Quiz On The Areopagitica

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  • 1/14 Questions

    The first sentence of the second paragraph (lines 14-16) is an example of

    • An indirect question
    • An analogy
    • Personification
    • Syllogism
    • A rhetorical question
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About This Quiz

This quiz assesses understanding of John Milton's 'Areopagitica,' focusing on rhetorical strategies and metaphorical language. Participants analyze how good and evil are depicted, the role of rhetorical questions, and the significance of specific metaphors, enhancing critical reading and analytical skills.

Rhetoric Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    The "garland" of line 24 may be best understood to mean

    • An elective office

    • The prize of immortality

    • A circlet of laurel

    • A collection of poems

    • A fantastic ornament

    Correct Answer
    A. The prize of immortality
    Explanation
    The word "garland" in line 24 is best understood to mean "the prize of immortality". This can be inferred from the context of the passage, as a garland is typically a decorative wreath or crown that is given as a reward or honor. In this case, it suggests that the garland symbolizes a reward or prize that grants immortality, emphasizing its significance and value.

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  • 3. 

    In lines 12-13, "of knowing good and evil, that is to say, of knowing good by evil" is suggesting that

    • We cannot distinguish between good and evil

    • We can understand good by avoiding evil

    • Good and evil are simultaneously alike and opposites

    • We can know evil only by knowing good

    • We can know good only by knowing evil

    Correct Answer
    A. We can know good only by knowing evil
    Explanation
    The phrase "of knowing good and evil, that is to say, of knowing good by evil" suggests that in order to truly understand or appreciate what is good, one must also have knowledge or experience of what is evil. This implies that good and evil are not only opposites, but also interconnected, and that one's understanding of good is enhanced or deepened through an understanding of evil. Therefore, the correct answer is "we can know good only by knowing evil."

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  • 4. 

    The implication of the comment on Spenser in lines 32-34 is that

    • Philosophers are unqualified to teach morality

    • Literature may teach better than philosophy

    • Comedy may be as effective a teacher as serious writing

    • The first function of literature is to teach temperance

    • Literature cannot take the place of revealed religion

    Correct Answer
    A. Literature may teach better than philosophy
    Explanation
    The comment on Spenser in lines 32-34 implies that literature may be a more effective teacher than philosophy. This suggests that literature has the ability to convey moral lessons and teachings in a more impactful way than philosophical discourse. It implies that literature has the power to engage and educate readers on moral values and principles, possibly surpassing the abilities of philosophers in teaching morality.

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  • 5. 

    The central argument of this passage is that

    • True virtue must avoid evil

    • Good and evil are interdependent

    • We must understand evil to be able to resist it

    • If we can avoid occasions of sin, we can overcome temptations

    • All men and women are equally susceptible to good and evil

    Correct Answer
    A. We must understand evil to be able to resist it
    Explanation
    The passage argues that in order to resist evil, one must have an understanding of it. This implies that without knowledge of evil, it would be difficult to combat it effectively. By understanding the nature of evil, individuals can develop strategies to resist its temptations and avoid falling into its traps. Thus, the central argument of the passage is that in order to resist evil, one must first understand it.

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  • 6. 

    In developing its thesis, the passage relies on all of the following EXCEPT

    • Ethical argument

    • Personal anecdote

    • Extended definition

    • Abstract generalization

    • Reference to authority

    Correct Answer
    A. Personal anecdote
    Explanation
    The passage develops its thesis by using ethical argument, extended definition, abstract generalization, and reference to authority. However, it does not rely on a personal anecdote to support its main argument or point.

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  • 7. 

    In the first sentence of the passage, the speaker compares good and evil to

    • Children

    • Light and darkness

    • Plants

    • This world and the next

    • Fibers

    Correct Answer
    A. Plants
    Explanation
    In the first sentence of the passage, the speaker compares good and evil to plants. This comparison suggests that like plants, good and evil are inherent aspects of the world. Just as plants grow and exist in the natural world, good and evil coexist and manifest in our lives. The comparison also implies that good and evil are interconnected and cannot exist without each other, much like plants rely on sunlight and water to grow.

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  • 8. 

