Renaissance Lyrics Quiz

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1. Which dynasty brought political stability to England from 1485 to 1603?

Explanation

The Tudor dynasty brought political stability to England from 1485 to 1603. Under the rule of Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, England experienced a period of relative peace and stability. The Tudor monarchs implemented reforms, strengthened the monarchy, and established England as a major European power. This period is also known for the English Renaissance, cultural advancements, and the establishment of the Church of England. Overall, the Tudor dynasty played a crucial role in bringing stability and prosperity to England during this time.

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About This Quiz
Renaissance Lyrics Quiz - Quiz

The Renaissance Lyrics Quiz explores key historical events and figures from the Tudor period in England, focusing on cultural and political developments. It assesses understanding of the introduction... see moreof the printing press, Tudor dynasty politics, and influential poets of the era. see less

2. Thomas Wyatt was particularly influenced by sonneteers from which country?

Explanation

Thomas Wyatt was particularly influenced by sonneteers from Italy. This can be inferred from the fact that Italy is known for its rich tradition of sonnet writing during the Renaissance period. Italian sonneteers, such as Petrarch, had a significant impact on the development of the sonnet form in English literature. Wyatt, as one of the earliest English sonneteers, was greatly influenced by the Italian style and structure of sonnets. His poems often reflected the themes and techniques popularized by Italian poets, making Italy the most plausible answer.

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3. Mary I reigned from 1553 to 1558. Who succeeded her?

Explanation

Mary I reigned from 1553 to 1558, and the question is asking who succeeded her. The correct answer is Elizabeth I. After Mary I's death, Elizabeth I ascended to the throne and became the Queen of England. Elizabeth I is known for her long and successful reign, which lasted from 1558 to 1603.

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4. Which is the title of the first work ever written in Spenserian stanza? 

Explanation

The correct answer is "The Faerie Queene." The Faerie Queene is an epic poem written by Edmund Spenser in the late 16th century. It is considered one of the greatest works of English literature and is written in a unique verse form known as the Spenserian stanza, which consists of nine lines with a rhyme scheme of ABABBCBCC. The poem tells the story of several knights on a quest and explores themes of virtue, chivalry, and the idealized vision of Elizabethan England.

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5. Edmund Spenser's sonnets 34 and 75 were published in 1595 as part of which collection?

Explanation

Edmund Spenser's sonnets 34 and 75 were published in 1595 as part of the collection called "Amoretti".

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6. Which word is missing in the following phrase from The Defence of Poesie?   Poetry is an art of imitation, for so Aristotle termeth it in the word .................. 

Explanation

The correct answer is "Mimesis." The phrase from The Defence of Poesie states that poetry is an art of imitation, which is how Aristotle referred to it using the term "Mimesis." Mimesis is the concept of imitating or representing reality in art, which aligns with the idea that poetry imitates or reflects aspects of the world.

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7. Who was Thomas Wyatt's protégé?

Explanation

Thomas Wyatt's protégé was Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.

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8. Wyatt frequently used an exaggerated figure of speech in which intellectual cleverness figured at least as largely as real emotion. What is the name of this device?

Explanation

The correct answer is "Conceit". Conceit is a literary device where there is an extended metaphor or comparison between two seemingly unrelated things. In this case, the exaggerated figure of speech used by Wyatt, where intellectual cleverness is given equal importance to real emotion, fits the definition of conceit.

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9. Spenser's sonnet 75 demonstrates the influence of which philosophy in Renaissance poetry?

Explanation

Neoplatonism is the correct answer because Spenser's sonnet 75 reflects the influence of this philosophy in Renaissance poetry. Neoplatonism emphasized the idea of the soul's ascent to a higher spiritual realm, which is evident in the sonnet's theme of immortality and the speaker's desire to immortalize his beloved through poetry. This philosophy also emphasized the concept of beauty as a pathway to the divine, which is reflected in the sonnet's use of elaborate imagery and language to describe the beloved's beauty.

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10. In which year was Astrophil and Stella published?

Explanation

Astrophil and Stella was published in 1591.

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11. In the second stanza of Astrophil and Stella 1, what does the reference to "turning others' leaves" mean?

Explanation

The reference to "turning others' leaves" in the second stanza of Astrophil and Stella 1 means getting inspiration from others. This phrase suggests that the speaker is seeking ideas and inspiration from the works of other writers, just as one would turn the pages of a book. It implies that the speaker is not content with their own thoughts and desires to draw inspiration from the experiences and writings of others.

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12. Who was the publisher of the first printed anthology of English poetry, Miscellany (1557)?

