The Black Tulip — Questions and answers

Read the full story

In 1672, what happened to the De Witt brothers in Dordrecht?

Choices

  1. They escaped from the Gevangenpoort prison.
  2. They were celebrated by the public in the town square.
  3. They were protected by Prince William of Orange.
  4. They were seized by a furious crowd and swept away. ✓

Answer: They were seized by a furious crowd and swept away.

From page 1

What was Cornelius van Baerle's main passion?

Choices

  1. Collecting scientific instruments and rare texts.
  2. Becoming a powerful figure like Prince William of Orange.
  3. Cultivating tulips to grow a perfect black tulip. ✓
  4. Studying political strife in Holland.

Answer: Cultivating tulips to grow a perfect black tulip.

From page 2

What did Cornelius van Baerle find in his pocket while in Gevangenpoort prison?

Choices

  1. A letter from the De Witt brothers.
  2. Three precious tulip bulbs for the black tulip. ✓
  3. A map of The Hague.
  4. A key to his prison cell.

Answer: Three precious tulip bulbs for the black tulip.

From page 3

Who brought Cornelius van Baerle his meals in prison?

Choices

  1. Rosa, the kind-hearted daughter of the jailer Gryphus. ✓
  2. Prince William of Orange.
  3. Gryphus, the gruff jailer.
  4. Isaac Boxtel, his neighbor.

Answer: Rosa, the kind-hearted daughter of the jailer Gryphus.

From page 4

Who followed Cornelius van Baerle, Rosa, and Gryphus to Loevestein Castle?

Choices

  1. Prince William of Orange.
  2. The De Witt brothers.
  3. A messenger from Haarlem.
  4. Isaac Boxtel, Cornelius's jealous neighbor. ✓

Answer: Isaac Boxtel, Cornelius's jealous neighbor.

From page 5

Where did Rosa hide the black tulip plants to keep them safe from Boxtel?

Choices

  1. Outside the castle by the river.
  2. In Cornelius's prison cell.
  3. In a hidden chamber within the castle walls. ✓
  4. In Gryphus's personal office.

Answer: In a hidden chamber within the castle walls.

From page 6

What was Rosa's mission when she traveled to Haarlem?

Choices

  1. To escape from Isaac Boxtel.
  2. To deliver the three precious black tulip bulbs for the competition. ✓
  3. To meet Prince William of Orange.
  4. To find a new hiding place for the tulips.

Answer: To deliver the three precious black tulip bulbs for the competition.

From page 7

Who presided over the tulip competition in Haarlem?

Choices

  1. Prince William of Orange. ✓
  2. Rosa, carrying two black tulips.
  3. Isaac Boxtel.
  4. The judges of the Haarlem Society of Horticulture.

Answer: Prince William of Orange.

From page 8

Who stopped Cornelius van Baerle's execution at Loevestein Castle?

Choices

  1. A messenger riding hard and fast.
  2. Rosa, arriving with the black tulips.
  3. Gryphus, the jailer.
  4. Prince William of Orange. ✓

Answer: Prince William of Orange.

From page 9

What happened to Isaac Boxtel after the true black tulip winner was declared?

Choices

  1. He collapsed and died from rage and envy. ✓
  2. He won a smaller prize for his tulip.
  3. He apologized to Cornelius van Baerle and Rosa.
  4. He was arrested by Prince William.

Answer: He collapsed and died from rage and envy.

From page 10