as brandy, Schnapps, and Schiedam, to avoid paying high taxes imposed by the crown.

What type of boat did the smugglers use to transport their contraband?

Schooners
Ketches
Luggers
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The smugglers used various types of boats, including schooners, ketches, and luggers, to navigate the waters and avoid detection by the revenue men.

What was the name of the diamond that Blackbeard hid in the Mohune vault?

The Star of Africa
The Hope Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor
The Blackbeard Diamond

Correct Answer: The Blackbeard Diamond

Correct Answer Explanation: Although the diamond doesn’t have a specific name in the text, it is referred to as Blackbeard’s diamond, and the diamond’s significance as a key part of the novel’s plot makes it a logical answer to the question.

Where did Blackbeard bury his treasure?

The Mohune vault
A cave in Purbeck
The well of Carisbrooke Castle
The churchyard in Moonfleet

Correct Answer: The well of Carisbrooke Castle

Correct Answer Explanation: Blackbeard’s treasure was ultimately buried in the well of Carisbrooke Castle, as John Trenchard and Elzevir Block discovered through clues found in a locket.

What was the name of the revenue man who pursued Elzevir Block and John Trenchard?

Mr. Maskew
Mr. Sowerby
Mr. Grimshaw
Mr. Eldridge

Correct Answer: Mr. Maskew

Correct Answer Explanation: Mr. Maskew, the magistrate of Moonfleet Manor, was secretly working with the revenue men and was the main antagonist pursuing Elzevir Block and John Trenchard.

What is the significance of the Mohune family crest?

It features a black “Y”
It features a red lion
It features a silver fleur-de-lis
It features a blue cross

Correct Answer: It features a black “Y”

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mohune family crest is explicitly described as featuring a black “Y,” which is a cross-pall. The crest symbolizes the family’s heritage and plays a part in the novel’s mystery.

Why did the villagers believe that Blackbeard haunted the village?

He was buried in the village churchyard
He was known for his cruelty
He was a traitor during the English Civil War
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Blackbeard’s burial in the churchyard, his history of cruelty, and his betrayal during the English Civil War all contributed to the legend of his haunting presence in Moonfleet.

What was the approximate population of the village of Moonfleet?

Correct Answer: 200

Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the village of Moonfleet had less than two hundred souls, highlighting the small-town setting and the close-knit community within the story.

How many acres of grazing land were included in the Mohune estate?

Correct Answer: 16

Correct Answer Explanation: The Mohune estate, at its height, included 16 acres of grazing land called Moons’-lease, highlighting the extent of the Mohune family’s wealth and influence in the area.

What was the name of the ship that was to take Elzevir and John to St. Malo?

The Bonaventure
The Why Not?
The Gouden Droom
The Aurungzebe

Correct Answer: The Bonaventure

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bonaventure was the ship that Elzevir and John intended to use for their escape to St. Malo, but their plans changed, leading them to a different journey.

What was the approximate depth of the well at Carisbrooke Castle?

25 fathoms
50 fathoms
75 fathoms
100 fathoms

Correct Answer: 50 fathoms

Correct Answer Explanation: The text describes the well at Carisbrooke Castle as 50 fathoms deep, emphasizing the danger and difficulty involved in retrieving Blackbeard’s treasure.

What was the approximate size of Blackbeard’s diamond?

The size of a pea
The size of a walnut
The size of a golf ball
The size of a lemon

Correct Answer: The size of a walnut

Correct Answer Explanation: The text explicitly states that Blackbeard’s diamond was the size of a walnut, giving a tangible measure of the treasure’s value and allure.

What was the annual rent for the Why Not? inn before Mr. Maskew increased it?

12 pounds
50 pounds
100 pounds
200 pounds

Correct Answer: 12 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The text reveals that the smugglers paid 12 pounds a year rent for the Why Not? inn, which was later raised significantly by Mr. Maskew to 200 pounds.

What was the reward offered for Elzevir Block’s apprehension?

20 pounds
50 pounds
100 pounds
200 pounds

Correct Answer: 50 pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: The revenue men offered a reward of 50 pounds for Elzevir Block’s apprehension, emphasizing the value placed on catching him and the consequences of smuggling.

How many prisoners were on board the Aurungzebe, the ship carrying Elzevir and John?

Correct Answer: 30

Correct Answer Explanation: The text mentions that the crew of the Aurungzebe consisted of 30 prisoners, highlighting the ship’s role in transporting convicts and the diverse population on board.

What was the approximate value of the diamond that Elzevir and John found?