Explanation

Richard Tottel was the publisher of the first printed anthology of English poetry, Miscellany (1557). He is known for his work in compiling and publishing various collections of poetry during the Renaissance period. Tottel's Miscellany was a significant contribution to the development of English literature, as it brought together works from various poets and helped popularize the printing of poetry in England.

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13. Who is thought to be the inspiration for "Stella" of Sidney's Astrophil and Stella sonnet sequence?

Explanation

Penelope Devereux, Lady Rich is thought to be the inspiration for "Stella" in Sidney's Astrophil and Stella sonnet sequence.

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14. Words from which semantic field can be found in the fourth verse of Wyatt's The long love that in my thought doth harbour

Explanation

In the fourth verse of Wyatt's "The long love that in my thought doth harbour," words from the semantic field of military can be found. The verse mentions "warrior," "armour," and "fight." These words are associated with the military and suggest a theme of conflict and battle.

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15. When was the Printing Press first introduced in England by William Caxton?

Explanation

The correct answer is 1476. This is the year when the Printing Press was first introduced in England by William Caxton. The invention of the Printing Press revolutionized the way information was disseminated, allowing for the mass production of books and the spread of knowledge. Caxton set up the first printing press in Westminster, London, and began printing books in English, making them more accessible to the general public. This marked a significant milestone in the history of printing and played a crucial role in the development of literature and education in England.

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16. During the reign of which monarch did "High" Renaissance Poetry flourish? 

Explanation

During the reign of Elizabeth I, "High" Renaissance Poetry flourished. This period, also known as the Elizabethan era, was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in England. Elizabeth I was a patron of the arts and literature, and her reign saw the rise of renowned poets such as Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney. These poets embraced the ideals of the Renaissance, focusing on themes of love, beauty, and humanism. Elizabeth I's support and encouragement of the arts created a fertile ground for the development and flourishing of Renaissance poetry during her reign.

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17. What is the typical rhyme scheme of the English or Shakespearian sonnet? 

Explanation

The correct answer is "abab cdcd efef gg". This answer refers to the typical rhyme scheme of the English or Shakespearian sonnet. In this rhyme scheme, each line is assigned a letter, and lines with the same letter at the end rhyme with each other. The pattern of the rhyme scheme in this answer is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, where each letter represents a different rhyme sound.

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18. What is the typical rhyme scheme of the Spenserian sonnet? 

Explanation

The typical rhyme scheme of the Spenserian sonnet is abab bcbc cdcd ee. This means that the first four lines (quatrain) have an alternating rhyme scheme of ABAB, the next four lines (quatrain) have a different alternating rhyme scheme of BCBC, and the final quatrain has a rhyme scheme of CDCD. The final couplet (ee) provides a concluding rhyme that is different from the rest of the poem. This rhyme scheme allows for a structured and organized flow of the sonnet, while also providing a sense of closure with the final couplet.

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19. Which of the following is said to have had an important influence on Edmund Spenser's works?

Explanation

All of the above options are said to have had an important influence on Edmund Spenser's works. Ovid's Metamorphoses, Ariosto's Orlando Furioso, and the heroic epic tales of Charlemagne all played a significant role in shaping Spenser's literary style and themes. These works provided inspiration for Spenser's use of mythology, epic storytelling, and exploration of chivalry and heroism in his own poetry.

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20. In what year was the MS. of The Defence of Poesie published for the first time?

Explanation

The correct answer is 1595. This is the year in which the manuscript of The Defence of Poesie was published for the first time.

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21. What is the name of a sonnet series linked by repeating the last verse of one sonnet in the first verse of the next, until the circle is closed by using the first verse of the first sonnet as the last verse of the last sonnet? 

Explanation

A sonnet crown is a series of sonnets in which the last line of one sonnet is repeated as the first line of the next sonnet, and this pattern continues until the final sonnet, where the first line of the first sonnet is repeated as the last line. This creates a circular structure, resembling a crown, hence the name "sonnet crown".

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22. The first verse of Edmund Spenser's Sonnet 34 (Lyke as a ship that through the Ocean wyde) is an example of which rhetorical device?

Explanation

The first verse of Edmund Spenser's Sonnet 34 compares something (possibly a person or a concept) to a ship that sails through the wide ocean. This comparison is made using the word "like" or "as," which is a key indicator of a simile. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as" to create a vivid and imaginative comparison. In this case, the simile helps to create a visual image and convey the idea of movement and exploration.

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23. In sonnet 75, the woman's name is written upon the "strand". What is a "strand"?

