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Questions and Answers
What is the primary theme of John Milton Hay's poem 'My Castle in Spain'?
Which historical figure does Robert G. Ingersoll's poem reflect upon?
What position did John Milton Hay NOT hold?
What does Ingersoll's poem suggest about Napoleon's personal life?
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In 'My Castle in Spain', how is the woman described?
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What was John Milton Hay’s role before becoming a diplomat?
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What does Ingersoll compare to the life of Napoleon in his poem?
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What ironic twist is presented in 'My Castle in Spain' about the location?
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What aspect of the woman in 'My Castle in Spain' is emphasized the most in the poem?
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What was John Milton Hay's connection to Abraham Lincoln?
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In Robert G. Ingersoll's poem, what does he suggest about the legacy of Napoleon?
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What specific historical event did John Milton Hay participate in?
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What feature of Napoleon does Ingersoll vividly describe in the second stanza of his poem?
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Which element is compared to Napoleon's glory in Ingersoll's final reflection?
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How does Hay characterize the woman awaiting the speaker's return in 'My Castle in Spain'?
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What reason does Hay reflect on for his longing in 'My Castle in Spain'?
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What does the setting of the castle in Spain represent for the speaker in 'My Castle in Spain'?
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How does Hay's former position as a private secretary to Lincoln influence the themes in 'My Castle in Spain'?
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In 'My Castle in Spain', the Queen is depicted with which of the following virtues?
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What contrasting fate is implied in Ingersoll's poem regarding Napoleon's legacy?
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What does the speaker in 'My Castle in Spain' ultimately desire more than the riches of the castle?
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Which literary device is prominently used throughout Ingersoll's poem to convey Napoleon's experiences?
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What sentiment does Ingersoll express towards the concept of glory at the end of his poem about Napoleon?
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What aspect of Hay's life serves as a backdrop for the themes in 'My Castle in Spain'?
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Study Notes
John Milton Hay: "My Castle in Spain"
- John Milton Hay was an American statesman and diplomat who served as the US Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.
- He was a close associate of Abraham Lincoln and served as his private secretary and assistant.
- Hay wrote the poem "My Castle in Spain", which describes a man's longing and homesickness for a castle in Spain.
- He was posted in Spain as a diplomat after Isabella II was deposed and participated in the Spanish-American War.
- The poem celebrates the beauty, wisdom, purity and honesty of a woman, who dwells within the castle.
- The woman remains "unconscious" of what she might be missing, while longing for the man's return.
- The poem suggests that the man may be a soldier, and the woman is a symbol of love lost in the midst of war.
Robert G. Ingersoll: "At the Tomb of Napoleon"
- Robert G. Ingersoll was a prominent orator known for his witty and brilliant speeches, earning $3,500 per night.
- Ingersoll's poem "At the Tomb of Napoleon" reflects on the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- The poem describes Napoleon's tomb as extravagant and almost "deity-like".
- It then recounts Napoleon's achievements and failures, such as his victories in Italy and his defeat in Russia.
- Ingersoll contrasts Napoleon's military triumphs with his personal losses of love and the creation of widows and orphans.
- He compares Napoleon to ordinary peasants who live simple lives, surrounded by love and family.
- The poem concludes by stating that Ingersoll would rather be a simple, loved peasant than a powerful and destructive figure like Napoleon.
John Milton Hay
- American statesman and diplomat
- Served as United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt
- Had a career in government spanning almost half a century
- Served as a private secretary and assistant for Abraham Lincoln
- Wrote poetry and literature including "My Castle In Spain"
- Was posted as a diplomat in Spain after Isabella II was deposed
"My Castle in Spain"
- Poem describing a man's longing and homesickness for a castle in Spain
- Castle is full of riches, history and culture
- The man compares the Queen to the virtues of beauty, wisdom, purity and honesty
- The Queen is "unconscious" as she waits for his return
- The poem is ironic as the man was involved in the Spanish American War
Robert G. Ingersoll
- Prominent orator and politician
- Gave speeches for a fee of $3,500 per night
- Known for exposing religious superstitions
"At the Tomb of Napolean"
- Three-stanza poem reflecting on the life of Napoleon
- Describes Napoleon's tomb as "gold and gilt...fit almost for a dead deity"
- Recounts Napoleon's achievements and failures
- Includes a list of Napoleon's achievements:
- Walking upon the banks of the Seine, contemplating suicide.
- Putting down the mob in the streets of Paris.
- Leading the army of Italy.
- Crossing the bridge of Lodi
- Concludes that Napoleon's glory is worthless compared to the simple life
- Would rather be a peasant who dies loved by his family than Napoleon, "imperial impersonation of force and murder"
John Milton Hay
- American statesman and official whose career spanned almost half a century
- Served as a private secretary and assistant for Abraham Lincoln
- Became a diplomat and served as United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt
- Biographer of Lincoln and wrote poetry and other literature
- Posted in Spain as a diplomat
"My Castle in Spain"
- Poem about a man's longing and homesickness for a castle in Spain
- Castle is described as full of riches, history, and culture
- The man is drawn to the Queen who dwells there
- He compares the Queen to the virtues of beauty, wisdom, purity, and honesty
- The Queen is described as "unconscious," waiting for his return
- Suggests the man may be a soldier who died in war, leaving the Queen to wait for his return
Robert G. Ingersoll
- Politician and prominent orator
- Known for witty speeches exposing religious superstitions
- Earned $3,500 a night for his speeches
"At the Tomb of Napoleon"
- Poem about visiting Napoleon's grave and imagining his former glory
- Describes Napoleon's tomb as "gold and gilt" - fit for a "dead deity"
- Lists Napoleon's achievements and failures:
- Walking on the banks of the Seine, contemplating suicide
- Putting down the mob in the streets of Paris
- Leading the army of Italy
- Crossing the bridge of Lodi with the tri-color in his hand
- Reflects on Napoleon's personal losses of love and the widows and orphans he left behind
- Compares Napoleon to country peasants who enjoy nature and die loved by their families
- Concludes that all of Napoleon's glory is worthless and that he would rather have been a humble peasant than a "murderous" emperor
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Description
This quiz explores the themes and significance of poems by John Milton Hay and Robert G. Ingersoll. It examines Hay's nostalgic longing in 'My Castle in Spain' and Ingersoll's reflections at 'At the Tomb of Napoleon'. Test your understanding of these literary works and their historical contexts.
