Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens Quiz

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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'.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.