FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!
Collins Wilkie Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
Collins Wilkie Quizzes, Trivia

Wilkie Collins Trivia

Wilkie Collins Trivia Quizzes

  1. Home
  2. »
  3. Quizzes
  4. »
  5. Literature Trivia
  6. »
  7. Authors A-C

Fun Trivia
William Wilkie Collins is often said to have written the first modern detective novel in the English language, with "The Moonstone" (1868). His headstone, however, describes him as the author of "The Woman in White" (1859).
4 Wilkie Collins quizzes and 45 Wilkie Collins trivia questions.
1.
  "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
"The Woman in White" is a gem. It was published in 1860 and yet it is still an exciting mystery with intrigue and perhaps even murder. I have tried not to put too many spoilers in the quiz.
Average, 15 Qns, felinevan, Sep 07 08
Average
felinevan
587 plays
2.
  Under the Moonstone    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Answer these 10 questions based upon the 1868 Wilkie Collins novel "The Moonstone". Some plot points of this early mystery novel will be revealed, but I will try to avoid giving the solution.
Average, 10 Qns, bernie73, Apr 25 23
Average
bernie73 gold member
Apr 25 23
205 plays
3.
  The Woman in White - Who Said What?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins, is a mystery told from a number of different viewpoints, keeping the reader guessing throughout. See if you can match the characteristic quote in each question to the relevant book character.
Average, 10 Qns, wordpie, Sep 07 08
Average
wordpie gold member
289 plays
4.
  "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins    
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Based on the book "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins.
Tough, 10 Qns, vernersa27, Sep 07 08
Tough
vernersa27
395 plays
trivia question Quick Question
To whom did the Colonel leave the moonstone?

From Quiz ""The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins"




Related Topics
  British Literature [Literature] (49 quizzes)

  Literature Before 1900 [Literature] (50 quizzes)

  Mystery & Detective Fiction [Literature] (105 quizzes)


Wilkie Collins Trivia Questions

1. In the novel "The Moonstone", the titular object is not actually the semi-precious gem of the same name. What is it instead?

From Quiz
Under the Moonstone

Answer: A diamond

The moonstone is a yellow diamond that (in the context of the story) has become associated with Chandra, the Hindu goddess of the moon. In the story, the moonstone is given a history--going back several hundred years--that suggests a famous gem such as the Hope Diamond. The "wicked" Colonel Herncastle has managed to acquire the Moonstone by underhanded means. The story also introduces an order of guardians for the diamond who are seeking to reclaim it. Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English author who may be best known for "The Moonstone" and "The Woman in White" (1859).

2. What is the actual type of gem the moonstone is?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Yellow Diamond

The traditions behind the name include having been set in the forehead of an Indian god who typified the moon; also its lustre was said to grow and fade with the waxing and waning of the moon.

3. "I said that my life belonged to my dear Walter, for the rest of my days - and so it does. I said that I should never be happy again till I had found the opportunity of doing a good Something for Walter." Which chirpy character says this?

From Quiz The Woman in White - Who Said What?

Answer: Professor Pesca

Pesca, the enthusiastic Italian teacher who is devoted to his friend Walter, has a mysterious 'political' past which has forced him to leave his homeland. He plays an essential part in the early story as it is on his recommendation that Walter Hartright goes to Limmeridge House, Cumberland, as the drawing master. His devotion results in part from Walter having saved him from drowning in Brighton.

4. Who told our hero, Walter Hartright, about the position for a drawing master in Cumberland?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Professor Pesca

The diminutive Professor Pesca was a native of Italy who had left his country for political reasons. He played an important part in the beginning of the book as well as at the end of the book.

5. Near the beginning of "The Moonstone", Gabriel Betteredge relates why the book will be told from several points of view. What role does Betteredge have in the world of "The Moonstone"?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: He is the head servant of the manor.

In the text, Betteredge is described as the "house-steward", but in more modern terms I think we can consider him the butler. In the story we learn that the Moonstone has been gifted from Colonel Herncastle to his niece Rachel Verinder. Shortly after that, the Moonstone was stolen. In an account that was written about six months later, Betteredge says that Franklin Blake (cousin of Rachel) on the advice of the family solicitor, is instructing everyone that was present on the day the Moonstone was stolen to write their recollections as far as they remember and were present. It is his hope that gathering this information may lead to a chance of finding the Moonstone. In his account, Betteredge shows his high opinion of himself from when expresses public concern about being able to write his account, but privately expresses his confidence in doing so. This sort of novel--where we have the writings of several characters--is known as an epistolary novel. In such a novel, common forms of expression include diary entries and letters, although other types of documents such as newspaper clippings and official reports may also be used.

6. What god breathed the breath of his divinity on the moonstone?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Vishnu

After Vishnu did this he commanded that the moonstone be watched by the three priests in turn, day and night, until the end of the generations of men.

7. "It is the grand misfortune of my life that nobody will let me alone. The last annoyance that has assailed me is the annoyance of being called upon to write this Narrative." Which misanthropic character is responsible for this account?

From Quiz The Woman in White - Who Said What?

