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John Betjeman's family firm specialized in manufacturing ornamental household furniture and gadgets.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that his family firm specialized in manufacturing ornamental household furniture and gadgets.
The Betjemann family changed their surname to Betjeman during the Second World War to avoid anti-German sentiment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The family name was changed during the First World War, not the Second World War, to avoid anti-German sentiment.
T. S. Eliot, a significant 20th-century poet, was one of John Betjeman's teachers at Highgate School.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that John Betjeman was taught by the renowned poet T. S. Eliot at Highgate School.
At Marlborough College, Betjeman founded a literary magazine that promoted the school's focus on sports.
Answer: False
Explanation: Betjeman founded *The Heretick*, a satirical magazine that *mocked* the school's focus on sport, rather than promoting it.
John Betjeman easily gained admission to the University of Oxford due to his strong academic record in mathematics.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Betjeman encountered difficulty entering Oxford because he failed the mathematics portion of the matriculation exam, Responsions.
C.S. Lewis, Betjeman's tutor at Oxford, held a high opinion of Betjeman's academic diligence.
Answer: False
Explanation: C.S. Lewis regarded Betjeman as an 'idle prig,' indicating a low opinion of his academic diligence.
Betjeman's primary focus at Oxford was his academic coursework, particularly linguistics, which he found fascinating.
Answer: False
Explanation: Betjeman disliked linguistics and instead focused on his social life, English ecclesiastical architecture, and private literary endeavors.
Evelyn Waugh's novel *Brideshead Revisited* featured a teddy bear inspired by Betjeman's own teddy bear at Magdalen College.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Evelyn Waugh was inspired by Betjeman's teddy bear, Archibald Ormsby-Gore, to include Sebastian Flyte's teddy bear, Aloysius, in *Brideshead Revisited*.
The common misapprehension about Betjeman's Oxford failure was that he couldn't pass the Pass School examinations, but he actually failed the holy scripture exam.
Answer: False
Explanation: The common misapprehension was that he failed the holy scripture exam ('Divvers'), but the actual reason for his expulsion was failing the Pass School examinations.
Betjeman's academic failure at Oxford led to a lifelong aversion to the university, and he never accepted any honors from it.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite lifelong resentment towards C.S. Lewis, Betjeman maintained an enduring love for Oxford and accepted an honorary doctorate of letters from the university in 1974.
What was the primary business of John Betjeman's family firm?
Answer: Manufacturing ornamental household furniture and gadgets
Explanation: His family firm specialized in manufacturing ornamental household furniture and gadgets characteristic of the Victorian era.
Why did the Betjemann family change their surname to Betjeman during the First World War?
Answer: To avoid anti-German sentiment
Explanation: The family name was changed from Betjemann to Betjeman during the First World War to avoid anti-German sentiment.
Who was John Betjeman's teacher at Highgate School, later known as a significant 20th-century poet?
Answer: T. S. Eliot
Explanation: At Highgate School, John Betjeman was taught by the renowned poet T. S. Eliot.
What satirical magazine did Betjeman found at Marlborough College?
Answer: The Heretick
Explanation: At Marlborough College, Betjeman founded *The Heretick*, a satirical magazine that mocked the school's focus on sport.
What specific academic challenge did John Betjeman face when trying to enter the University of Oxford?
Answer: He failed the mathematics portion of the matriculation exam.
Explanation: John Betjeman encountered difficulty gaining admission to the University of Oxford due to his failure in the mathematics component of the matriculation examination, Responsions.
How did C.S. Lewis, Betjeman's tutor at Oxford, perceive him?
Answer: As an 'idle prig'
Explanation: C.S. Lewis, Betjeman's tutor at Oxford, regarded him as an 'idle prig'.
Which of the following was NOT a primary interest of Betjeman during his time at Oxford?
Answer: Excelling in academic coursework, especially linguistics
Explanation: Betjeman disliked linguistics and instead focused on cultivating his social life, pursuing English ecclesiastical architecture, and engaging in private literary endeavors.
What literary work by Evelyn Waugh was inspired by Betjeman's teddy bear at Magdalen College?
Answer: *Brideshead Revisited*
Explanation: Evelyn Waugh was inspired by Betjeman's teddy bear, Archibald Ormsby-Gore, to include Sebastian Flyte's teddy bear, Aloysius, in his novel *Brideshead Revisited*.