Explanation

In sonnet 75, the woman's name is written upon the "strand". A "strand" refers to the shore, which is the land along the edge of a body of water, such as a sea or ocean. This suggests that the woman's name is written on the shore, symbolizing its permanence and immortality. The shore is a fitting place for the woman's name to be written as it represents stability and endurance, just like the love being expressed in the sonnet.

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24. In the following verse from Spenser's sonnet 75, what does the word "rare" mean? My verse your virtues rare shall eternize

Explanation

In this verse from Spenser's sonnet 75, the word "rare" means extraordinary. The speaker is expressing that their verse will immortalize the exceptional qualities or virtues of the person they are addressing.

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25. Why was Henry Howard sentenced to execution by Henry VIII?

Explanation

Henry Howard was sentenced to execution by Henry VIII for treason. Treason is the act of betraying one's country or sovereign, and in this case, Henry Howard was accused of plotting against the king and the crown. This was a serious offense during the reign of Henry VIII, as he feared threats to his power and authority. Therefore, Henry Howard's involvement in treasonous activities led to his sentencing and ultimately his execution.

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26. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was the first English poet to publish blank verse in his translation of the second and fourth books of which Latin epic poem?

Explanation

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was the first English poet to publish blank verse in his translation of Publius Vergilius Maro's Aeneid. Blank verse is a form of poetry that does not rhyme but follows a specific meter, and Surrey's translation of the Aeneid was the first time this form was used in English poetry. This innovation marked a significant development in English literature and set a precedent for future poets to experiment with different forms and structures in their works.

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27. Which of the following is a typical rhyme scheme of the Petrachan sonnet?

Explanation

The Petrarchan sonnet typically follows an octet (abba abba) and sestet (cde cde) rhyme scheme. This means that the first eight lines (octet) have a specific rhyme pattern, where the first and fourth lines rhyme with each other (a), and the second and third lines rhyme with each other (b). The same pattern is repeated in the next four lines. The sestet, on the other hand, has a different rhyme pattern, where the first, fourth, and fifth lines rhyme with each other (c), and the second, third, and sixth lines rhyme with each other (d). The rhyme scheme helps to create a structured and balanced flow in the sonnet.

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28. What is the name of an extended poetic treatment of a single theme? 

Explanation

A sonnet cycle is the name given to an extended poetic treatment of a single theme. It consists of a series of sonnets that are interconnected and explore different aspects of the same topic. Each sonnet within the cycle contributes to the overall narrative or exploration of the theme, creating a cohesive and comprehensive poetic work.

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29. What was the name of Edmund Spenser's second wife, who inspired many of his sonnets?

Explanation

Edmund Spenser's second wife, Elizabeth Boyle, inspired many of his sonnets.

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30. Which word is missing from the last verse of Astrophil and Stella 1?   Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy …………, and write

Explanation

In the last verse of Astrophil and Stella 1, the missing word is "Heart". The speaker's Muse tells him to look within his heart and write. This suggests that the speaker should draw inspiration and express his emotions and feelings through his writing. The heart is often associated with passion, love, and deep emotions, making it a fitting choice for the missing word in this context.

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31. In which year were Wyatt's The long love that in my thought doth harbour and Howard's Love, that doth reign and live within my thought both published?

Explanation

In 1557, Wyatt's "The long love that in my thought doth harbour" and Howard's "Love, that doth reign and live within my thought" were both published.

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32. Henry VII reigned over England during which period?

Explanation

Henry VII reigned over England from 1485 to 1509. This period is known as the Tudor period and marked the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. Henry VII came to power after defeating Richard III in the Battle of Bosworth Field and ended the Wars of the Roses. His reign brought stability to England and he implemented various economic and administrative reforms. Henry VII is also known for his successful foreign policy, including the establishment of diplomatic relations with other European powers.

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33. How does Spenser's use of the "volta" differ from that of the Italian sonneteers, who tended to introduce a new idea in verse 9?

Explanation

Spenser's use of the "volta" differs from that of the Italian sonneteers in that while he does often introduce a contrasting idea in verse 9 with words like "But" or "Yet," the real shift or turn in the poem typically happens in the final couplet. This means that Spenser's sonnets tend to have a delayed resolution or conclusion compared to the Italian sonnets, where the turn usually occurs in verse 9.

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34. Henry Howard and Sir Thomas Wyatt both based sonnets on which of Petrach's poems about unrequited love?

Explanation

Henry Howard and Sir Thomas Wyatt both based sonnets on Petrarch's poem Rime 140 about unrequited love.

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35. In the following phrase from The Defence of Poesie, who or what is the referent of "her"?   Her world is brazen, the poets only deliver a golden 

Explanation

In this phrase, "her" refers to Nature. The phrase is stating that Nature's world is brazen, while the poets only deliver a golden world.

