British Literature II: Final Exam

The given excerpt is a quote from the poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton. In this quote, the speaker is expressing their inner torment and suffering, comparing their own state to Hell. They feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of misery, with even deeper levels of despair threatening to consume them. This quote showcases the theme of spiritual and psychological turmoil that is explored throughout "Paradise Lost".

The given answer "To his coy mistress" is correct because the lines "Had we but world enough, and time, this coyness, lady, were no crime." are from the poem "To his coy mistress" by Andrew Marvell. The poem is a persuasive argument from the speaker to his mistress, urging her to seize the moment and engage in a physical relationship with him before time runs out. The speaker uses the concept of limited time to convince the mistress that her coyness is unnecessary and that they should make the most of the present.

not-available-via-ai

The given correct answer is "An essay on man". This is because the quote "Know then thyself, presume God not to scan. The proper study of mankind is man" is from Alexander Pope's poem "An Essay on Man". In this poem, Pope explores the nature of humanity and the place of humans in the universe, emphasizing the importance of self-knowledge and understanding one's own nature.

The given passage mentions the protagonist's negative emotions towards his wife and family, as well as his shame and horror at being a parent to offspring of the Yahoo species. This aligns with the themes and events in Jonathan Swift's novel "Gulliver's Travels," where the protagonist, Lemuel Gulliver, encounters various strange and fantastical societies during his voyages. In the novel, Gulliver's interactions with different species and societies often lead to disillusionment and a sense of alienation from his own kind, which is reflected in the passage.

The given excerpt is from the poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton. The lines suggest that the mind has the power to create its own reality and perception. It can turn heaven into hell and hell into heaven. This idea reflects the theme of the poem, which explores the fall of man and the consequences of disobedience. "Paradise Lost" is the correct answer as it is the title of the poem from which the excerpt is taken.

The given excerpt is a quatrain from the poem "On my first daughter" by Ben Jonson. The speaker is mourning the death of his daughter, Mary, who was the product of their parents' youth. The phrase "all heaven's gifts being heaven's due" suggests that Mary was a gift from heaven, and her departure from this world should not cause the father to regret or grieve. The correct answer, "On my first daughter," refers to the title of the poem itself.

The given passage is a quote from "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift. The protagonist, Gulliver, is describing how he used his urine to extinguish a fire after drinking wine the night before. This passage showcases the satirical and fantastical elements of the novel, as Gulliver believes he has performed a heroic act by using his bodily fluids to put out a fire. "Gulliver's Travels" is a famous satirical novel that critiques various aspects of society and human nature.

not-available-via-ai

"A Modest Proposal" is the correct answer because the given passage suggests that a gentleman would not hesitate to pay for the carcass of a fat child in order to have a good meal. This aligns with the satirical nature of Jonathan Swift's essay, "A Modest Proposal," in which he proposes that the poor Irish population should sell their children as food to the wealthy English. The passage's mention of making four dishes of meat from a child's carcass and dining with only a few people further supports this satirical proposal.

The given correct answer is "The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano" because the passage describes the conditions on a ship where the cargo and people were confined together, leading to a pestilential atmosphere. This is consistent with Equiano's narrative, as he was a former slave who wrote about his experiences on slave ships. The passage's description of the ship being crowded and suffocating aligns with Equiano's account of the inhumane conditions endured by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage.

This answer is correct because the given lines "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today, Tomorrow will be dying" are from the poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" by Robert Herrick. The poem encourages young women to seize the opportunity and enjoy life while they are still young and beautiful, as time is passing quickly and life is short-lived.

The given correct answer is "Preface to Shakespeare" because the passage discusses the idea that the stage is merely a representation and the players are just actors. This concept aligns with the preface to Shakespeare, where the author discusses the art of theater and the illusion it creates. The passage's mention of the stage representing different locations also connects to the idea of the stage as a versatile space, which is a topic explored in the preface.

