English Literature: Medieval Romances and the Rise of the Novel

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Questions and Answers

What is the title of the notable English romance written by Malory?

Paradise Lost

The Canterbury Tales

Morte d'Arthur (correct)

The Faerie Queene

Which of the following factors contributed to the rise of the novel in the 18th century?

The rise of poetry

Industrial Revolution (correct)

Decrease in literacy rate

Decline of the middle class

What was a key difference between novels and romances in terms of characterization?

Novels created realistic characters, while romances featured giants and dragons (correct)

Romances were focused on the middle class, while novels were not

Romances were more focused on morality, while novels were not

Novels featured supernatural characters, while romances did not

Who is credited with the development of the novel as a literary genre?

18th century writers Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant technological advancement that facilitated the production of novels?

The printing press Signup and view all the answers

What was a social consequence of the Industrial Revolution that contributed to the rise of the novel?

More time for leisure and reading Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for Mrs. Moore's misery before the trial?

Her memory of the echo in the cave Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ronny break off his engagement to Adela?

Because of her false accusation of Aziz Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of Aziz's trial?

He is found not guilty and set free Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Adela's bravery in standing against her peers?

She earns the respect of Fielding only Signup and view all the answers

What does Aziz intend to do after Fielding's departure for England?

To move to a place where he will not have to encounter them Signup and view all the answers

What is Aziz's position two years after the trial?

He is a chief doctor to the Rajah of Mau Signup and view all the answers

What did Aziz initially believe about Fielding's marriage?

He married Adela Quested Signup and view all the answers

Why does Aziz hate all English people?

Because he heard that Fielding married Adela shortly after returning to England Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme of A Passage to India?

The possibility of friendship between English and Indian people Signup and view all the answers

How does Aziz's connection with Mrs. Moore affect him?

It opens him to the possibility of friendship with Fielding Signup and view all the answers

What does Fielding ask Aziz during their final ride together?

Why can't they be friends now? Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the sky and the earth in Aziz's conversation with Fielding?

They imply that it is not yet possible for English and Indians to be friends Signup and view all the answers

What is the main feature of the style of art known as Realism?

Describing things as they are in life Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Samuel Richardson's famous epistolary novel?

Pamela Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of the English novel?

Henry Fielding Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Henry Fielding's novel that is a parody of Samuel Richardson's Pamela?

Shamela Signup and view all the answers

What literary devices are Jonathan Swift known for using?

Satire and allegory Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Jonathan Swift's novel that is a classic of allegorical literature?

Gulliver's Travels Signup and view all the answers

What annoys Aziz about Major Callendar?

His tendency to summon Aziz during dinner Signup and view all the answers

What is the occasion for Mr. Turton's party?

To introduce Adela and Mrs. Moore to Indian society Signup and view all the answers

What is Adela's decision regarding her marriage to Ronny?

She decides not to marry him Signup and view all the answers

What is the profession of Cyril Fielding?

College principal Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Hindu professor that Adela and Mrs. Moore meet at Cyril Fielding's tea?

Godbole Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of Aziz's conversation with his friends about English-Indian friendship?

They are unsure about the possibility of friendship Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Notable English Romance

"Le Morte d'Arthur" is the notable English romance written by Sir Thomas Malory.

Rise of the Novel in the 18th Century

Factors contributing to the rise of the novel include increased literacy rates, the expansion of the publishing industry, and social changes brought about by the Enlightenment.

Novels vs. Romances in Characterization

Novels typically feature complex, well-rounded characters, while romances often have more idealized or archetypal figures.

Development of the Novel as a Literary Genre

Daniel Defoe is credited with significantly developing the novel as a literary genre.

Technological Advancement in Novel Production

The invention of the printing press allowed for faster and cheaper production of books, facilitating the rise of the novel.

Urbanization and changes in social class structures led to new audiences seeking relatable stories in novel form.

Mrs. Moore's Misery Before the Trial

Mrs. Moore experiences discontent due to her awareness of the cultural divides and the implications of the trial on her social beliefs.

Ronny's Engagement Break with Adela

Ronny breaks off his engagement to Adela due to the societal pressures and his considerations about her actions during the trial.

Outcome of Aziz's Trial

Aziz is acquitted of the charges, leading to mixed reactions and revelations about racial tensions.

Result of Adela's Bravery

Adela's decision to stand against her peers results in her social isolation but also a personal awakening regarding her values.

Aziz’s Intentions After Fielding's Departure

Aziz plans to remain in India and maintain his cultural identity after Fielding departs for England.

Aziz's Position Two Years After the Trial

Two years later, Aziz becomes disillusioned and harbors resentment towards the English but remains connected to his cultural roots.

Aziz's Initial Belief About Fielding's Marriage

Aziz initially believes that Fielding's marriage would align him more with English society, leading to betrayal.

Aziz's Hatred for English People

Aziz's hatred stems from the perceived injustices and racial discrimination he experiences from the British.

Central Theme of A Passage to India

The novel explores themes of friendship, cultural misunderstanding, and the impact of colonialism on human relationships.

Aziz's Connection with Mrs. Moore

Mrs. Moore provides Aziz with a sense of understanding and hope, contrasting with the societal prejudices surrounding him.

Fielding's Question to Aziz

During their final ride, Fielding asks Aziz if they can remain friends despite their cultural differences.

Significance of Sky and Earth in Conversation

The imagery of the sky and earth symbolizes the connection between humans and the larger universe, reflecting their struggles and aspirations.

Main Feature of Realism in Art

Realism focuses on depicting subjects as they are in everyday life, emphasizing accurate representation and ordinary themes.

Samuel Richardson's Famous Epistolary Novel

"Pamela" is Samuel Richardson's renowned epistolary novel.

Father of the English Novel

Henry Fielding is often regarded as the father of the English novel for his contributions to narrative forms.

Fielding's Parody of Richardson's Pamela

"Shamela" is Henry Fielding's satirical take on Samuel Richardson's "Pamela."

Literary Devices Used by Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift is known for his use of satire, irony, and allegory to critique society and politics.

Jonathan Swift's Classic Allegorical Novel

"Gulliver's Travels" is a prominent example of Swift’s work in allegorical literature.

Aziz's Annoyance with Major Callendar

Aziz feels disrespected by Major Callendar due to condescending attitudes towards Indians.

Occasion for Mr. Turton's Party

Mr. Turton's party serves as a social gathering to display British colonial power and maintain racial hierarchies.

Adela's Decision on Her Marriage to Ronny

Adela ultimately decides to reject her marriage to Ronny, prioritizing her independence over societal expectations.

Cyril Fielding's Profession

Cyril Fielding is an educational administrator and the principal of a local college.

Hindu Professor Meeting Adela and Mrs. Moore

The Hindu professor they meet represents the bridging of cultural divides and the complexities of Indian society.

Outcome of Aziz's Conversation on English-Indian Friendship

Aziz’s discussion reflects a sense of skepticism and irony regarding true friendship across cultural boundaries, emphasizing mistrust.

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Description

Test your knowledge of English literature from the medieval period to the 18th century, covering notable works such as Malory's Morte d'Arthur and the development of the novel as a literary form. Explore the key writers and influences that shaped the genre.