Eighteenth-century Poetry Quiz
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In 1757, Thomas Gray was offered the post of Poet Laureate, but he rejected the honour. True or false?
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True
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False
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About This Quiz
Explore the nuances of 18th-century British poetry through this focused quiz on Thomas Gray's works, including his famous 'Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard'. Test your knowledge on his poetic style, influences, and the literary context of his era.
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- 2.
In which year was Thomas Gray’s Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard first published?
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1751
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1761
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1771
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1781
Correct Answer
A. 1751Explanation
Thomas Gray's Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard was first published in 1751.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard is written in rhymed quatrains. True or false?
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard is indeed written in rhymed quatrains. This means that the poem consists of four-line stanzas, with a specific rhyme scheme. The use of rhymed quatrains helps to create a sense of rhythm and structure within the poem, enhancing the overall musicality and flow of the verses.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the name of Gray’s friend, who popularised Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard among London literary circles?
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Horace Jenson
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Horace Walpole
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Horace Smith
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Horace Nelson
Correct Answer
A. Horace WalpoleExplanation
Horace Walpole is the correct answer because he was a friend of Thomas Gray and played a significant role in popularizing Gray's poem, Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard, among the literary circles in London. Walpole, a prominent writer and politician, was known for his influential connections and his support of Gray's work helped bring it to a wider audience.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Even though Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard can be classified as a pastoral elegy, the poem lacks many of the standard features of this genre. Which of the following cannot be found in the text?
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An invocation
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Mourners
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Shepherds
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All of the above
Correct Answer
A. All of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "All of the above". The poem Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard does not include an invocation, mourners, or shepherds. An invocation is a prayer or request for guidance, usually addressed to a deity, which is not present in the poem. Mourners, who are typically present in elegies to express grief and sorrow, are also absent. Additionally, shepherds, a common figure in pastoral poetry, are not mentioned in the text. Therefore, none of these features can be found in the poem.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The narrator of Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard is cold and distant, like most Augustan narrators. True or false?
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
False. The narrator of Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard is not cold and distant like most Augustan narrators.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Fill in the gaps from the following verses of Elegy Written in a Country Courtyard. Full many a ………….. of purest ray serene, The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear: Full many a ………… is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air.
Correct Answer
gem
flowerExplanation
The correct answer is "gem, flower". This is because the verses are describing how many beautiful and valuable things go unnoticed or unappreciated. The first verse talks about how many gems of purest ray serene are hidden in the dark unfathomable caves of the ocean. The second verse continues this theme by saying that many flowers are born to blush unseen and waste their sweetness on the desert air. Both gems and flowers are symbolic of beauty and value, and the verses suggest that their beauty is often overlooked or ignored.Rate this question:
- 8.
Gray frequently uses a poetic device whereby letters or sounds within certain words are omitted (e.g. “glimm'ring”). What is this device called?
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Simile
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Symploce
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Syncope
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Synecdoche
Correct Answer
A. SyncopeExplanation
Syncope is the correct answer because it refers to the poetic device where letters or sounds within certain words are omitted. This can be seen in the example given, "glimm'ring," where the letter "e" is omitted. Syncope adds a sense of rhythm and brevity to the language, creating a more poetic and artistic effect.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In The Deserted Village, by Oliver Goldsmith, rural life is idealised. True or false?
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The correct answer is true because in The Deserted Village, Oliver Goldsmith portrays rural life in a positive and idealized manner. He romanticizes the simplicity, beauty, and harmony of the countryside, highlighting the virtues of the rural community and lamenting the loss of this idyllic way of life. Through vivid descriptions and nostalgic imagery, Goldsmith presents a sentimental and idealized view of rural life, making it clear that he believes it to be an ideal and desirable existence.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In The Village, by George Crabbe, rural life is idealised. True or false?
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
In The Village, by George Crabbe, rural life is not idealized. The poem provides a realistic depiction of the hardships and struggles faced by the rural community, highlighting the poverty, disease, and social inequality that existed in the countryside. Crabbe presents a more nuanced and gritty portrayal of rural life, challenging the romanticized notions often associated with it.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 17, 2025Quiz Edited by
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Jun 14, 2012Quiz Created by
LetiBT
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