What year was “Widdershins” written?
- 1905
- 1911
- 1920
- 1925
Correct Answer: 1911
Correct Answer Explanation: “Widdershins” was written in 1911 and published the same year. It’s a chilling tale set in early 20th-century London.
Who is the protagonist of “Widdershins”?
- John Oleron
- Paul Oleron
- Mark Oleron
- Peter Oleron
Correct Answer: Paul Oleron
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is the protagonist of “Widdershins,” a writer who rents the mysterious old house and becomes obsessed with its secrets.
Which profession does the protagonist, Paul Oleron, hold?
- Artist
- Doctor
- Teacher
- Writer
Correct Answer: Writer
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is a writer who has been working for 20 years. He is struggling to complete his novel, “Romilly Bishop,” while living in the haunted house.
Where is the old house in “Widdershins” located?
- Paris
- New York City
- London
- Edinburgh
Correct Answer: London
Correct Answer Explanation: “Widdershins” is set in London, England, where Paul Oleron rents a mysterious old house that becomes his obsession.
Why does Paul Oleron choose to rent the old house?
- To escape the city
- To find inspiration for his writing
- To investigate its history
- It’s the only place he could afford
Correct Answer: It’s the only place he could afford
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is struggling financially, and the old house, despite its unsettling atmosphere, is the only affordable option for him.
How does Paul Oleron become increasingly obsessed with the house?
- He finds a hidden treasure inside
- He discovers a family secret
- He experiences strange and unsettling events
- He falls in love with a ghost
Correct Answer: He experiences strange and unsettling events
Correct Answer Explanation: The old house is filled with strange occurrences, from a nail reappearing after being removed to a woman’s hair brushing in the darkness. These unsettling experiences fuel Oleron’s obsession.
Who is Elsie Bengough?
- Oleron’s sister
- Oleron’s landlord
- Oleron’s friend
- Oleron’s wife
Correct Answer: Oleron’s friend
Correct Answer Explanation: Elsie Bengough is a friend of Paul Oleron, a journalist who supports herself through disguised advertising. She is also romantically interested in Oleron, but he remains oblivious.
How does Paul Oleron’s obsession with the house affect his mental health?
- It leads to a breakdown
- It makes him more confident
- It improves his writing
- It helps him get rich
Correct Answer: It leads to a breakdown
Correct Answer Explanation: Oleron’s obsession with the house becomes all-consuming, leading him to neglect his basic needs and eventually spiral into madness. He becomes paranoid and isolated, convinced that the house is haunted.
What is the “Beckoning Fair One”?
- A character in Oleron’s novel
- A ghostly figure in the house
- A secret society in the neighborhood
- A song Oleron hears often
Correct Answer: A song Oleron hears often
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Beckoning Fair One” is a song that Oleron often hears in the house, especially at night. It’s a haunting melody that contributes to the unsettling atmosphere.
When does Paul Oleron decide to move into the old house?
- He’s in a rush to get a new place
- He discovers a hidden room
- After seeing the ghost
- It’s the only place he can afford
Correct Answer: It’s the only place he can afford
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is desperate for a place to live and the old house, despite its reputation and unsettling atmosphere, is the most affordable option for him.
How old is Paul Oleron?
- 34
- 44
- 54
- 64
Correct Answer: 44
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is 44 years old, a writer struggling to make ends meet, and is increasingly susceptible to the influence of the old house.
Where does Paul Oleron hear the sound of someone brushing their hair?
- His bedroom
- The attic
- The basement
- The kitchen
Correct Answer: The attic
Correct Answer Explanation: The sound of a woman brushing her hair in the darkness is a recurring and unsettling event for Oleron, specifically in the attic of the house.
Which of these is a key theme in “Widdershins”?
- The power of love
- The search for lost treasure
- The importance of social media
- The fragility of sanity
Correct Answer: The fragility of sanity
Correct Answer Explanation: “Widdershins” explores the dangers of unchecked obsession and the fragility of sanity. Oleron’s descent into madness is driven by his preoccupation with the house and its haunting phenomena.
What type of lock does Paul Oleron purchase for his door?
- A padlock
- A deadbolt
- A Yale lock
- A chain lock
Correct Answer: A Yale lock
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron purchases a Yale lock for his door to separate his quarters from the rest of the house and to create some sense of security within the unsettling atmosphere.
Who is Madley?
- Paul Oleron’s landlord
- Elsie Bengough’s brother
- A former tenant of the house
- The ghost of the house
Correct Answer: A former tenant of the house
Correct Answer Explanation: Madley was the previous tenant of the house, an artist who died under mysterious circumstances, possibly from starvation. His presence is felt throughout the story, contributing to the unsettling atmosphere.
How long has the house been empty before Paul Oleron rents it?