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36. Who of the following was not part of the group of "High" Renaissance poets?

Explanation

Sir Thomas Wyatt was not part of the group of "High" Renaissance poets. The High Renaissance period in literature occurred during the late 15th and early 16th centuries in Italy, and it is characterized by the works of prominent poets such as Petrarch, Dante, and Boccaccio. Sir Thomas Wyatt, on the other hand, was an English poet who lived during the early 16th century and is known for introducing the sonnet form to English literature. While Wyatt made significant contributions to English poetry, he was not part of the High Renaissance movement that primarily took place in Italy.

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37. What is paradoxical about the poet's frustrations in Astrophil and Stella 1?

Explanation

The paradoxical aspect of the poet's frustrations in Astrophil and Stella 1 is that he is struggling to express himself using Italian conventions, even though the poem itself follows a classical Italianate structure. This contradiction arises because the poet is attempting to conform to established literary conventions while also trying to convey his own unique thoughts and emotions. He is torn between adhering to traditional forms and finding his own voice, which creates a paradoxical situation.

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38. What do Wyatt's following verses refer to? Into my face presseth with bold pretense And therein campeth, spreading his banner. 

Explanation

The given verses by Wyatt refer to a blush. The phrase "Into my face presseth with bold pretense" suggests that something is coming close to the speaker's face with a confident manner, and "And therein campeth, spreading his banner" implies that this thing is making itself known or visible. A blush fits this description as it is a physical reaction that appears on the face, often associated with embarrassment or shyness.

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39. In the final couplet of Astrophil and Stella 7, what reason is given for the black colour of Stella's eyes?

Explanation

The reason given for the black color of Stella's eyes in the final couplet of Astrophil and Stella 7 is to honor the deaths of the men who have died for her love.

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40. The Defence of Poesie, by Sir Philip Sidney, is considered the first work of literary criticism in English literature. What is the text also known as?

Explanation

The text is also known as "An Apology for Poetry" because it defends and justifies the value and importance of poetry as a form of literature. The word "apology" in this context means a defense or justification, rather than an expression of regret or apology. Sidney's work argues against the common criticisms of poetry and asserts its ability to inspire, educate, and elevate the human spirit. It is considered the first significant piece of literary criticism in English literature because it analyzes and evaluates the nature and purpose of poetry.

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41. What would be a modern translation of the word "carefull", which appears in the penultimate verse of Spenser's sonnet 34? 

Explanation

The word "carefull" in Spenser's sonnet 34 can be translated to "worried" in modern language. This is because "carefull" implies being full of care or concern, which aligns with the modern interpretation of being worried.

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42. Sweet is the death that taketh end by love is the last verse of which of the following sonnets?

Explanation

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43. Who was Poet Laureate to Henry VIII?

Explanation

John Skelton was the Poet Laureate to Henry VIII. Skelton was a renowned English poet and tutor to the young prince, later King Henry VIII. He was known for his satirical and critical poetry, often targeting the political and religious figures of his time. Skelton's works were influential and widely read during the reign of Henry VIII, making him a fitting choice for the position of Poet Laureate.

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44. The final couplet of Spenser's sonnet 75 makes reference to what?

Explanation

The final couplet of Spenser's sonnet 75 makes reference to the apocalypse. The speaker in the sonnet is trying to immortalize his love through poetry, but acknowledges that even his words will eventually be destroyed by the "ravenous ocean." The reference to the apocalypse suggests that the speaker's love will endure even beyond the end of the world.

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45. What does the reference to a storm in verse 9 of Spenser's sonnet 34 show us?

Explanation

The reference to a storm in verse 9 of Spenser's sonnet 34 shows us optimism. In the context of the sonnet, the storm represents a temporary obstacle or challenge. However, the speaker remains optimistic, believing that the storm will pass and that brighter days will come. This suggests a positive outlook and a belief in the power of hope and resilience.

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46. In The Defence of Poesie, Sidney states that literature communicates deep and important truths through what?

Explanation

In The Defence of Poesie, Sidney argues that literature communicates deep and important truths through lies. He believes that fiction and poetry have the power to reveal profound insights about the human condition and convey moral lessons by creating imaginative and fictional narratives. Through the use of lies, authors can explore universal truths and provoke emotional responses in readers, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of the world and ourselves. Sidney's perspective challenges the notion that only factual information can convey truth, emphasizing the unique power of literature to illuminate profound realities through imaginative storytelling.

