Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What significant influence did Walter Pater have on Oscar Wilde?

  • He emphasized the importance of social class in literature.
  • He was a prominent critic of Wilde's work.
  • He introduced Wilde to the Aesthetic Movement. (correct)
  • He inspired Wilde to write poetry under a pseudonym.
  • Which of these character traits is most associated with Oscar Wilde during his time at Oxford?

  • Conservativeness and dedication to traditional values.
  • Resentment towards social elites.
  • Flamboyance and a love for beauty. (correct)
  • A focus on moral simplicity.
  • What role did Oscar Wilde have within the Aesthetic Movement?

  • A passive observer without much influence.
  • The founder of the movement.
  • An influential spokesperson and leader. (correct)
  • A harsh critic of aesthetics.
  • What was Oscar Wilde's relationship with his family's background?

    <p>He was born into an eminent family that encouraged his artistic pursuits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of education did Oscar Wilde receive?

    <p>He attended prestigious schools including Portora Royal School and Trinity College. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What extravagant habit characterized Wilde's lifestyle in London from 1878-81?

    <p>Carrying flowers and wearing bright colors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best reflects the philosophy central to Wilde's aesthetic beliefs?

    <p>Beauty in ordinary objects is important. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Wilde's views contribute to later art movements?

    <p>They laid the foundation for Art Nouveau and Art Déco. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theme is prominently explored in Charles Dickens' late novels from the 1850s?

    <p>Social injustice and the legal system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following novels is considered a Bildungsroman by Dickens?

    <p>David Copperfield (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'Bleak House' primarily critique?

    <p>Bureaucratic inefficiencies of the Court of Chancery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which novel reflects Dickens' childhood experiences with debt?

    <p>Little Dorrit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recurring theme in 'Great Expectations'?

    <p>The exploration of penal system iniquities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Dickens view American society in his travelogue 'American Notes for General Circulation'?

    <p>Critically, especially concerning slavery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Dickens novel was primarily focused on the dehumanizing effects of factory life?

    <p>Hard Times (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant aspect of Dickens’ novels characterizes Dombey and Son compared to his earlier works?

    <p>It was the first fully planned in advance. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What narrative perspective is employed in Wide Sargasso Sea?

    <p>First-person perspective by Antoinette (A), First-person perspective by Mr. Rochester (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theme is NOT strongly represented in Wide Sargasso Sea?

    <p>Heroic quests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Jean Rhys reframe Bertha Mason's character in Wide Sargasso Sea?

    <p>By giving her a voice and a backstory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do the voices of different characters play in Wide Sargasso Sea?

    <p>They create a layered understanding of the characters' motivations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the symbolic significance of 'Sargasso' in Wide Sargasso Sea?

    <p>It represents emotional entrapment and complexity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which author is NOT mentioned in relation to the exploration of the child in Victorian literature?

    <p>George Eliot (A), Mary Shelley (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of Charlotte Brontë's writing style?

    <p>Refined and complex sentence structures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant narrative event occurs at the end of Wide Sargasso Sea?

    <p>Antoinette sets fire to Thornfield Hall. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the first edition of Leaves of Grass published in 1855 composed of?

    <p>Twelve poems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which literary figure praised Leaves of Grass as an extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom?

    <p>Ralph Waldo Emerson (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Victorian period in Britain affect poetry during that time?

    <p>Poetic innovation fell into decline. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the poetry of Walt Whitman as presented in the content?

    <p>It celebrates individualism and inclusivity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What recommended action did William Rossetti take regarding Leaves of Grass?

    <p>He published a shortened, expurgated edition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these elements describes the linguistic experimentation in Whitman's poetry?

    <p>Recognition and development of an American voice (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a reason for the initial neglect of Whitman's work by readers?

    <p>Its rough manners and sexual outspokenness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many editions of Leaves of Grass did Whitman publish throughout his life?

    <p>Nine editions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurred in Stevenson's life in 1890?

    <p>He moved to a plantation in western Samoa. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Dr. Jekyll's transformation into Mr. Hyde represent?

    <p>The conflict between good and evil. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is Dr. Jekyll's civilized persona described in relation to his instincts?

    <p>As a burden or prison. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately happens to Dr. Jekyll due to Hyde's emergence?

    <p>He realizes that he must kill Hyde to save himself. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the nature of the relationship between the Samoans and Stevenson?

    <p>They carried his body and honored him after his death. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Victorian morality affect Dr. Jekyll's character?

    <p>It forces him to completely deny his instincts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the profession of Dr. Jekyll in the story?

    <p>A physician. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of the drug that Dr. Jekyll created?

    <p>It initially isolated his evil side but eventually lost effectiveness. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of the American language did Whitman emphasize?

    <p>Its flexible and perpetually mutating nature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique did Whitman adopt to create rhythmic patterns in his poetry?

