In “A Fragment of Life”, what was Edward Darnell’s annual income?
- £140
- £158
- £300
- £100
Correct Answer: £140
Correct Answer Explanation: Edward Darnell, the main character in “A Fragment of Life,” supplemented his income with extra work, but his base income was £140 a year.
Which short story by Arthur Machen served as inspiration for “A Fragment of Life”?
- The Inmost Light
- The White People
- The Double Return
- Resurrectio Mortuorum
Correct Answer: Resurrectio Mortuorum
Correct Answer Explanation: Machen drew inspiration for his “A Fragment of Life” story from an earlier short story he wrote called “Resurrectio Mortuorum”, which also explores themes of resurrection and the supernatural.
What was the approximate population of the village in Dr. Phillips’s narrative?
- 200 souls
- 500 souls
- 1000 souls
- 1500 souls
Correct Answer: 500 souls
Correct Answer Explanation: In Dr. Phillips’s narrative, the village is described as having a population of roughly 500 souls, highlighting its small size and close-knit community.
What was the name of the pub in Harlesden that features in “The Inmost Light”?
- The Turpin’s Head
- The General Gordon
- The Palace
- The City Temple
Correct Answer: The General Gordon
Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Inmost Light,” the pub in Harlesden is specifically identified as The General Gordon, where Dr. Black and his wife have a fateful encounter.
In “The White People,” what is the estimated age of Mrs. Beaumont’s claret?
- 500 years
- 1000 years
- 1500 years
- 1700 years
Correct Answer: 1000 years
Correct Answer Explanation: Mrs. Beaumont boasts about her claret, claiming it to be 1000 years old, showcasing her eccentric personality and her interest in the past.
What is the term used by Machen to represent a form of powerful sorcery?
- Voo
- Shib-show
- Tole Deol
- Askēsis
Correct Answer: Shib-show
Correct Answer Explanation: “Shib-show,” a term likely invented by Machen, represents a form of powerful sorcery, highlighting the occult and the mysterious practices that are present in the stories.
What is the name of the fictional language mentioned in the stories, often associated with the White People?
- Tole Deol
- Xu language
- Ægipan
- Neumata inferorum
Correct Answer: Xu language
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Xu language” is a fictional language mentioned in the stories, particularly in “The White People,” representing a mysterious and ancient language associated with the occult.
Which of these was NOT mentioned as a place where Machen’s father worked, researching old deeds?
- The British Museum
- The Record Office
- The City Temple
- The Palace
Correct Answer: The City Temple
Correct Answer Explanation: Machen’s father worked at the British Museum and the Record Office, researching old deeds. The City Temple is a non-conformist church mentioned in “A Fragment of Life” and not related to Machen’s father’s work.
Which publication did Robert Nixon use to explain the strange whistles his wife heard as the sounds of a rare bird?
- Blackwood
- World Wide Stores
- The Hertfordshire Naturalist
- The City Temple
Correct Answer: The Hertfordshire Naturalist
Correct Answer Explanation: Robert Nixon used a publication called The Hertfordshire Naturalist to try to convince his wife that the whistles she heard were simply the sounds of a rare bird, highlighting his manipulation and his desire to control her perception.
In “The White People”, what phrase does Machen use to describe the city of Syon?
- City of the Cup
- The City of Light
- City of the Lost
- City of Whispers
Correct Answer: City of the Cup
Correct Answer Explanation: In “The White People”, Machen uses the phrase “City of the Cup” to describe the city of Syon, suggesting its mystical and magical nature, and referencing the themes of the occult and the hidden realm.
What is the name of the wood containing the Holy Well in “The White People”?
- Wistman’s Wood
- The City Temple
- The General Gordon
- The Tole Deol
Correct Answer: Wistman’s Wood
Correct Answer Explanation: Wistman’s Wood is the name of the wood containing the Holy Well in “The White People”, showcasing its importance in the story and its connection to the occult and the magical world.
What was the name of the non-conformist church in London that Alice and her young man attended in “A Fragment of Life”?
- The City Temple
- The General Gordon
- The Palace
- The Turpin’s Head
Correct Answer: The City Temple
Correct Answer Explanation: In “A Fragment of Life,” Alice and her young man attend The City Temple, a non-conformist church in London, highlighting the religious aspect of the story and the characters’ belief systems.
What was the cost of the “Raven” range in “A Fragment of Life”?
- £9. 7s. 6d.
- £8. 5s.
- £2.10
- £150
Correct Answer: £9. 7s. 6d.
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Raven” range, a type of stove, was priced at £9. 7s. 6d. in “A Fragment of Life,” showcasing the importance of household items and the economic struggles faced by the characters.
