The Butterfly Lion Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

What activity do Bertie and the lion cub enjoy together on the veranda?

They watch the sun go down and Bertie reads 'Peter and the Wolf' to the lion cub.

Why does Bertie choose not to name the lion cub?

Bertie believes that the lion does not need a name because he is a lion, not a person.

How does Bertie's mother respond to the lion's behavior despite its messiness?

She remains wonderfully patient and is hardly ever upset by the havoc the lion causes.

What contrasting views do Bertie's parents hold regarding the lion living in the house?

Bertie's mother is accepting of the lion living indoors, while his father believes lions should be kept outside in the compound. Signup and view all the answers

What news does Bertie's father reveal during supper?

He informs Bertie that he will have to go away to school near Salisbury in England. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertie perceive his mother's recent behavior before the news is announced?

Bertie notices that his mother has been strangely sad and avoids looking him in the eye. Signup and view all the answers

What assurance does Bertie's father provide about his new school experience?

He mentions that Uncle George and Aunt Melanie will take care of Bertie during holidays and visit him. Signup and view all the answers

In what way has the lion brought change to Bertie and his mother's lives?

The lion has brought new life and laughter to their days, contributing to their happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What childhood experiences contributed to the inspiration for 'The Butterfly Lion'?

The experiences include memories of a small boy trying to run away from school and a meeting with Virginia McKenna. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author compare the lifespan of butterflies to?

The author compares the lifespan of butterflies to a short and glorious period before they die. Signup and view all the answers

What aspects of life at boarding school does the author describe?

The author describes a diet of Latin and stew, rugby, detentions, and uncomfortable living conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Bertie to leave home at the beginning of the story?

Bertie aims to get as far from home as possible before he makes a life-changing decision regarding the lion. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertie feel about the lion he is with, and what does he want for it?

Bertie feels a deep affection for the lion and wants it to be wild and free, away from the dangers of captivity. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Basher Beaumont and what impact did he have on the narrator?

Basher Beaumont was a character who terrorized and tormented the narrator, inducing dread in him. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Bertie take to try to persuade the lion to go back?

Bertie throws sticks and stones at the lion, hoping to make it turn back. Signup and view all the answers

What does the narrator mean when he says he mustn't forget?

The narrator feels a deep obligation to remember the experiences and promises he made in his youth. Signup and view all the answers

What did the author promise that he wouldn't forget?

The author promised he wouldn't forget his experiences and memories from his childhood. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately makes Bertie decide to fire the rifle at the lion?

Bertie fires the rifle over the lion's head as a last resort to force it to return and ensure its freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertie's family react when he returns home after setting the lion free?

Bertie's family is waiting for him, and he is immediately sent to his room for his actions. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author mention the blue butterfly lion specifically?

The blue butterfly lion symbolizes a magical and significant moment that the narrator experienced. Signup and view all the answers

What elements of nature are referenced in the preface that inspire the story?

Elements such as a pride of white lions, a soldier rescuing circus animals, and a white horse carved into a hillside are referenced. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bertie express to his family upon returning home?

Bertie cries out that he has set the lion free so it won't have to live behind bars. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertie feel after he has set the lion free?

Bertie feels a mix of sadness and relief, knowing he has given the lion a chance for freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bertie's final action, burying his face in the pillow, symbolize?

It symbolizes his grief and acceptance of the consequences of setting the lion free. Signup and view all the answers

What promise does Bertie make as he lies in the dark?

Bertie promises, "I will find you, always remember that I will find you." Signup and view all the answers

What does the Frenchman invite Bertie to do in the future?

The Frenchman invites Bertie to visit his circus, Le Cirque Merlot, in France. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bertie feel as he leaves Africa on the ship?

Bertie feels not at all unhappy as he leaves Africa for England. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old lady hint at regarding the nature of true stories?

The old lady hints that true stories do not always end as we would wish them to. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old lady say about her connection to Bertie's story?

She indicates that up till now, it had been just Bertie's story, but it will also become her story now. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the white lion in Bertie's life?

The white lion represents Bertie's promise, connection to Africa, and longing for freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How does the setting change for the old lady compared to Bertie's experience?

While Bertie grows up in Africa with freedom, the old lady grows up in isolation in a cold house. Signup and view all the answers

What does the old lady imply by asking if the listener wants the truth or a comforting lie?

She implies that facing reality can sometimes be more difficult than accepting a fabricated story. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you see an injured adult animal?

Take him to the vet. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is safe to give your puppy as a treat?

Dog biscuit. Signup and view all the answers

If your cat wags her tail while you're stroking her, what does it usually mean?

She wants you to stop. Signup and view all the answers

What is a responsible action when considering getting a pet?

Research and choose the right pet for you. Signup and view all the answers

What do you need to do if you score 0-1 on the pet quiz?

Learn more about pets before owning one. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fun way to pass time on a long car journey?

Play the safari game. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of riddle is: 'What has legs, but can’t run?'

A table. Signup and view all the answers

How can you unscramble animals for a game?

By rearranging the letters to form the correct animal names. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of the cafe owner upon realizing the situation with the circus?

He smiled with relief and expressed sadness about the circus closing. Signup and view all the answers

What animals did Monsieur Merlot decide to keep after closing the circus?

He kept only the elephants, the monkeys, and The White Prince, the lion. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the animals due to the army's actions during the war?

Monsieur Merlot had to shoot them because there was no food available for the animals. Signup and view all the answers

Why was The White Prince such an important figure to Monsieur Merlot?

The White Prince was the most famous lion in France and made Monsieur Merlot a rich man. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the cafe owner say Monsieur Merlot lived?

He lived in an old house by the river, approximately seven or eight kilometers from the village. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bertie choose to leave behind in the cafe, and why?

Bertie left the wheelchair behind, believing it would get in the way and that he could manage with his stick. Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of Monsieur Merlot's house when Bertie and his companion found it?

The house was largely ruined, with shell-blasted barns and areas blackened by fire. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'triste, très triste' translate to in English?

'Triste, très triste' translates to 'sad, very sad' in English. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Butterflies' lifespan

Butterflies live for a short time, only a few weeks.

Butterfly Lion

A unique, shimmering blue lion seen by the author.