What was the actual reason for John Betjeman's expulsion from Oxford, contrary to a common misapprehension?
Answer: He failed the Pass School examinations.
Explanation: The actual reason for his expulsion was failing the Pass School examinations, despite eventually passing Divinity on his third attempt.
What was a significant outcome of Betjeman's academic failure at Oxford later in his life?
Answer: He accepted an honorary doctorate of letters from Oxford in 1974.
Explanation: Despite his academic failure and lifelong resentment towards C.S. Lewis, Betjeman accepted an honorary doctorate of letters from Oxford in 1974.
Sir John Betjeman served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom for over a decade, from 1972 until his death in 1984.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that Sir John Betjeman served as Poet Laureate from October 20, 1972, until his death on May 19, 1984, which is over a decade.
John Betjeman's time as an assistant editor at the *Architectural Review* was considered a significant period for his professional development.
Answer: True
Explanation: Timothy Mowl considered Betjeman's years at the *Architectural Review* to be his 'true university,' crucial for his prose style and architectural criticism.
The *Shell Guides* were created by Betjeman and Jack Beddington to promote Shell-Mex & BP's new line of motor oils.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Shell Guides* were created to direct motorists to historical sites of British counties, not to promote motor oils.
During World War II, John Betjeman served as a British press attaché in neutral Dublin, Ireland.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that he became the British press attaché in neutral Dublin, Ireland, in 1941.
The IRA attempted to assassinate John Betjeman during his time in Dublin, but the plot was foiled by British intelligence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The IRA reportedly selected him for murder, but the order was rescinded after a meeting with an unnamed Old IRA man, not due to British intelligence foiling the plot.
By 1958, John Betjeman's *Collected Poems* had sold over 100,000 copies, leading to a documentary film about him.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that by 1958, sales of *Collected Poems* reached 100,000 copies, which led Ken Russell to make a film about him.
Ken Russell's 1959 film about Betjeman, *John Betjeman: A Poet in London*, was initially broadcast on ITV.
Answer: False
Explanation: The film *John Betjeman: A Poet in London* was first broadcast on the BBC's *Monitor* program, not ITV.
John Betjeman was initially rejected as a Poet Laureate candidate in 1967 because he was seen as too avant-garde and critical of traditional institutions.
Answer: False
Explanation: He was rejected because he was considered a 'backward-looking choice' and 'lightweight,' with 'critical views about the establishment,' not because he was too avant-garde.
Betjeman's appointment as Poet Laureate in 1972 was unique because he was the first Poet Laureate to have been knighted before his appointment.
Answer: True
Explanation: His appointment was notable because he was the first Knight Bachelor to be appointed to the role; Sir William Davenant was knighted *after* his appointment.
In the early 1970s, Betjeman released several successful albums featuring his poetry readings set to music.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms he embarked on a recording career in the early 1970s, releasing four albums with his poetry readings set to music.
What was Sir John Betjeman's official role from 1972 until his death in 1984?
Answer: Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom
Explanation: The source states that Sir John Betjeman served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from October 20, 1972, until his death on May 19, 1984.
Which of these was NOT one of John Betjeman's initial jobs after leaving Oxford without a degree?
Answer: University lecturer
Explanation: After leaving Oxford, he worked as a private secretary, school teacher, and film critic, but not as a university lecturer.
What period of Betjeman's career did Timothy Mowl refer to as his 'true university'?
Answer: His years as an assistant editor at the *Architectural Review*
Explanation: Timothy Mowl considered Betjeman's years at the *Architectural Review* (1930-1935) to be his 'true university,' crucial for his prose style and architectural criticism.
What was the primary purpose of the *Shell Guides*, co-created by Betjeman?
Answer: To direct motorists to historical sites of British counties
Explanation: The *Shell Guides* were designed as guidebooks for motorists, directing them to the historical sites of British counties.
What was John Betjeman's role in Dublin during World War II?
Answer: A British press attaché
Explanation: In 1941, he became the British press attaché in neutral Dublin, Ireland.
What notable incident occurred involving the IRA during Betjeman's time as press attaché in Dublin?
Answer: He was reportedly selected for murder by the IRA, but the order was rescinded.
Explanation: John Betjeman was reportedly selected for murder by the IRA, but the order was rescinded after a meeting with an unnamed Old IRA man.