What was the duration of Dr. Black’s illness before his death?
- 3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 9 months
- 65 years
Correct Answer: 6 weeks
Correct Answer Explanation: Dr. Black, a prominent character in “The Inmost Light”, experienced a 6-week long illness before his death, highlighting the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise and the haunting themes of the story.
How old was Trevor when he experienced the second encounter with the “man in the wood”?
- 5 years old
- 12 years old
- 18 years old
- 30 years old
Correct Answer: 18 years old
Correct Answer Explanation: Trevor, a character in Dr. Phillips’s narrative, encounters the “man in the wood” for the second time when he is 18 years old, highlighting the recurring themes of the supernatural and the impact of these encounters on individuals.
Which story was well-received by Oscar Wilde?
- The White People
- The Double Return
- The Great God Pan
- The Inmost Light
Correct Answer: The Double Return
Correct Answer Explanation: Oscar Wilde, a renowned playwright and author, praised “The Double Return,” one of the short stories in “The House of Souls,” for its quality and its exploration of the supernatural and the occult.
What was the name of the road referred to in “A Fragment of Life” as a place where one could buy affordable furniture?
- Seven Sisters Road
- The Tole Deol
- The General Gordon
- Wistman’s Wood
Correct Answer: Seven Sisters Road
Correct Answer Explanation: Seven Sisters Road is mentioned in “A Fragment of Life” as a place where one could buy affordable furniture, highlighting the economic realities and the mundane aspects of the characters’ lives.
How old was Helen Vaughan when she first encountered the “man in the wood”?
- 5 years old
- 12 years old
- 18 years old
- 30 years old
Correct Answer: 5 years old
Correct Answer Explanation: Helen Vaughan, a key character in Dr. Phillips’s narrative, first encounters the “man in the wood” at the young age of 5, marking the beginning of her involvement with the supernatural and the mysterious events in the story.
What is the term likely invented by Machen, referring to a place associated with the dancing people and the hill in the wild land?
- Voo
- Tole Deol
- Xu language
- Shib-show
Correct Answer: Tole Deol
Correct Answer Explanation: “Tole Deol,” likely a term invented by Machen, refers to a place associated with the dancing people and the hill in the wild land, highlighting the mysterious and supernatural aspects of the story.
What is the estimated age of the Roman walls at Caermaen, as mentioned in the stories?
- 500 years
- 1000 years
- 1500 years
- 1700 years
Correct Answer: 1700 years
Correct Answer Explanation: The Roman walls at Caermaen are estimated to be 1700 years old, highlighting the historical and archaeological context of the stories and their connection to the past.
What was the name of the store mentioned in “A Fragment of Life” as a place where the Darnells bought Australian mutton?
- World Wide Stores
- The General Gordon
- The City Temple
- Wistman’s Wood
Correct Answer: World Wide Stores
Correct Answer Explanation: The Darnells, the main characters in “A Fragment of Life”, are mentioned as buying Australian mutton from World Wide Stores, showcasing the everyday aspects of their lives and the economic realities of the time.
What was the name of the collection of mysterious songs mentioned in “The White People” that also features in other Machen stories?
- The Hidden Songs of Iolo Sant
- The Song of the City of the Cup
- The Song of the Tole Deol
- The Song of the Xu Language
Correct Answer: The Hidden Songs of Iolo Sant
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Hidden Songs of Iolo Sant” is a collection of mysterious songs mentioned in “The White People” and also appearing in other Machen stories, showcasing the recurring themes of the occult and the hidden knowledge present in his work.
In which story does a strange woman’s face seen at a window foreshadow her death?
- The White People
- The Inmost Light
- The Double Return
- A Fragment of Life
Correct Answer: The Inmost Light
Correct Answer Explanation: In “The Inmost Light,” the story of Dr. Black and his wife features a strange woman’s face seen at a window, foreshadowing her death and revealing a terrifying truth about the nature of her being.
How old was Arthur Meyrick when he died?
- 17 or 18 years old
- 18 years old
- 30 years old
- 65 years old
Correct Answer: 30 years old
Correct Answer Explanation: Arthur Meyrick, a character in “The White People,” dies at the relatively young age of 30, showcasing the tragic aspects of the story and the impact of the supernatural on individuals.
What was the term used by Machen to critique the artistic movement of Aestheticism?
- Shib-show
- Voo
- The unclean cult of the sunflower
- The Hidden Songs of Iolo Sant
Correct Answer: The unclean cult of the sunflower
Correct Answer Explanation: Machen used the phrase “the unclean cult of the sunflower” to criticize the artistic movement of Aestheticism, which he viewed as unhealthy and un-English, reflecting his own views and artistic preferences.