Answer: Frederick Fairlie

Frederick Fairlie tries to spend as much time as possible reclining in his room and looking at his art treasures. His account is forced from him but we only discover the circumstances later in the book. His indifference to and withdrawal from the outside world have a key part to play in the story, particularly with regard to his niece Laura's engagement to Sir Percival Glyde.

8. What is the name of the house in which Walter Hartwright teaches drawing to two sisters, in Cumberland?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Limmeridge House

Hartright took a 4 month job to teach Laura Fairlie and her sister drawing. His other duty was to restore "a valuable collection of drawings, which had been suffered to fall into a condition of total neglect." His employer was the owner of Limmeridge House, Frederick Fairlie, who was Laura's uncle.

9. Which member of the household has previously been caught as a thief?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: Rosanna Spearman

Rosanna, one of the maids, has only been with the household for a few months and is the newest member of the household. Lady Verinder had visited the reformatory where Rosanna was living after being released from prison for theft. Lady Verinder decided, upon consulting with the warden of the reformatory, that Rosanna might be turned from a life of crime by being placed in new surroundings, and hired her as a maid. She and Gabriel Betteredge are the only people who know about Rosanna's past. Rosanna generally gets along with the other members of the staff, according to Betteredge, but keeps to herself somewhat. Penelope Betteredge, daughter of Gabriel, is one of the parlor maids. Nancy (name not give) is one of the kitchen maids who has been sent to fetch Rosanna for dinner and presumably grumpy at delaying her own. Rachel Verinder is the daughter of the deceased owner of the house.

10. The narrator's purpose in telling this story is to explain what to his family?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Why he refuses the friendship of his cousin John

He suspected his cousin to have murdered three Indians, and of lying about having found/stolen the moonstone.

11. "They will tease me about dressing all in white - they say it looks so particular. How do they know? Mrs. Fairlie knew best." Which character from the book's title utters these lines?

From Quiz The Woman in White - Who Said What?

Answer: Anne Catherick

The mysterious Anne Catherick is revealed relatively early within the book as 'the Woman in White' who appeared and disappeared so mysteriously in the early chapters. Her true identity and ultimate fate are key plot points within the book.

12. Who did Walter Hartright fall in love with in Cumberland?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Laura Fairlie

Yes, Laura. A dumb blond if ever there was one. Her sister, Marian, was by far the more intelligent, witty, and engaging woman. So why'd he choose Laura? She was very beautiful.

13. What is the occasion described by Gabriel Betteredge when Colonel Herncastle attempts to see Rachel Verinder?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: Her birthday

Gabriel Betteredge relates that the Colonel visited the house to see Rachel on her birthday, the twenty-first of June. Winkie Collins indulges in some alliteration describing the Colonel as "wasted, and worn, ... wild and as wicked as ever". This occurs about eighteen months before the central part of the story, and about two years before Betteredge is recording the events. At that time, Lady Verinder, who is estranged from her brother, has Betteredge inform him that she and Rachel are unable to see him at that time.

14. How many beautiful Miss Herncastles are there?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Three

"If you know anything of the fashionable world, you have heard tell of the three beautiful Miss Herncastles. Miss Adelaide; Miss Caroline; and Miss Julia--this last being the youngest and the best of the three sisters, in my opinion;" -"The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

15. "A taste for sweets is the innocent taste of women and children. I love to share it with them - it is another bond, dear ladies, between you and me." Which obese character with pet white mice tries to charm the ladies here?

From Quiz The Woman in White - Who Said What?

Answer: Count Fosco

The oily, greedy and outwardly charming Count Fosco, with a seemingly endless appetite for desserts and sweets is a wonderful character. Right at the heart of most of the action, he is intelligent yet dangerous.

16. What was Marian Halcombe like?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: intelligent, but unattractive

Marian described herself this way in the book: "I am dark and ugly, and she [Laura] is fair and pretty." She doesn't go on to say how kind, witty, and intelligent she is as well. However, as you read the novel, all that becomes apparent.

17. After the death of the Colonel over a year after his previous visit, Franklin Blake has been assigned to deliver the Moonstone to Rachel Verinder. What is the relationship between the two?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: Franklin is the cousin of Rachel.

Franklin Blake is the cousin of Rachel and a playmate of hers when they were young. His father, seeking claim to a dukedom, has had Franklin educated abroad (first in Germany, and then in other countries). According to Betteredge, Franklin seems to have acquired a little knowledge of many things but expertise in none. Franklin's father had previously agreed to serve as the executor to the Colonel's will in return for the Colonel giving him some papers he had in his possession. One of the main clauses of the will is the delivery of the Moonstone to Rachel, with a reminder to Lady Verinder that the Colonel forgave her for refusing his visit somewhat previously.

18. What is the name of Gabriel's daughter?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Penelope

After five years of neither happy nor un-happy marriage, his wife died and left him with only his daughter Penelope, who when old enough became Rachel's maid.

19. "I am your old lawyer and old friend, and I may remind you, I am sure, without offence, of the possibility of your marrying Sir Percival Glyde." Which faithful family friend advises Laura with this line?

