Kit-Kat Club: Influential Intellectual Circle

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary focus of the Kit-Kat Club's discussions?

Scientific discoveries

Religious debates

Politics, literature, and society (correct)

Economic theory

Which writer is known for co-founding The Tatler and The Spectator?

Robert Walpole

Richard Steele (correct)

William Congreve

Joseph Addison

What does the name 'Kit-Kat' likely refer to?

A type of literary genre

A baker who provided pies (correct)

A brand of pie

A character from a novel

Which of the following members was the first Prime Minister of Britain?

Robert Walpole Signup and view all the answers

What type of literary group was the Scriblerus Club?

A satirical group Signup and view all the answers

What year is considered the origin of the Scriblerus Club?

1714 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following works is attributed to Joseph Addison?

The Campaign Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Scriblerus' refer to in the context of the Scriblerus Club?

A talentless writer Signup and view all the answers

Which member was known for their contributions to English Baroque architecture?

Sir John Vanbrugh Signup and view all the answers

How did the Scriblerus Club achieve their satirical aims?

Through the persona of Martinus Scriblerus Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant contribution of Richard Steele to English literature?

Co-founding influential periodicals Signup and view all the answers

Which figure from the Kit-Kat Club is closely associated with political pamphlets?

Robert Walpole Signup and view all the answers

What relationship did the Scriblerus Club founders have with the character Martinus Scriblerus?

They created Martinus Scriblerus as a satirical persona. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the name 'Kit-Kat' in relation to the club's meetings?

It referred to the size of the pies served. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plays is written by William Congreve?

The Way of the World Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical work is attributed to John Locke?

An Essay Concerning Human Understanding Signup and view all the answers

What kind of political stance did the Scriblerus Club members generally hold?

Conservative and aristocratic Signup and view all the answers

What year marks the origin of the Kit-Kat Club?

1700 Signup and view all the answers

Which member of the Kit-Kat Club is specifically noted for contributions to English Baroque architecture?

Sir John Vanbrugh Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary activities of the members of the Kit-Kat Club?

Discussing politics, literature, and society Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Kit-Kat Club

Formed around 1700 by Whigs, intellectuals, and artists in London
Met regularly to discuss politics, literature, and society
Influential in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the late 17th and early 18th centuries
Name likely derived from Christopher Cat, a baker, or the size of pies served; informal gatherings emphasize social and intellectual tone
The Kit-Kat Club was a London-based literary and political club that emerged around 1700. The club played a significant role in the development of English literature, politics, and culture during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
The club was formed by Whigs (supporters of the monarchy), intellectuals, and artists, who met regularly to discuss politics, literature, and society. Their influence was profound in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the time.

Kit-Kat Club Members

Richard Steele: Co-founder of The Tatler and The Spectator, two influential periodicals of the early 18th century in England
Joseph Addison: Collaborated with Richard Steele in founding The Tatler and The Spectator; author of The Campaign (1704)
William Congreve: Playwright known for comedies like The Old Bachelor (1693), The Way of the World (1700), and Love for Love (1695)
Robert Walpole: Britain's first Prime Minister; wrote and published anonymous political pamphlets
John Locke: Philosopher and theorist; wrote An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises of Government
Sir John Vanbrugh: Architect and playwright, known for comedies The Relapse and The Provoked Wife

Scriblerus Club

Formed around 1714 by a group of writers and intellectuals in London
Conservative and aristocratic leanings
Used satire to critique contemporary society, literature, and politics
Created the persona of Martinus Scriblerus for satirical purposes
Name combines "Martin" (from a comic character) and "Scriblerus" (a term of contempt for a talentless writer); the name Martin was derived from John Dryden's comic character Sir Martin Mar-all, whose name had become synonymous with absurd error
The club collaborated on the Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus, starting as early as 1713 and leading to frequent meetings in London.

Scriblerus Club Members

Jonathan Swift: Author of satirical works including The Modest Proposal, Gulliver’s Travels, The Battle of the Books, A Journal to Stella, and A Tale of a Tub
Alexander Pope: Known for his use of heroic couplets, author of The Rape of the Locke, The Dunciad, Essay on Criticism, and Essay on Man
John Gay: Wrote the ballad opera The Beggar’s Opera and its sequel Polly, along with poems/narratives (Fables)
Dr. John Arbuthnot: Physician, satirist, and polymath; wrote The History of John Bull, The Memoirs of Martinus Scriblerus, and on the use of mathematics
Thomas Parnell: Author of A Night-Piece on Death, The Hermit, and odes/elegies

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Explore the fascinating world of the Kit-Kat Club, formed in the early 18th century by prominent Whigs, intellectuals, and artists in London. This quiz delves into notable members such as Richard Steele and Joseph Addison, and their contributions to literature and politics. Test your knowledge on how these gatherings influenced the cultural and political landscape of the time.