By 1958, how many copies had John Betjeman's *Collected Poems* sold?
Answer: An impressive 100,000 copies
Explanation: By 1958, sales of John Betjeman's *Collected Poems* had reached an impressive 100,000 copies.
What was a key reason John Betjeman was initially rejected as a candidate for Poet Laureate in 1967?
Answer: He was described as a 'backward-looking choice' and 'lightweight.'
Explanation: The Prime Minister's Appointments Secretary described him as a 'backward-looking choice' and 'the songster of tennis lawns and cathedral cloisters,' while Dame Helen Gardner considered him 'a lightweight, amusing but rather trivial.'
What made John Betjeman's appointment as Poet Laureate in 1972 particularly notable regarding his honors?
Answer: He was the first Knight Bachelor to be appointed to the role.
Explanation: His appointment was notable because he was the first Knight Bachelor to be appointed to the role; Sir William Davenant was knighted *after* his appointment.
Which of the following was one of the BBC television documentaries made by John Betjeman?
Answer: *Metro-Land*
Explanation: John Betjeman made several notable television documentaries for the BBC, including the well-regarded *Metro-Land* (1973).
John Betjeman was a founding member of The Georgian Society, an organization dedicated to the preservation of 18th-century architecture.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that John Betjeman was a founding member of The Victorian Society, dedicated to Victorian and Edwardian architecture, not The Georgian Society.
Betjeman's efforts were crucial in saving the British Museum from demolition, a landmark he considered vital to London's heritage.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Betjeman was instrumental in saving St Pancras railway station from demolition, not the British Museum.
Betjeman's 1975 proposal for Somerset House was to convert its Fine Rooms into a new national library.
Answer: False
Explanation: Betjeman proposed that the Fine Rooms of Somerset House should house the Turner Bequest, not a new national library.
John Betjeman's profound fondness for Victorian architecture led him to co-found The Victorian Society.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms his profound fondness for Victorian architecture and his role as a founding member of The Victorian Society to champion its preservation.
Betjeman viewed architecture primarily as a reflection of individual artistic expression rather than societal structures.
Answer: False
Explanation: Betjeman responded to architecture as a visible manifestation of society's spiritual life, as well as its political and economic structure, not primarily individual artistic expression.
Which organization, dedicated to the preservation of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, did John Betjeman co-found?
Answer: The Victorian Society
Explanation: John Betjeman was a founding member of The Victorian Society, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Which London landmark did John Betjeman famously help save from demolition?
Answer: St Pancras railway station
Explanation: John Betjeman was instrumental in helping to save St Pancras railway station in London from demolition, famously calling the plan a 'criminal folly.'
What was Betjeman's proposal for the Fine Rooms of Somerset House in 1975?
Answer: To house the Turner Bequest.
Explanation: In 1975, John Betjeman proposed that the Fine Rooms of Somerset House should house the Turner Bequest.
What was Betjeman's opinion of the plan to demolish St Pancras station?
Answer: He called it a 'criminal folly.'
Explanation: John Betjeman vehemently opposed the plan to demolish St Pancras station, famously calling it a 'criminal folly.'
What was the significance of *The Collins Guide to English Parish Churches*, which Betjeman edited?
Answer: It was lauded as a classic and influenced the perception of English churches.
Explanation: The book was acknowledged as a classic, and its substantial editorial preface was lauded as 'pure gold,' influencing the perception of English churches.
John Betjeman's poetry achieved wide appeal primarily due to its complex metrical structures and obscure literary allusions.
Answer: False
Explanation: His poetry achieved wide appeal due to its accessible, apparently simple traditional metrical structures and rhymes, voicing the thoughts of ordinary people, not complex structures or obscure allusions.
Philip Larkin criticized Betjeman's poetic subjects as being too abstract and less interesting than those of other modern poets.
Answer: False
Explanation: Philip Larkin assessed Betjeman's subjects as 'much more interesting & worth writing about' than those of most other modern poets, focusing on tangible issues, which contradicts the idea of them being too abstract or less interesting.
The poem 'Slough' was written by Betjeman to celebrate the rapid industrial development of the Buckinghamshire town after World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: The poem 'Slough' expressed his dismay at the rapid industrialization of the town *before* World War II, famously beginning with 'Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough!'
*Summoned by Bells* is a collection of Betjeman's essays on architectural preservation.
