Matchmaker—Answers

Here are the answers to the questions I posed in my earlier post.

Today’s questions are all connected to December 23rd.

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Toni Collette in Emma (1996).
Image © 1996 Miramax Films via Encyclopædia Britannica

One

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth novel, which was later adapted into a film in 1996. What was the title of the book?

Answer: Emma

Jane Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma, follows the matchmaking misadventures of Emma Woodhouse in the fictional town of Highbury.


Two

Who, born in 1933, became the 125th emperor of Japan in 1989, and how did his reign end in 2019?

Answer: Akihito; abdication

Akihito, the 125th emperor of Japan, reigned from 1989 to 2019. He abdicated in favour of his son, Crown Prince Naruhito.


Three

In 1888, what two artists were involved in ‘the incident at the Yellow House’, and what injury happened to one of them?

Answers: Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; Van Gogh cut off part of his left ear

Vincent van Gogh cut off part of his ear in 1888 after a heated argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. The incident, possibly linked to van Gogh’s mental health struggles, led to his hospitalisation and Gauguin’s departure from Arles.


Four

In 2001, which South American nation announced the suspension of payments on its external debt marking the largest debt default in history?

Answer: Argentina

Argentina’s economy experienced a severe recession from 1998 to 2002, culminating in a US$93 billion debt default in 2001. This led to a rapid devaluation of the peso, soaring inflation, and a significant drop in GDP.


Five

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born in 1805. Which US state was his birthplace?

Answer: Vermont

Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, translated golden plates into the Book of Mormon. His teachings, including revelations and polygamy, were recorded and published.

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Author: Scott F

As a retired trivia writer, editor and quiz compiler, I wholeheartedly agree with Bertrand Russell’s quote: “There’s much pleasure to be gained in useless knowledge.” Trivia of all sorts has always fascinated me, and for many years, I’ve written and compiled trivia for various media, including traditional TV and radio quiz shows, newspapers and magazines, apps, and other digital platforms.

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