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47. What is Sidney's standpoint in the debate over whether art needs social commitment?

Explanation

The correct answer suggests that Sidney's standpoint in the debate over whether art needs social commitment is that aesthetic contemplation should be balanced with morality in art. This means that Sidney believes that while art should be aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable to contemplate, it should also have a moral dimension and contribute to the betterment of society. This viewpoint emphasizes the importance of both the aesthetic and ethical aspects of art, rather than prioritizing one over the other.

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48. In which of the following sonnets is the female protagonist given a voice?

Explanation

In Edmund Spenser's sonnet 75, the female protagonist is given a voice. This means that she is able to express herself and communicate her thoughts and feelings within the context of the poem. This is in contrast to the other options, where the female protagonist may not have a voice or may not be given the opportunity to speak.

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49. The term "feet" in the verse "And others feet still seemed but strangers in my way" from the third stanza of Astrophil and Stella 1, is an example of what?

Explanation

In this line from Astrophil and Stella 1, the term "feet" is used in a way that suggests a double meaning. On one hand, it could be interpreted literally as referring to physical feet. On the other hand, it could also be understood metaphorically as representing people or individuals. This double meaning makes "feet" an example of a homonym, a word that has multiple meanings or interpretations.

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50. In which of the verses of Spenser's sonnet 34 is the problem of unrequited love resolved?

Explanation

In Spenser's sonnet 34, the problem of unrequited love is resolved in the final sestet. The sestet is the last six lines of the sonnet, and it often serves as a conclusion or resolution to the themes and conflicts presented in the earlier parts of the poem. Therefore, it can be inferred that the resolution to the problem of unrequited love is found in the final sestet of Spenser's sonnet 34.

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Which dynasty brought political stability to England from 1485 to...
Thomas Wyatt was particularly influenced by sonneteers from which...
Mary I reigned from 1553 to 1558. Who succeeded her?
Which is the title of the first work ever written in Spenserian...
Edmund Spenser's sonnets 34 and 75 were published in 1595 as part of...
Which word is missing in the following phrase from The Defence of...
Who was Thomas Wyatt's protégé?
Wyatt frequently used an exaggerated figure of speech in which...
Spenser's sonnet 75 demonstrates the influence of which philosophy in...
In which year was Astrophil and Stella published?
In the second stanza of Astrophil and Stella 1, what does the...
Who was the publisher of the first printed anthology of English...
Who is thought to be the inspiration for "Stella" of Sidney's...
Words from which semantic field can be found in the fourth verse of...
When was the Printing Press first introduced in England by William...
During the reign of which monarch did "High" Renaissance Poetry...
What is the typical rhyme scheme of the English or Shakespearian...
What is the typical rhyme scheme of the Spenserian sonnet? 
Which of the following is said to have had an important influence on...
In what year was the MS. of The Defence of Poesie published for the...
What is the name of a sonnet series linked by repeating the last verse...
The first verse of Edmund Spenser's Sonnet 34 (Lyke as a ship that...
In sonnet 75, the woman's name is written upon the "strand". What is a...
In the following verse from Spenser's sonnet 75, what does the word...
Why was Henry Howard sentenced to execution by Henry VIII?
Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was the first English poet to publish...
Which of the following is a typical rhyme scheme of the Petrachan...
What is the name of an extended poetic treatment of a single...
What was the name of Edmund Spenser's second wife, who inspired many...
Which word is missing from the last verse of Astrophil and Stella 1? ...
In which year were Wyatt's The long love that in my thought doth...
Henry VII reigned over England during which period?
How does Spenser's use of the "volta" differ from that of the Italian...
Henry Howard and Sir Thomas Wyatt both based sonnets on which of...
In the following phrase from The Defence of Poesie, who or what is the...
Who of the following was not part of the group of "High" Renaissance...
What is paradoxical about the poet's frustrations in Astrophil and...
What do Wyatt's following verses refer to?...
In the final couplet of Astrophil and Stella 7, what reason is given...
The Defence of Poesie, by Sir Philip Sidney, is considered the first...
What would be a modern translation of the word "carefull", which...
Sweet is the death that taketh end by love is the last verse of which...
Who was Poet Laureate to Henry VIII?
The final couplet of Spenser's sonnet 75 makes reference to what?
What does the reference to a storm in verse 9 of Spenser's sonnet 34...
In The Defence of Poesie, Sidney states that literature communicates...
What is Sidney's standpoint in the debate over whether art needs...
In which of the following sonnets is the female protagonist given a...
The term "feet" in the verse "And others feet still seemed but...
In which of the verses of Spenser's sonnet 34 is the problem of...
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