The Loser Now Will Be Later To Win Quiz

Answer: He believed he experienced a divine calling

McGonagall decided to embark on a poetical career when, according to his own accounts, he experienced an epiphany or a moment of revelation when a voice urged him to 'write, write, write'. He, therefore, firmly believed that he was divinely inspired. This was the driving force which fuelled his passion, giving him an unwavering belief in his own ability and in his genius as a writer. Regardless of criticism and ridicule, he remained convinced of his literary greatness.

Answer: An umbrella

McGonagall when giving recitals of his poetry during public performances and attempting to sell it, was renowned for carrying an umbrella and not merely as a necessity. No, the reason he did so was to use it as a shield, protecting himself from the rotting fruit and various other objects that were thrown at him by hecklers. One street he used to frequent was Dundee's High Street.

However, he and his trusty umbrella travelled all over Dundee and beyond.

Answer: Knight of the White Elephant of Burmah

McGonagall gave himself the title 'William Topaz McGonagall Knight of the White Elephant of Burmah' after some pranksters, playing on his gullibility, sent him a fake letter supposedly from The King of Burma, appointing him as 'Knight of the White Elephant of Burmah'. McGonagall believed it to be genuine and proudly adopted it as a title for himself, including his middle name Topaz.

It inspired him all the more to write his poetry and reinforced his belief that he was divinely gifted.

Answer: He dismissed it and believed he was a great poet, calling his critics 'unjust'

McGonagall's reaction to his critics was dismissive and unapologetic. Despite being publicly ridiculed for his poetry and his public performances, he remained impervious to any form of criticism, believing that those who ridiculed him misunderstood and lacked awareness of his greatness or envied his talent. Undaunted, he seemed more determined to prove his worth as a great poet.

Indeed, he once walked from Dundee to Balmoral Castle to visit Queen Victoria hoping to gain her patronage. Alas, he was turned away at the gates!

Answer: Handloom weaver

For much of his early life, McGonagall worked as a handloom weaver, following in the footsteps of his father. The city of Dundee was a major hub for the Jute industry during the 1900s, earning it the nickname 'Jutapolis'. Dundee's numerous Jute mills were central to the city's economy and for providing their employees, such as McGonagall, a means of income.

However, following the invention of mechanisation, the need for handloom weavers declined.

Answer: Dundee

McGonagall's birthplace appears to be a bit of a mystery. Both of his parents were Irish. He, himself, claimed to have been born in Edinburgh in 1825. However, census records suggest that his place of birth might have been Ireland. One possibility is that he changed his birthplace to gain better treatment under Scotland's Poor Law.

He wrote many of his poems about Dundee, reflecting his love for the city which was close to his heart.

Answer: Because of his awkward rhymes, erratic rhythms, and literal approach to language

William McGonagall earned the title of the 'Worst Poet in the English Language'. This title was given because of his very peculiar style of writing which was marked by forced rhymes, irregular metre and lack of literary sophistication. Despite the harsh criticism he was subjected to, his determination and conviction were unscathed. Consequently, he continued in his quest to achieve the literary credit he believed he deserved until he died in 1902.

Answer: Jean King

William McGonagall married his wife, Jean King, on July 11th, 1846 in Dundee. Jean who originally came from Stirling, was a fellow mill worker. Despite the financial struggles they faced and the public ridicule of McGonagall's poetry, Jean remained a part of his life throughout their lives. The couple had seven children together during their marriage.

Answer: Asperger's Syndrome

Some psychologists, researchers, and historians have speculated that McGonagall may have had Asperger's Syndrome or another condition on the autism spectrum. This is based on his rigid style of writing and repetition of certain phrases and structures.

He also struggled with understanding social reactions and clues and would recite his poems even when audiences mocked him and pelted him with objects. He lacked empathy too, struggling to respond to the emotions of other people. These are traits which are associated with the condition.

Answer: The Tay Rail Bridge

Following the collapse of Dundee's Tay Rail Bridge during a violent storm in 1879, McGonagall decided to pen a poem about it. This he entitled 'The Tay Bridge Disaster'. It relates the story of how the bridge succumbed to the storm's heavy winds while a train travelling from Wormit to Dundee was crossing it. The estimated death toll was 59-75 people, but only 46 bodies were recovered.