    <p>Long lines and free verse (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scholar contributed significantly to the historical recognition of the Frontier in American culture?

    <p>F.J. Turner (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Emily Dickinson perceive poetry in relation to prose?

    <p>As a tool for communication without distinction between them (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way did Dickinson's upbringing influence her literary development?

    <p>She had unrestricted access to a vast array of literary works. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Frontier symbolize in American literature?

    <p>A limit of wilderness beyond civilization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event marked significant shifts in Dickinson's artistic evolution?

    <p>Her anonymous poetry publication in a local newspaper (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key characteristic of Whitman's view of American culture?

    <p>It mirrors the ever-changing demographic landscape. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Bildungsroman

    A novel that chronicles the growth and development of a character from childhood to adulthood.

    Dickens's Later Novels

    Dickens's novels from the 1850s, known for their exploration of serious social issues like social injustice, legal corruption, and the harsh realities of industrialization.

    Dombey and Son

    A satirical novel criticizing Victorian society's excessive focus on wealth and the lack of genuine affection.

    Bleak House

    A novel that highlights the bureaucratic inefficiencies of the Court of Chancery, showcasing how legal delays can negatively impact individuals.

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    Hard Times

    This novel delves into the dehumanizing aspects of industrial factory work, focusing on the bleakness of life for workers in northern England.

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    Little Dorrit

    Dickens critiques the societal issues surrounding debt, drawing from his own childhood experiences.

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    Great Expectations

    A novel exploring the complexities of the penal system and focusing on the theme of personal growth as well.

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    American Notes for General Circulation

    Dickens's travelogue, in which he expresses his observations and criticisms of American culture, including his strong opposition to slavery.

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    Intertextuality

    In literature, a text that refers to or incorporates elements from another text. It creates a dialogue between the original and the new work.

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    Alternation of Voices

    A literary device that uses multiple voices or perspectives to tell a story. This allows the reader to see different sides of the same event.

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    Bertha Mason's Story

    The novel "Wide Sargasso Sea" by Jean Rhys reimagines the story of Bertha Mason, the "madwoman in the attic" from Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," by giving Bertha her own voice and exploring her experiences.

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    Themes in "Wide Sargasso Sea"

    The novel "Wide Sargasso Sea" explores themes like race, ethnicity, sex, gender roles, and postcolonialism through the character of Antoinette, the first wife of Mr. Rochester.

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    Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea

    "Wide Sargasso Sea" is a novel that directly references and builds upon the plot of "Jane Eyre." It's a reinterpretation of the original story.

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    Setting of "Wide Sargasso Sea"

    The setting of "Wide Sargasso Sea" is significant. It explores the complexities of colonial life in Dominica and Jamaica during the 19th century.

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    Antoinette's Liberation

    The tragic ending of "Wide Sargasso Sea" suggests a sense of liberation for Antoinette, who is finally free from the constraints of her marriage.

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    Children in Victorian Literature

    Victorian authors often wrote about children, reflecting societal values and problems of the time. Their stories exposed poverty and injustice.

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    Who was Oscar Wilde's family?

    Born in 1854 in Dublin, Oscar Wilde's family was known for their intellectual and artistic achievements. His father, Sir William Wilde, was a renowned surgeon, while his mother, known as 'Speranza,' was a poet and literary salon host.

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    Where did Oscar Wilde receive his education?

    Wilde attended prestigious schools like Portora Royal School and Trinity College Dublin, eventually winning a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford.

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    What was the Aesthetic Movement?

    The Aesthetic Movement, emphasizing beauty and refinement, deeply influenced Wilde. He admired Walter Pater's 'Studies in the History of the Renaissance', calling it 'the flower of decadence'.

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    Who was another major influence on Oscar Wilde?

    John Ruskin, an art historian and Wilde's teacher at Oxford, also influenced him with his writings on Italian medieval art.

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    How did Wilde express his belief in the Aesthetic Movement?

    Wilde's belief in beauty and refinement manifested in his writings and lifestyle. He was known for his elegant appearance, witty conversations, and collection of beautiful objects.

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    What were some of Wilde's extravagant habits?

    Wilde embraced extravagant habits, like carrying flowers and wearing bright colors, challenging the more conservative attire of the middle class.

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    How did Wilde become associated with the Aesthetic Movement?

    Wilde's flamboyant personality and his association with the Aesthetic Movement made him a prominent figure. He was even dubbed 'Professor of Aesthetics' and invited to lecture in the US.

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    How did Wilde's aesthetics influence later art movements?

    Wilde's embrace of aesthetics influenced later art movements like Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which emphasized beauty in everyday objects.

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    Suppression in Victorian Society

    The feeling of being confined by societal expectations and unable to express one's true nature.

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    Dual Personality in 'Jekyll and Hyde'

    The conflict between a person's 'good' and 'evil' sides, depicted as two separate personalities in 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.'