What is the length of time between Dr. Raymond’s experiment on Mary and the birth of Helen Vaughan?
- 3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 9 months
- 12 years
Correct Answer: 9 months
Correct Answer Explanation: In Dr. Phillips’s narrative, the time between Dr. Raymond’s experiment on Mary and the birth of Helen Vaughan is 9 months, linking these events and raising questions about the nature of Helen’s existence and the supernatural aspects of the story.
What was the amount of Aunt Marian’s gift to Mary for her birthday?
- £100
- £150
- £300
- £140
Correct Answer: £100
Correct Answer Explanation: In “A Fragment of Life,” Aunt Marian, a wealthy relative of the Darnells, gives Mary a birthday gift of £100, showcasing her generosity and her financial support for the family.
Which of these is NOT a story within “The House of Souls”?
- The Inmost Light
- The White People
- The Great God Pan
- The Dancing People
Correct Answer: The Dancing People
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Dancing People” is not a story within “The House of Souls” but is a recurring motif and a popular folklore tale used in other Machen stories.
What was the price of coal in “A Fragment of Life”, the cheapest available?
- 18 shillings a ton
- £2.10
- £8. 5s.
- £9. 7s. 6d.
Correct Answer: 18 shillings a ton
Correct Answer Explanation: In “A Fragment of Life,” the cheapest available coal was priced at 18 shillings a ton, highlighting the economic struggles faced by the characters and their need to make careful choices about their spending.
What is the term used to describe the confused and often nonsensical mixing of words and concepts, typically in the context of colonial encounters?
- Shib-show
- Tole Deol
- Xu language
- Hobson-Jobson
Correct Answer: Hobson-Jobson
Correct Answer Explanation: “Hobson-Jobson” is a term that describes the confused and often nonsensical mixing of words and concepts, typically in the context of colonial encounters, reflecting the broader historical context of the stories and the influence of colonialism on language and culture.
What was the annual cost of rates and taxes for the Darnells’ house in “A Fragment of Life”?
- £10
- £150
- £140
- £35
Correct Answer: £10
Correct Answer Explanation: The Darnells’ annual cost of rates and taxes for their house in “A Fragment of Life” was £10, showcasing the financial challenges they faced and their need to manage their expenses carefully.
What is the term used by Machen to represent the rhythms and melodies of hell?
- Shib-show
- Tole Deol
- Xu language
- Neumata inferorum
Correct Answer: Neumata inferorum
Correct Answer Explanation: “Neumata inferorum,” likely coined by Machen, refers to the rhythms and melodies of hell, highlighting his interest in the occult and his exploration of the supernatural through language and imagery.
Which magazine was a prominent literary journal in the 19th century, often known for its conservative and critical stance?
- The Hertfordshire Naturalist
- World Wide Stores
- Blackwood
- The General Gordon
Correct Answer: Blackwood
Correct Answer Explanation: Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine was a prominent literary journal in the 19th century, known for its conservative and critical stance, and Machen’s work was often reviewed in this magazine, showcasing the broader literary context of his writing.
What was the duration of Meyrick’s illness before his death in Buenos Ayres?
- 3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 9 months
- 12 years
Correct Answer: 3 weeks
Correct Answer Explanation: Arthur Meyrick, a character in “The White People,” experienced a 3-week long illness before his death in Buenos Ayres, highlighting the tragic aspects of the story and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his demise.
How old was Helen when she arrived at the village in Dr. Phillips’s narrative?
- 5 years old
- 12 years old
- 18 years old
- 30 years old
Correct Answer: 12 years old
Correct Answer Explanation: In Dr. Phillips’s narrative, Helen arrives at the village at the age of 12, marking the beginning of her involvement with the supernatural and the mysterious events that unfold in the story.
What is the term used by Machen to represent a mystical, ethereal realm?
- Tole Deol
- Xu language
- Shib-show
- Voo
Correct Answer: Voo
Correct Answer Explanation: “Voo,” likely a word invented by Machen, represents a mystical, ethereal realm, showcasing his use of language to create a sense of wonder and mystery in his writing.
What was the amount of money Aunt Marian offered to pay for living with the Darnells?
- £100
- £150
- £300
- £140
Correct Answer: £150
Correct Answer Explanation: In “A Fragment of Life,” Aunt Marian offered to pay £150 a year for living with the Darnells, highlighting the financial aspects of the story and the characters’ reliance on her support.