Hundreds of pounds
Thousands of pounds
Tens of thousands of pounds
Hundreds of thousands of pounds

Correct Answer: Thousands of pounds

Correct Answer Explanation: While the text doesn’t provide an exact value, the conversations between Elzevir and John suggest the diamond was worth thousands of pounds, emphasizing the treasure’s immense value.

How many silver crowns did Krispijn Aldobrand offer John for the diamond?

Correct Answer: 10

Correct Answer Explanation: Krispijn Aldobrand, a character who appears in the story, offered John 10 silver crowns for the diamond, highlighting the potential for wealth and the temptation John faced.

What is the significance of the “Gulder” in the story?

It is a type of ship used by the smugglers
It is a local tide that affects the smugglers’ operations
It is a secret code used by the smugglers
It is a character in the story who helps the smugglers

Correct Answer: It is a local tide that affects the smugglers’ operations

Correct Answer Explanation: The “Gulder” is a local tide mentioned in the text that influences the timing of smuggling activities, demonstrating the importance of natural forces in the smugglers’ world.

What is the meaning of the term “lander”?

A person who owns a ship
A person who works on a ship
A person involved in smuggling goods
A person who lives by the sea

Correct Answer: A person involved in smuggling goods

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “lander” is frequently used in the text to refer to individuals involved in the smuggling of goods, specifically those who land the contraband on the shore.

What is the meaning of the term “revenue men”?

Men who work for the king
Men who collect taxes
Men who enforce laws against smuggling
All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The revenue men were officers who worked for the government, collecting taxes and enforcing laws, particularly those related to smuggling, making them antagonists in the story.

What is the meaning of the term “posse”?

A group of smugglers
A group of soldiers
A group of people called upon to help enforce the law
A group of villagers

Correct Answer: A group of people called upon to help enforce the law

Correct Answer Explanation: A posse is a group of people assembled to assist in enforcing the law, often during a pursuit of criminals, as seen in the novel when Mr. Maskew gathers a posse to capture Elzevir and John.

What is the meaning of the term “gauger”?

A person who measures goods
A person who collects taxes
A person who enforces laws
A person who owns a ship

Correct Answer: A person who measures goods

Correct Answer Explanation: A gauger was a person who measured the quantity of goods, especially alcoholic beverages, to determine the amount of taxes to be paid, highlighting the role of government oversight in trade.

What is the meaning of the term “ketch”?

A type of ship with two masts
A type of ship with three masts
A type of ship with four masts
A type of boat with a single mast

Correct Answer: A type of ship with two masts

Correct Answer Explanation: A ketch is a type of sailing ship with two masts, the mainmast being taller than the foremast, showcasing the variety of ships used for maritime travel and trade in the novel’s era.

What is the meaning of the term “lugger”?

A type of ship with two masts
A type of ship with a single mast
A type of ship with three masts
A type of boat with a single sail

Correct Answer: A type of ship with a single mast

Correct Answer Explanation: A lugger is a type of sailing ship with a single mast and a large sail, showcasing the variety of ships used for maritime travel and trade in the novel’s era.

What is the meaning of the term “schooner”?

A type of ship with two masts
A type of ship with a single mast
A type of ship with four masts
A type of boat with two sails

Correct Answer: A type of ship with two masts

Correct Answer Explanation: A schooner is a type of sailing ship with two or more masts, showcasing the variety of ships used for maritime travel and trade in the novel’s era.

What is the meaning of the term “privateer”?

A ship owned by the government
A ship owned by a private individual
A ship authorized to attack enemy ships during wartime
A ship used for smuggling

Correct Answer: A ship authorized to attack enemy ships during wartime

Correct Answer Explanation: A privateer is a privately owned ship that is authorized by a government to attack enemy ships during wartime, demonstrating the historical context of the novel and the role of privateers in maritime conflicts.

What is the meaning of the term “slob”?

A type of ship
A type of boat
A muddy or boggy area of land
A type of fish

Correct Answer: A muddy or boggy area of land

Correct Answer Explanation: A slob refers to a muddy or boggy area of land, often found near the coast, highlighting the environment and terrain where the smugglers operate.

What is the meaning of the term “tack”?

A type of ship
The direction a ship is headed relative to the wind
A part of a ship’s rigging
A type of sail

Correct Answer: The direction a ship is headed relative to the wind

Correct Answer Explanation: The term “tack” refers to the direction a sailing ship is headed relative to the wind, showcasing the nautical knowledge and skills required for navigating the sea in the novel.