From Quiz The Woman in White - Who Said What?

Answer: Vincent Gilmore

The gentle family lawyer takes up the narrative where Walter Hartright leaves off. As any good family lawyer would, he offers few opinions but considers all the evidence laid before him as objectively as possible. The varying viewpoints of the narrators throughout the book make determining what is truly going on quite difficult until the final chapters of the book.

20. Why could Walter not marry the love of his life?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: She was already engaged to be married.

She was already engaged, and what's more, she was an heiress and he was a penniless drawing master.

21. Gabriel Betteredge elaborates on how the "gentlefolk" are often occupied in looking for something to do. On what sort of "gentlefolk" tastes does he elaborate?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: intellectual

He describes men and women with "tastes are of what is called the intellectual sort" as usually either torturing something or spoiling something. In the one case, they go to the woods to find a newt or similar creature to prod and poke and examine and dissect, etc. In the other case, they cut into something like a flower to see what gives it its color or its scent. In either case, the gentlefolk usually finish with a mess that needs to be cleaned by the servants. Franklin Blake and Rachel Verinder, who spend some time together during Blake's visit, may have tastes of the "intellectual sort" but Betteredge gives them a backhanded compliment by indicating that their pursuits--mostly artistic--only make a mess and largely avoid dissecting or spoiling anything.

22. Who was "the innocent means of bringing that unlucky jewel into the house"?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Mr. Franklin

Gabriel is the narrator when Mr. Franklin appears in the story.

23. What was Walter's love like? Besides beautiful, of course.

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Childlike and easily led.

Therein lies the only flaw in the book. Our Laura Fairlie while very sweet and attractive was not going to be invited to Mensa -- ever. What did Walter see in her??

24. Which defect does Gabriel Betteredge claim that Rachel Verinder possesses?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: She is strong-willed.

Betteredge says of Rachel "that she had ideas of her own ... it carried her ... too far." I must admit I wonder whether she would truly be described as too opinionated or if this more from the point of view of a Victorian male. Betteredge describes Rachel as "one of the prettiest girls your eyes ever looked on". He also states that she may choose not to answer a question, but she won't lie about it. As to keeping to herself, that was more a characteristic of the maid, Rosanna.

25. What is the name of the newest servant in the house?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Rosanna

Rosanna was a reformed thief and was being given a chance to prove herself worthy any Christian woman's interest in her.

26. "You write to him and he writes to you. While I am alive, if he asks after me always tell him I am well, and never say I am unhappy. Don't distress him, Marian, for my sake, don't distress him." And which shy and unhappy young woman is this?

From Quiz The Woman in White - Who Said What?

Answer: Laura Fairlie

Laura Fairlie, the rich but powerless heiress, soon to be Laura Glyde, wants to keep her unhappiness secret from her beloved Walter, but is happy that he has struck up a friendship and correspondence with her sister Marian.

27. What two things did Walter Hartright say were needed to make a woman's beauty complete?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: gentleness and pliability

"... those feminine attractions of gentleness and pliability, without which the beauty of the handsomest woman alive is beauty incomplete." I do wonder how much Collins himself felt this as when he died he was living with one mistress and keeping another on the side. In Victorian England, I guess you needed a 'gentle and pliable' woman to get away with this. Excuse my cynicism. The book is a wonderful book.

28. Which book does Gabriel Betteredge describe himself as reading as regularly as some people might read a religious text?

From Quiz Under the Moonstone

Answer: Robinson Crusoe

Considering this book has seemingly been read and re-read by Betteredge for decades, and "The Moonstone" is set in the mid-1800s, "David Copperfield" would almost be too new. In fact, "Robinson Crusoe" is the book that he reads on a regular basis. He quotes from the book on more than one occasion. He describes having re-read six copies to pieces and is working on his seventh. Betteredge talks about turning to the text for advice in various situations--advice, bad spirits, etc.

29. To whom did the Colonel leave the moonstone?

From Quiz "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: Rachel

In the story, the question is asked if the Colonel knew of the Moonstone's legacy of trouble and danger, and if he willed it to his sister's child as an act of revenge upon his sister.

30. What motive did our heroine's husband have to marry her?

From Quiz "The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins

Answer: He needed money immediately.

Sir Percival (Laura's intended) stood to gain income by marrying Laura.

This is category 18425
Last Updated Dec 21 2024 5:52 AM
play trivia = Top 5% Rated Quiz, take trivia quiz Top 10% Rated Quiz, test trivia quiz Top 20% Rated Quiz, popular trivia A Well Rated Quiz
new quizzes = added recently, editor pick = Editor's Pick editor = FunTrivia Editor gold = Gold Member

Teachers / educators: FunTrivia welcomes the use of our website and quizzes in the classroom as a teaching aid or for preparing and testing students. See our education section. Our quizzes are printable and may be used as question sheets by k-12 teachers, parents, and home schoolers.

 ·  All questions, answers, and quiz content on this website is copyright FunTrivia, Inc and may not be reproduced without permission. Any images from TV shows and movies are copyright their studios, and are being used under "fair use" for commentary and education.