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    Mr. Hyde

    Dr. Jekyll's alter ego, representing the dark and unrestrained impulses hidden beneath Jekyll's respectable facade.

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    Victorian Morality in 'Jekyll and Hyde'

    Stevenson's portrayal of Victorian society's strict moral code, which suppressed individual instincts and desires, leading to internal conflict and psychological distress.

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    Transformation in 'Jekyll and Hyde'

    The ability for Jekyll to transform into Hyde, a symbol of the Victorian era's struggle to reconcile societal expectations with personal desires.

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    Liberation through Transformation

    The feeling of liberation and relief that Jekyll experiences when unleashing his suppressed instincts in the form of Hyde.

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    Duality of Human Nature in 'Jekyll and Hyde'

    Stevenson's exploration of human nature's duality, where the 'good' and 'evil' sides of personality exist within each individual, constantly in conflict.

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    Tragic Outcome of Suppression

    The tragic consequence of Jekyll's attempt to suppress his dark side, ultimately leading to his own destruction.

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    American Language as a Melting Pot

    The American language is constantly changing and developing due to new immigrants and the expansion of the country.

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    Whitman's Poetic Style

    Whitman's poetry is characterized by long lines, free verse, and a unique rhythm that seems informal yet carefully crafted.

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    The American Frontier

    The American frontier is a symbolic and physical boundary separating civilization from wilderness, representing expansion and the challenges faced by America.

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    Turner's Frontier Thesis

    Frederick Jackson Turner's theory emphasizes the frontier's role in shaping American identity and institutions, including resource utilization and overcoming obstacles.

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    Emily Dickinson's Seclusion

    Emily Dickinson was a reclusive poet who used writing as a primary means of interacting with the world.

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    Dickinson's Education

    Dickinson's early education ended at 17, but she continued to read widely, influencing her literary style and themes.

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    Dickinson's Poetic Themes

    Dickinson's poetry is characterized by a blend of personal experiences, religious reflections, and philosophical observations.

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    Dickinson's Poetic Universality

    Dickinson's poems explore universal themes like love, death, and the human condition, engaging readers across time and culture.

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    Leaves of Grass

    Walt Whitman, a prominent American poet, published this collection in 1855, constantly expanding it throughout his life. It's a landmark work showcasing American identity and experience, growing from twelve poems to over 400.

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    When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed

    This elegy, one of Whitman's most famous works, reflects on Abraham Lincoln's death and the profound impact of his presidency. It was published in 1865 as part of Whitman's collection "Drum-Taps."

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    Whitman's Linguistic Innovations

    Whitman's poetry, especially "Leaves of Grass", is known for taking a distinctly American voice, using language influenced by the rapid changes and linguistic developments of the expanding United States. He sought to create a style free from any European influence.

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    Whitman's American Identity

    Unlike British poets of the Victorian era who often focused on formal themes and styles, Whitman's poetry embraced a more open, democratic perspective, reflecting the spirit of the American people.

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    Whitman's Reception

    Initially ignored due to its frankness and unconventional style, Whitman's poetry found admirers in Britain, particularly in the figures of A. C. Swinburne and William Rossetti, who lauded him for his originality and poetic brilliance.

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    Whitman's Reception

    While Whitman's poetry was largely ignored by his contemporaries, his reputation grew later, mainly due to the praise of influential British writers like A.C. Swinburne and William Rossetti. They saw him as a visionary poet who was challenging traditional poetic forms.

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    Whitman vs. Dickinson

    In contrast to Emily Dickinson's introspective poetry, Whitman's work is characterized by its expansive, inclusive approach, celebrating the diversity and unity of America.

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    Study Notes

    Victorian Age (1837-1901)

    • The Victorian Age saw significant social and political reforms, technological progress, and Britain's rise as a global power.
    • Queen Victoria reigned constitutionally, mediating between political parties.
    • The period saw significant expansion of the British Empire, encompassing India, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa.
    • The concept of "The White Man's Burden" justified Britain's imperial actions, promoting a belief in British cultural superiority.
    • Political reforms, like the First Reform Bill (1832), occurred, but were often limited to the privileged classes. The Chartist movement, pushing for voting rights, was largely unsuccessful initially, but eventually influenced later reforms.

    Victorian Reforms

    • Reforms, though occurring, were often accompanied by significant social inequalities.
    • The gap in wealth was severe.
    • Working-class people were excluded from the first Reform Bill.
    • The Chartist movement advocated for broader voting rights to include all adult males, but faced opposition with leaders and protesters being harmed.
    • By 1928, all women had the right to vote at 21 years of age

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the significant influences of Oscar Wilde, his role in the Aesthetic Movement, and his relationship with Walter Pater. Additionally, dive into the themes and critiques explored in the late novels of Charles Dickens. This quiz covers important aspects of both authors' lives and works.

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