    The argument of lines 25-27 ("Assuredly we . . . is contrary.") is that

    • No human is ever completely free of guilt

    • No human is wholly unfamiliar with vice and its temptations

    • The experience of life is like a trial in a court of law

    • It is experience, not innocence, which purifies humans

    • A child is innocent until he or she has experienced evil

    Correct Answer
    A. It is experience, not innocence, which purifies humans
    Explanation
    The argument of lines 25-27 suggests that it is experience, not innocence, which purifies humans. This means that going through various experiences in life, including the experience of guilt and vice, helps individuals grow and become better. Innocence alone is not enough to purify humans, as they need to learn from their experiences and develop a deeper understanding of right and wrong. The argument implies that innocence is lost once a person has experienced evil, indicating that experience is crucial for personal growth and purification.

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  • 9. 

    In lines 22-23, "adversary" refers to

    • Monasticism

    • Vice

    • Hypocrisy

    • Virtue

    • Trial

    Correct Answer
    A. Vice
    Explanation
    In lines 22-23, the term "adversary" refers to vice. This means that it is referring to something negative or harmful, possibly an immoral or sinful behavior. The context of the passage suggests that the author is discussing the negative aspects or challenges associated with vice, making it the most appropriate interpretation of "adversary" in this context.

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  • 10. 

    In lines 20-24, all of the following words contribute to the same metaphor EXCEPT

    • "cloistered" (line 21)

    • "race" (line 23)

    • "garland" (line 24)

    • "run for" (line 24)

    • "dust" (line 24)

    Correct Answer
    A. "cloistered" (line 21)
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "cloistered" (line 21). The passage discusses the metaphor of a race, with words like "race" (line 23), "garland" (line 24), "run for" (line 24), and "dust" (line 24) all contributing to this metaphor. However, "cloistered" does not fit into this metaphor as it means being secluded or isolated, which does not align with the concept of a race.

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  • 11. 

    The style of the passage is characterized by the use of all of the following except

    • Colloquial diction

    • Literary allusion

    • First-person pronouns

    • Metaphor and simile

    • Balanced compound sentences

    Correct Answer
    A. Colloquial diction
    Explanation
    The passage is not characterized by the use of colloquial diction. Colloquial diction refers to informal and conversational language, which is not present in the passage. The other options, such as literary allusion, first-person pronouns, metaphor and simile, and balanced compound sentences, may or may not be present in the passage, but colloquial diction is definitely not a characteristic of the passage.

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  • 12. 

    In line 27, the phrase "trial is by what is contrary" can best be paraphrased as

    • By refusing to fight, we may achieve victory

    • A true verdict can be reached only after the careful study of evidence on both sides

    • Before we can win a victory, we must first be defeated

    • Humans are tested by their experience of conflict

    • What a court determines may well be wrong

    Correct Answer
    A. Humans are tested by their experience of conflict
    Explanation
    The phrase "trial is by what is contrary" means that humans are tested or challenged through their experience of conflict. It suggests that facing and overcoming conflicts is a way for individuals to grow and develop.

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  • 13. 

    The passage refers to the "bower of earthly bliss" (line 37) as an example of

    • An evil recognized and resisted

    • The heavenly rewards of the temperate

    • The sensual pleasure of literature

    • A state of pure innocence

    • The Garden of Eden before Adam

    Correct Answer
    A. An evil recognized and resisted
    Explanation
    The passage refers to the "bower of earthly bliss" as an example of an evil recognized and resisted. This suggests that the "bower of earthly bliss" is seen as something negative or harmful, and the speaker acknowledges its existence but chooses to resist its allure. The phrase implies that there is a temptation or seduction associated with this "bower," but the speaker is able to recognize its evil nature and actively resist its influence.

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  • 14. 

    Which of the following best describes the speaker of the passage?

    • An impartial observer

    • A cautious advisor

    • A skeptical commentator

    • A wry reporter

    • A dedicated partisan

    Correct Answer
    A. A dedicated partisan
    Explanation
    The speaker of the passage is described as a dedicated partisan because they show strong support and loyalty towards a particular cause or political party. They are likely to have a biased perspective and advocate for their own beliefs and interests. This is evident in their tone and language used throughout the passage.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 15, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Whatdoyouwant
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