Mac Flecknoe is the correct answer because the given lines describe a person named X who is portrayed as being dull and stupid. Mac Flecknoe is a satirical poem by John Dryden that mocks a poet named Thomas Shadwell, portraying him as a mediocre and unintelligent writer. The poem describes Shadwell as the son and successor of the fictional poet Flecknoe, who is known for his dullness. Therefore, Mac Flecknoe is the most fitting option based on the description provided.

The correct answer is "The Deserted Village" because the given lines are a quote from the poem "The Deserted Village" by Oliver Goldsmith. The poem reflects on the negative effects of wealth accumulation and the decline of rural communities, emphasizing the importance of a strong and prosperous peasantry.

not-available-via-ai

The given correct answer is "Elegy written in a country church-yard". This is because the lines provided in the question are from the poem "Elegy written in a country church-yard" by Thomas Gray. The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the ultimate equality of all individuals in death. Therefore, the reference to "the paths of glory lead but to the grave" aligns with the themes and tone of Gray's elegy.

The given answer "To the virgins, to make much of time" is the correct answer because it directly corresponds to the excerpt from the poem "Ode to Evening" by Robert Herrick. The quote emphasizes the importance of youth and encourages young people to seize the moment and make the most of their time while they are still young and full of energy.

not-available-via-ai

The given passage is a satirical statement from "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift. In this essay, Swift suggests a shocking solution to poverty in Ireland by proposing that the poor should sell their children as food to the wealthy. The passage highlights the irony and absurdity of the proposal by stating that since landlords have already exploited the parents, they have the best claim to the children. This passage reflects the dark humor and social commentary present in "A Modest Proposal."

not-available-via-ai

The given passage discusses a defect in a writer's work, where they prioritize pleasing the readers over imparting moral values. This is seen in their disregard for virtue and lack of a moral purpose in their writing. The correct answer, "The Preface to Shakespeare," aligns with this explanation as it is a preface written by Samuel Johnson, criticizing the lack of moral purpose in Shakespeare's plays. Johnson argues that it is a writer's duty to make the world better, suggesting that Shakespeare's works fall short in this regard.

"Ode to Evening" is the correct answer because the given lines describe a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, which is often associated with the evening. The mention of the bat flying silently and the beetle making a small sound in the twilight path further reinforces the idea of the evening setting. Therefore, "Ode to Evening" is the most fitting poem among the options provided.

The given excerpt talks about the idea of seizing the moment and enjoying life while one is still young and full of vitality. The speaker suggests that the grave is a quiet and peaceful place, but no one can embrace or enjoy life there. Therefore, the speaker advises the listener to make the most of their youth and engage in pleasure and enjoyment while they still can. This theme of carpe diem, or seizing the day, is a common theme in Andrew Marvell's poem "To His Coy Mistress."

The given passage describes the speaker's search for someone and their eventual encounter with thieves and murderers. The speaker finds the person they were looking for, who grants their request and then dies. This suggests that the person being sought after is a figure of redemption, as they are able to grant the speaker's request before their death. The theme of redemption is commonly found in literature and can involve the idea of finding salvation or forgiveness.

The given correct answer is "The Life of Samuel Johnson" because the passage is referring to a conversation between two individuals, one of whom is Samuel Johnson. The passage mentions his wit and quickness, which are characteristics often associated with Johnson. Therefore, it can be inferred that the passage is from a work that discusses the life and experiences of Samuel Johnson.

not-available-via-ai

The given lines are from the poem "The castaway." The speaker is describing a situation where they were abandoned and left to perish alone. The phrase "beneath a rougher sea, And whelmed in deeper gulfs than he" suggests that the speaker's experience was even more difficult and challenging than someone else's. The poem explores themes of isolation, despair, and the harsh realities of life.

Volpone is a play written by Ben Jonson, a prominent English playwright of the 17th century. The given lines, "Good morning to the day, and, next my gold! Open the shrine that I may see my saint," do not match any specific works mentioned in the options except for Volpone. Therefore, it can be inferred that the correct answer is Volpone.