- Two years
- Five years
- Ten years
- Twelve years
Correct Answer: Twelve years
Correct Answer Explanation: The house has been vacant for 12 years, lending to its unsettling and mysterious aura.
What are the “mushroom-shaped wooden wig-stands” that Oleron finds in the house?
- A type of antique furniture
- A strange, unusual item for the time period
- A hint at the house’s previous occupants
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The mushroom-shaped wooden wig-stands are a strange and unusual item for the time period, hinting at the previous occupants of the house. This adds to the mystery of the house and its history.
What does the “To Let” board outside the house signify?
- The house is always for rent
- The house is a terrible place
- The house is not a good investment
- No one wants to live there
Correct Answer: The house is always for rent
Correct Answer Explanation: The “To Let” board has been standing outside the house for as long as the residents can remember, suggesting a cycle of tenants who cannot endure the unsettling atmosphere of the house.
Why is the house considered a bad investment?
- It is located in a dangerous neighborhood
- It is too expensive to maintain
- It is too large and inconvenient
- It has a bad reputation
Correct Answer: It has a bad reputation
Correct Answer Explanation: The house has a reputation for being haunted, making it a bad investment. The old house is constantly being offered for sale, but no one wants to buy it due to the unsettling events associated with it.
When does Paul Oleron start to experience agoraphobia?
- When he moves into the old house
- After the first ghost sighting
- When he gets bad news
- After he gets his new lock
Correct Answer: When he moves into the old house
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron has an increasing fear of open spaces after he moves into the old house. He feels increasingly anxious and isolated, contributing to his deteriorating mental state.
What does Paul Oleron find in the house’s window-boxes?
- A collection of rare books
- A secret stash of money
- A hidden compartment
- A dead rat
Correct Answer: A hidden compartment
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron discovers a hidden compartment in the house’s window-boxes. The finding adds to the mysterious nature of the house and his growing obsession with its secrets.
Who does Paul Oleron blame for the strange happenings in the house?
- Himself
- The ghosts
- His neighbors
- The previous tenant
Correct Answer: The ghosts
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is convinced that the house is haunted and attributes the strange occurrences to the presence of ghosts. He becomes increasingly isolated and paranoid, convinced that the house is filled with unseen forces.
What is Paul Oleron’s initial plan for his novel, “Romilly Bishop”?
- To finish it by the fall
- To write a romance novel
- To write a horror novel
- To write a thriller
Correct Answer: To finish it by the fall
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron initially intends to complete his novel by the fall, but his work slows down after he moves into the old house. The unsettling atmosphere and the growing obsession with the house’s secrets hinder his progress.
How many chapters of his novel does Paul Oleron complete before he decides to start over?
- Five
- Ten
- Fifteen
- Twenty
Correct Answer: Fifteen
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron completes 15 chapters of his novel, “Romilly Bishop,” before deciding to start over. This suggests that he is struggling to maintain focus and is losing his creative drive.
What is the name of the religious group that meets outside the house every Sunday?
- The Salvation Army
- The Holy Rollers
- The Barrett Group
- The Society of Friends
Correct Answer: The Barrett Group
Correct Answer Explanation: The Barrett Group is a group of religious people who hold a noisy meeting in the square outside Oleron’s house every Sunday. This contributes to the unsettling atmosphere of the neighborhood.
What is the main reason why Oleron’s finances are strained?
- He spends too much on gambling
- He spends too much on his hobbies
- He spends too much on rent and storage
- He spends too much on food
Correct Answer: He spends too much on rent and storage
Correct Answer Explanation: Oleron pays more than he can afford for his lodgings and storage, contributing to his financial strain. The old house, while affordable, still requires a significant portion of his income.
What is the significance of the “To Let” board outside the house?
- It’s a sign of the house’s value
- It’s a sign of the house’s history
- It’s a sign of the house’s reputation
- It’s a sign of the house’s age
Correct Answer: It’s a sign of the house’s reputation
Correct Answer Explanation: The “To Let” board outside the house has been standing for as long as the residents can remember, suggesting that no one wants to live there. It highlights the house’s bad reputation and unsettling atmosphere.
Why does Paul Oleron decide to start his novel, “Romilly Bishop,” over?
- He discovers a plot hole
- He feels the story is too predictable
- He is inspired by the house
- He’s convinced it’s haunted
Correct Answer: He is inspired by the house
Correct Answer Explanation: Oleron feels the house inspires his creativity and decides to start over with his novel, “Romilly Bishop.” The house’s unsettling atmosphere and strange occurrences seem to fuel his creative imagination.
What is the name of the street where the house is located?
- Ashworth Street
- Blackworth Street
- Grayworth Street
- Whiteworth Street
Correct Answer: Grayworth Street
Correct Answer Explanation: The house is located on Grayworth Street, a neighborhood in London with a bad reputation and unsettling atmosphere.