Answer: False
Explanation: *Summoned by Bells* is a blank verse autobiography, not a collection of essays on architectural preservation.
How did Betjeman's poetry achieve wide appeal and maintain the respect of his peers?
Answer: By voicing the thoughts and aspirations of many ordinary people through accessible structures.
Explanation: His poetry achieved wide appeal and maintained respect because he voiced the thoughts and aspirations of many ordinary people through apparently simple traditional metrical structures and rhymes.
What was a key characteristic of John Betjeman's poetry style?
Answer: Humorous, accessible, and observant grace
Explanation: John Betjeman's poems are often humorous, accessible, and characterized by satirical and observant grace.
Which contemporary poet assessed Betjeman's subjects as 'much more interesting & worth writing about' than those of most other modern poets?
Answer: Philip Larkin
Explanation: Philip Larkin wrote that Betjeman's subjects were 'much more interesting & worth writing about' than those of most other modern poets.
What was the opening line of Betjeman's poem 'Slough'?
Answer: Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough!
Explanation: The poem 'Slough' famously begins with the line, 'Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough! It isn't fit for humans now.'
John Betjeman was known for his staunch skepticism regarding any form of the supernatural.
Answer: False
Explanation: Diana Mitford recalled Betjeman's susceptibility to the supernatural, including a terrifying dream, indicating he was not a staunch skeptic.
John Betjeman married Penelope Chetwode in 1933 and they had two children, Paul and Candida.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms he married Penelope Chetwode on July 29, 1933, and they had a son, Paul, and a daughter, Candida.
Betjeman's poem inspired by Joan Hunter Dunn fantasized about their secret elopement to Scotland.
Answer: False
Explanation: The poem fantasized about their engagement and playing tennis together in Aldershot, not a secret elopement to Scotland.
John Betjeman's sexuality is best described as exclusively heterosexual, despite some close male friendships.
Answer: False
Explanation: The text describes his sexuality as bisexual, noting he was 'temperamentally gay' with 'schoolboy crushes' alongside his relationships with women.
John Betjeman suffered from Alzheimer's disease in his final years and was buried in London.
Answer: False
Explanation: He suffered from Parkinson's disease, not Alzheimer's, and was buried at St Enodoc's Church in Cornwall, not London.
In his 1947 Christmas Day letter, Betjeman expressed a belief that man's purpose is to praise, stand in awe of, and dread his Creator.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that in his 1947 Christmas Day letter, Betjeman stated his view that 'man is born to fulfil the purposes of his Creator i.e. to Praise his Creator, to stand in awe of Him and to dread Him.'
Betjeman's poem 'Christmas' unequivocally affirmed the absolute truth of Christianity without any hint of doubt.
Answer: False
Explanation: His poem 'Christmas' expressed his views on Christianity by proclaiming the wonder of Christ's birth in the form of a question, 'And is it true...?', suggesting a combination of piety with a nagging uncertainty.
What was John Betjeman's wife's name?
Answer: Penelope Chetwode
Explanation: John Betjeman married the Hon. Penelope Chetwode on July 29, 1933.
How is John Betjeman's sexuality best described according to the source text?
Answer: Bisexual
Explanation: The source describes John Betjeman's sexuality as bisexual, noting his 'temperamentally gay' nature and 'schoolboy crushes' alongside his relationships with women.
What illness did John Betjeman suffer from in the last decade of his life?
Answer: Parkinson's disease
Explanation: For the last decade of his life, John Betjeman suffered increasingly from Parkinson's disease.
The John Betjeman Poetry Competition for Young People was open to children aged 14-18 across the British Isles.
Answer: False
Explanation: The competition was open to 10- to 13-year-olds, not 14-18 year olds.
John Betjeman received the Queen's Medal for Poetry in 1960 and was knighted in 1969.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms he received the Queen's Medal for Poetry in 1960 and was appointed Knight Bachelor in 1969.
Oxford University posthumously recognized Betjeman as one of its 100 most distinguished members in 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that in 2011, Oxford University honored him by recognizing him as one of its 100 most distinguished members.
What award, recognizing excellence in the repair and conservation of places of worship, is presented annually in Betjeman's name?
Answer: The John Betjeman award
Explanation: The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings annually presents the John Betjeman award, recognizing excellence in the repair and conservation of places of worship.