The correct answer is "Mac Flecknoe". The given excerpt is a couplet from the poem "Mac Flecknoe" by John Dryden. The poem is a satirical piece that mocks the poet Thomas Shadwell, who is portrayed as the heir to the throne of dullness. The line suggests that X (referring to Shadwell) made a vow to maintain and defend his father's (referring to Flecknoe) legacy of dullness. The poem is known for its use of wit and clever wordplay to criticize Shadwell's lack of poetic skill.

The given excerpt is from the poem "The Castaway". In this poem, the speaker is reflecting on the cruel reality of being abandoned at sea. Despite knowing that his only chance of survival is to flee, he feels bitter about the prospect of dying alone while his friends are nearby. The poem explores themes of isolation, desperation, and the harshness of nature.

The given correct answer is "Paradise Lost." The explanation for this answer is not available.

The correct answer is "Easter Wings" because the given lines are a part of the poem "Easter Wings" by George Herbert. The poem is known for its unique shape, resembling wings, and explores the themes of human fallibility and redemption. The lines suggest that man was created with abundance but foolishly lost it, decaying and becoming poor. This reflects the biblical story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the Garden of Eden.

The given passage describes a historical account that the speaker gave to someone, which the person found astonishing. The passage mentions various negative events and actions such as conspiracies, rebellions, murders, massacres, revolutions, banishments, and more. This description aligns with the satirical novel "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift, which uses fantastical journeys to critique various aspects of society, including politics, human nature, and history. The novel often presents exaggerated and absurd situations to convey its social commentary, making it a likely fit for the given passage.

The given correct answer is "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." This is because the excerpt provided is a stanza from the poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by Thomas Gray. The poem reflects on the lives of ordinary, humble people and their overlooked contributions to society. The mention of "useful toil," "homely joys," and "destiny obscure" allude to the themes explored in the elegy.

not-available-via-ai

not-available-via-ai

The given passage talks about the importance of learning and the resulting arguments, writing, and opinions that come with it. It also mentions the negative effects of sects and schisms on the thirst for knowledge and understanding. "Areopagitica" is a famous speech by John Milton in which he defends the freedom of speech and expression, arguing against censorship. This aligns with the theme of the passage, making "Areopagitica" the correct answer.

not-available-via-ai

The given passage suggests that the measure of an author's powers and the worth of their works can only be truly determined over time. While an author is alive, their worst performance is used to judge their abilities. However, once they are dead, their best work becomes the standard by which they are evaluated. This explanation aligns with the Preface to Shakespeare, as it is a critical analysis of Shakespeare's works and highlights the enduring value and esteem that his plays have garnered over time.

This answer is correct because the given lines are from Alexander Pope's poem "An Essay on Criticism." The lines highlight the importance of wit in writing and how it can effectively convey thoughts and ideas. The poem discusses the art of criticism and the role of good judgment in evaluating literary works. "On my first daughter," "An essay on man," and "On my first son" are not relevant to the given lines and do not match the context or theme.

The correct answer is "The Pulley." The given lines are from the poem "The Pulley" by George Herbert. In this poem, the speaker suggests that God, who has given mankind various gifts, intentionally withholds one gift: rest. The speaker believes that if humans were given complete contentment, they would not seek God or rely on Him. Instead, the speaker suggests that weariness and restlessness can lead individuals to turn to God and find solace in Him. Thus, the answer "The Pulley" aligns with the theme and message conveyed in the given lines.

not-available-via-ai

The given excerpt is from "An Essay on Criticism" by Alexander Pope. This poem discusses the dangers of having limited knowledge or understanding in any subject. The lines emphasize the importance of acquiring deep knowledge rather than superficial understanding. The reference to the "Pierian spring" alludes to Greek mythology, where the spring was believed to be the source of knowledge and inspiration for poets. The correct answer is "An Essay on Criticism" because this work specifically addresses the topic of criticism and the dangers of superficial learning.