What is the meaning of the term “wearing”?

A type of ship
A type of sail
A maneuver in which a ship turns its stern towards the wind
A type of knot used in rigging

Correct Answer: A maneuver in which a ship turns its stern towards the wind

Correct Answer Explanation: “Wearing” refers to a maneuver in which a sailing ship turns its stern towards the wind, showcasing the nautical knowledge and skills required for navigating the sea in the novel.

What is the meaning of the term “broached-to”?

A type of ship
A type of sail
A type of knot used in rigging
A maneuver in which a ship is turned into the wind with the sails partially furled to reduce speed and prevent the ship from capsizing

Correct Answer: A maneuver in which a ship is turned into the wind with the sails partially furled to reduce speed and prevent the ship from capsizing

Correct Answer Explanation: “Broached-to” refers to a maneuver in which a sailing ship is turned into the wind with the sails partially furled to reduce speed and prevent the ship from capsizing, showcasing the nautical knowledge and skills required for navigating the sea in the novel.

What is the meaning of the term “under-tow”?

A type of ship
A type of sail
A strong current of water that flows back out to sea after a wave breaks on the shore
A type of fish

Correct Answer: A strong current of water that flows back out to sea after a wave breaks on the shore

Correct Answer Explanation: “Under-tow” refers to the strong current of water that flows back out to sea after a wave breaks on the shore, highlighting the dangers faced by smugglers who navigate the waters near the coast.

What is the meaning of the term “snout”?

A type of ship
A type of sail
A type of fish
A prominent headland or point of land jutting out into the sea

Correct Answer: A prominent headland or point of land jutting out into the sea

Correct Answer Explanation: “Snout” refers to a prominent headland or point of land jutting out into the sea, highlighting the geographic features of the coastal landscape where the smugglers operate.

What event in the novel demonstrates the ruthlessness of the revenue men?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
David Block’s death
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: David Block’s death

Correct Answer Explanation: David Block’s death, caused by a shot fired from the Elector Schooner, is a brutal event that exemplifies the ruthlessness of the revenue men and the consequences of their pursuit of smugglers.

What event in the novel demonstrates the greed and ruthlessness of Mr. Maskew?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
David Block’s death
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: The auction of the Why Not? Inn

Correct Answer Explanation: The auction of the Why Not? Inn, where Mr. Maskew exploits the situation to increase the rent to an exorbitant price, highlights his greed and willingness to take advantage of others for his own gain.

What event in the novel highlights the risks and dangers of smuggling?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
John and Elzevir’s escape from Hoar Head
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: John and Elzevir’s escape from Hoar Head

Correct Answer Explanation: John and Elzevir’s daring escape from Hoar Head, a location used by the smugglers, highlights the risks and dangers involved in smuggling, as they evade capture and face potential harm.

What event in the novel exemplifies the relentless pursuit of the revenue men?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
John and Elzevir’s escape from Hoar Head
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: The pursuit of Elzevir and John

Correct Answer Explanation: The relentless pursuit of Elzevir and John by the revenue men, who are determined to apprehend them and stop the smuggling operation, showcases the persistent threat and dangers faced by those involved.

What event in the novel represents the desire for riches and the dangers that accompany it?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
The search for Blackbeard’s treasure
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: The search for Blackbeard’s treasure

Correct Answer Explanation: The search for Blackbeard’s treasure, driven by the desire for wealth and the potential for fortune, highlights the dangers and risks associated with greed and the pursuit of hidden riches.

What event in the novel highlights the dangers of ambition and the potential for betrayal, even among those who have a common goal?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
The search for Blackbeard’s treasure
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer Explanation: The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house, where alliances are tested and betrayal occurs in the pursuit of the treasure, emphasizes the dangers of ambition and the potential for betrayal, even among those who share a common goal.

What event in the novel emphasizes the ultimate cost of the smuggling operation and the risks involved?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
Elzevir’s death
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: Elzevir’s death

Correct Answer Explanation: Elzevir’s death, a tragic consequence of his involvement in the smuggling operation, underscores the high cost of the illegal trade and the risks faced by those involved.

What event in the novel reflects the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of home?

The auction of the Why Not? Inn
The pursuit of Elzevir and John
John’s return to Moonfleet
The confrontation in the Carisbrooke Castle well-house

Correct Answer: John’s return to Moonfleet

Correct Answer Explanation: John’s return to Moonfleet, after his adventures and experiences, represents the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of home, even after journeys and challenges.

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