Which of these is a dish of meat, usually chicken, often cooked in a rich sauce?
- Shib-show
- Tole Deol
- Salmi
- Voo
Correct Answer: Salmi
Correct Answer Explanation: “Salmi” is a dish of meat, usually chicken, often cooked in a rich sauce, showcasing the culinary aspects of the stories and the characters’ everyday experiences.
What was the amount of Mary Darnell’s inheritance from her godfather?
- £100
- £150
- £300
- £140
Correct Answer: £300
Correct Answer Explanation: Mary Darnell, a character in “A Fragment of Life,” received an inheritance of £300 from her godfather, showcasing her financial stability and the influence of wealth on her life.
What was the name of the place mentioned in “The White People” as a place associated with the hill where the dancing people meet?
- The Tole Deol
- The City Temple
- Wistman’s Wood
- The General Gordon
Correct Answer: The Tole Deol
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Tole Deol” is mentioned in “The White People” as a place associated with the hill where the dancing people meet, highlighting the mysterious and supernatural aspects of the story.
What is the practice of self-discipline and spiritual training, often involving austerity and denial?
- Shib-show
- Voo
- Askēsis
- Tole Deol
Correct Answer: Askēsis
Correct Answer Explanation: “Askēsis” is a practice of self-discipline and spiritual training, often involving austerity and denial, showcasing the themes of spiritual exploration and the pursuit of the “inmost light” present in the stories.
What is the mythological creature, often depicted as a goat-like god of the woods and fields, associated with pagan rituals and the supernatural?
- Shib-show
- Tole Deol
- Ægipan
- Xu language
Correct Answer: Ægipan
Correct Answer Explanation: “Ægipan” is a mythological creature, often depicted as a goat-like god of the woods and fields, associated with pagan rituals and the supernatural, showcasing the mythological and folklore elements present in Machen’s stories.
What was the price of the “Glow” range in “A Fragment of Life”?
- £2.10
- £8. 5s.
- £9. 7s. 6d.
- £150
Correct Answer: £8. 5s.
Correct Answer Explanation: In “A Fragment of Life”, the “Glow” range, another type of stove, was priced at £8. 5s., showcasing the characters’ consideration of different options and their attempts to manage their expenses.
What was the name of the pub in Totteridge mentioned in connection with Robert Nixon and his wife?
- The Turpin’s Head
- The General Gordon
- The City Temple
- The Palace
Correct Answer: The Turpin’s Head
Correct Answer Explanation: The “Turpin’s Head” is a pub in Totteridge mentioned in connection with Robert Nixon and his wife, showcasing the social aspects of the story and the characters’ interactions within their community.
What was the name of the review of Keats that Machen cited as an example of how evil manifests in a hatred of the good?
- Blackwood
- The City Temple
- The General Gordon
- The Hertfordshire Naturalist
Correct Answer: Blackwood
Correct Answer Explanation: Machen referenced a review of Keats in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine as an example of how evil manifests in a hatred of the good, showcasing his views on the nature of evil and the importance of recognizing its presence in the world.
What was the name of the system of medicine that uses small doses of substances that would cause symptoms of the disease being treated?
- Shib-show
- Tole Deol
- Voo
- Homœopathy
Correct Answer: Homœopathy
Correct Answer Explanation: Homœopathy, a system of medicine that uses small doses of substances that would cause symptoms of the disease being treated, is mentioned in the stories, showcasing the characters’ interest in alternative medicine and their exploration of different approaches to health and well-being.
What was the amount of the Darnells’ total annual income, including Aunt Marian’s gift?
- £140
- £158
- £300
- £100
Correct Answer: £158
Correct Answer Explanation: The Darnells’ total annual income, including Aunt Marian’s gift, was £158 a year, showcasing their financial situation and their reliance on external support to make ends meet.
What was the name of the popular attraction in south London that is mentioned in the stories?
- The Palace
- The City Temple
- The General Gordon
- The Turpin’s Head
Correct Answer: The Palace
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Palace,” referring to Crystal Palace in south London, was a popular attraction in the 19th century and is mentioned in the stories, showcasing the historical context and the characters’ awareness of their surroundings.
What was Arthur Machen’s early writing style before venturing into a modern writing style in the late 1880s?
- A more archaic and ornate style
- A more minimalist and direct style
- A more conversational and informal style
- A more experimental and avant-garde style
Correct Answer: A more archaic and ornate style
Correct Answer Explanation: Arthur Machen’s early writing style was characterized by a more archaic and ornate style, reflecting the literary trends of the time and his own artistic preferences, before he transitioned to a more modern writing style in the late 1880s.