What does the “To Let” board outside the house indicate about its condition?
- It is newly built
- It is in disrepair
- It is well-maintained
- It is in high demand
Correct Answer: It is in disrepair
Correct Answer Explanation: The “To Let” board outside the house has been standing for years, suggesting the house is not in good condition and is often available for rent. It hints at the house’s dilapidated state, which contributes to the unsettling atmosphere.
What is the significance of the harp bag that Paul Oleron finds in the house?
- It is a symbol of the house’s history
- It is a symbol of the house’s music
- It is a symbol of the house’s haunting
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: The harp bag found by Paul Oleron is a symbol of the house’s history, its connection to music, and the haunting events that occur within its walls. It adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the house.
What happens to Paul Oleron’s work on his novel after he moves into the house?
- It becomes more focused
- It becomes more creative
- It slows down considerably
- It takes a new direction
Correct Answer: It slows down considerably
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron’s work on his novel, “Romilly Bishop,” significantly slows down after he moves into the house. The unsettling events and his growing obsession with the house consume his time and energy, hindering his creative progress.
What is the significance of the “Widdershins” title?
- It’s a direction associated with good luck
- It’s a direction associated with bad luck
- It’s a direction associated with good health
- It’s a direction associated with good fortune
Correct Answer: It’s a direction associated with bad luck
Correct Answer Explanation: The word “widdershins” refers to a direction opposite to the course of the sun, often associated with supernatural events and bad luck. The title foreshadows the unsettling occurrences and the protagonist’s descent into madness.
What is the source of the sound of hair brushing that Paul Oleron hears?
- A ghostly presence
- A hidden tenant
- A mechanical device
- The wind in the house
Correct Answer: A ghostly presence
Correct Answer Explanation: The sound of a woman brushing her hair is attributed to a ghostly presence in the attic, contributing to the haunting atmosphere of the house and fueling Oleron’s growing obsession.
Who is responsible for the letter accusing Paul Oleron of impropriety with Elsie Bengough?
- A jealous rival
- A disgruntled neighbor
- The ghost of the house
- It’s never revealed
Correct Answer: It’s never revealed
Correct Answer Explanation: The letter accusing Paul Oleron of impropriety with Elsie Bengough is never explained. This adds to the mystery surrounding the house and the people in the neighborhood.
What is the significance of the house’s history?
- It is a source of comfort
- It is a source of inspiration
- It is a source of fear
- It is a source of hope
Correct Answer: It is a source of fear
Correct Answer Explanation: The house’s history is filled with unsettling events and mysterious deaths, contributing to its reputation as a haunted place. The previous tenant, Madley, died under strange circumstances, adding to the fear and anxiety surrounding the house.
Why does Paul Oleron believe that the house is haunted?
- He feels a strange presence
- He hears strange noises
- He sees ghosts
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron experiences a combination of unsettling events, including feeling an unknown presence, hearing strange noises, and witnessing eerie apparitions, that lead him to believe that the house is haunted.
What is the significance of the “To Let” board being outside the house for so long?
- It indicates the house is a good investment
- It indicates the house is in high demand
- It indicates the house is in a good location
- It indicates the house has a bad reputation
Correct Answer: It indicates the house has a bad reputation
Correct Answer Explanation: The fact that the “To Let” board has been outside the house for years suggests that no one wants to live there. It highlights the house’s unsettling atmosphere and its reputation for being haunted.
What is the name of Paul Oleron’s novel?
- The House on Grayworth Street
- The Haunting of Grayworth Street
- Romilly Bishop
- Widdershins
Correct Answer: Romilly Bishop
Correct Answer Explanation: Paul Oleron is working on a novel titled “Romilly Bishop,” but his progress is hindered by his obsession with the house and his deteriorating mental state.
What is the name of the old folk song that is sung to a harp in the house?
- The Beckoning Fair One
- The House on Grayworth Street
- The Haunted House
- The Ghost Song
Correct Answer: The Beckoning Fair One
Correct Answer Explanation: “The Beckoning Fair One” is an old folk song that Oleron hears often in the house, especially at night. It’s a haunting melody that contributes to the unsettling atmosphere.
What is the effect of the house on Paul Oleron?
- It inspires him
- It calms him
- It drives him mad
- It makes him rich
Correct Answer: It drives him mad
Correct Answer Explanation: The house’s unsettling atmosphere, strange occurrences, and mysterious history ultimately drive Paul Oleron to madness. His obsession with the house consumes him, leading to his paranoia and isolation.
What is the overall message of “Widdershins”?
- The importance of following your dreams
- The importance of taking care of your mental health
- The importance of being successful
- The importance of having a good job
Correct Answer: The importance of taking care of your mental health
Correct Answer Explanation: “Widdershins” serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health. Paul Oleron’s obsession with the house and his neglecting his well-being ultimately lead to his downfall.