English Literature Quiz: Milton and the Restoration

The first written literature in England was produced by Christian monks in monasteries, who wrote down and adapted older pagan stories.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is an important historical document written in Old English, covering the period from the early Christian era to the Norman Conquest in the 1150s.

The arrival of Christianity in 597 AD, marked by Pope Gregory the Great sending Augustine to Kent, had a significant impact on English culture and literature.

Beowulf is a famous epic poem about a warrior who fights a monster. It exemplifies the heroic tradition of Anglo-Saxon literature.

Caedmon was a shepherd who became a poet and was known for his hymn, Caedmon's Hymn, and his poetic versions of the Book of Genesis.

A fictional tale with animals as characters, teaching a moral lesson. Often features cunning animals and tricky situations.

A brief story used to illustrate a Christian moral or theological concept.

A humorous, often bawdy story about ordinary people's lives, lacking idealization.

A type of poem or song, often passed down orally, narrating heroic deeds or love stories.

A type of medieval romance originating in Brittany, featuring Celtic elements like magic and elves, with a focus on love.

A system of social organization based on land ownership and loyalty, prevalent in medieval Europe.

A type of poetry popular in medieval England, characterized by rhythm and rhyme, often telling stories of chivalry and adventure.

A collection of historical accounts, often written in verse, recording important events, figures, and lineages.

A literary movement that emerged in the early 17th century, characterized by its focus on the complexities of human existence, death, and spirituality.

A style of poetry characterized by intellectual and philosophical exploration of complex themes, often exploring love, death, religion, and the human condition.

A key figure in English literature, known for his innovative style, exploration of metaphysical themes, and influential poetry.

A type of poetry that focuses on the intense and complex emotions of love, often exploring the physical and erotic aspects of relationships.

Poetry that uses metaphors and imagery to explore the relationship between human existence and the divine, questioning the nature of faith and mortality.

A period of political and social upheaval in England, marked by a civil war between the supporters of King Charles I and Parliament.

The period after the execution of King Charles I, during which England was ruled by Parliament and later a Lord Protector.

The group of poets who supported King Charles I during the English Civil War, known for their elegant and traditional style.

The period between 1660 and the 1680s, marked by the restoration of the monarchy in England under Charles II after the Commonwealth period. It saw a resurgence in arts and culture, a shift towards secularism, and the rise of scientific thought.

John Milton, a prominent English poet, writer, and intellectual, known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost" and his political and religious writings. He was a staunch advocate for republicanism and opposed the monarchy. Milton was one of the key figures of the Puritan movement and believed in God's divine plan for mankind.

A literary technique used frequently in John Milton's Paradise Lost, specifically the use of highly elaborate and complex language, often with extended metaphors and similes, to elevate the style and create a sense of grandeur. The technique highlights the majesty and complexity of the subject being discussed.

Writing that teaches a moral lesson or provides guidance on how to live a good and virtuous life, often characterized by didacticism and a focus on religious themes.

The 16th century in England saw a period of great cultural and religious change. The Tudor dynasty (Henry VIII, Elizabeth I) brought about a rebirth of classical art and culture. This period saw a rise of humanism, focusing on human potential and achievement, and the Protestant Reformation, which led to the establishment of the Church of England in 1534, separating from the Catholic Church.

A fictional novel that criticizes European colonialism in the New World, focusing on Oronooko, a noble African prince turned slave in Surinam, who falls in love with Imoinda, fights for freedom, and ultimately meets a tragic end.

A fictionalized account of a real African prince, Oronooko, who was brought to Surinam as a slave, depicting his noble character, love for Imoinda, and ultimately failed uprising.

A literary device used by Aphra Behn in "Oroonoko" where the narrator presents the fictional narrative as a true story, linking it to real historical events and figures.

A fictional prince who embodies courage, honor, and loyalty, even in the face of slavery and oppression. He represents the nobility of the enslaved African people.

The love story of Oronooko and Imoinda, a young woman of royal lineage, forms the emotional core of the novel, representing the resilience of love even in the face of hardship.

A fictionalized representation of English colonists in Surinam, portraying them as cruel, greedy, and lacking morality, highlighting the negative consequences of European settlement.

An early novel that sparked a genre of adventure stories centered around shipwrecked heroes on deserted islands.

Philosophical ideas exploring the potential of a new beginning, a clean slate, and the possibilities of building a society based on natural law.

A novel incorporating elements of historical fiction, adventure story, and religious allegory, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the nature of human civilization.

The story of a man who leaves England to seek his fortune, experiences a shipwreck, and survives on a deserted island for years, eventually returning to England with newfound wealth and perspective.

A literary movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature over reason and logic.

A concept popularized by Romanticism, representing a person living in harmony with nature, free from societal corruption.

A literary style characterized by suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements, often set in dark and atmospheric castles.

A literary device evoking a feeling of awe and terror, often through the depiction of overwhelming natural landscapes.

A poet renowned for his lyrical exploration of nature and personal introspection, particularly in works like "Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey".

A poet known for his mystical and imaginative poems like "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner", which often explore themes of the supernatural and the human condition.

A poet known for his dramatic narratives and melancholic depictions of romantic heroes, as seen in works like "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage" and "Don Juan".

A poet renowned for his passionate and lyrical poems, exploring themes of love, beauty, and the transience of life, as in his "Odes".

A novel by Jane Austen examining contrasts in sensibility and reason through the lives of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, showcasing the dangers of excessive emotion and the importance of restraint.

A novel by Mary Shelley exploring the consequences of ambition and the dangers of playing God, through the story of a scientist who creates a sentient being.

A multi-layered novel exploring themes of ambition, science, and the nature of humanity through the intertwined narratives of various characters.

A literary genre that flourished during the Romantic period, characterized by a blend of horror, romance, and the supernatural.

A narrative technique that allows the reader to experience the world through the eyes of different characters, often revealing fragmented accounts and shifting perspectives.

An oriental tale by Lord Byron focusing on the clash between East and West, specifically exploring themes of revenge and the consequences of love and betrayal.

A term referring to a character who is alienated, isolated, and haunted by the past, often seeking redemption but finding no solace.