Neoclassicism Flashcards Quiz: Pretest Your Knowledge

Questions and Answers

Which of these poetic forms is short, witty, and ends with a twist?

Epigram (correct)

Haiku

Ode

Sonnet

Which word or phrase best describes the political and religious atmosphere of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries?

tumultuous

Which three lines in the poem are examples of alliteration?

Doth ask a drink divine; But thou thereon didst only breathe; Since when it grows, and smells, I swear,

Which four lines or sets of lines in the poem are examples of sensory imagery?

Drink to me only with thine eyes, Or leave a kiss but in the cup, Doth ask a drink divine; But might I of Jove's nectar sup, Since when it grows, and smells, I swear, Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the word 'pageantry' in the context of these lines from John Milton's 'L'Allegro'?

elaborate ceremony Signup and view all the answers

What poetic element is used in this excerpt from John Milton's Paradise Lost?

blank verse Signup and view all the answers

Which two sets of lines in this excerpt from 'L'Allegro' contrast with the ideas of gentle dreams of sleep?

And pomp, and feast, and revelry, With mask, and antique pageantry; Such sights as youthful poets dream On summer eves by haunted stream. Signup and view all the answers

Which set of lines in this excerpt from Milton's Paradise Lost reflects the theme of humankind's childish innocence before the fall from paradise?

So passd they naked on, nor shund the sight Of God or Angel, for they thought no ill: Signup and view all the answers

The _______ were mainly conservative and pro-nobility.

Tories Signup and view all the answers

The _______ were more liberal and often sided with the rising middle class.

Whigs Signup and view all the answers

How would you summarize the impact of societal changes that took place in Britain during the eighteenth century?

People were gravely affected by constant wars and rebellions. Signup and view all the answers

How was Samuel Johnson's dictionary different from previous dictionaries of the English language?

It used literary excerpts to illustrate word usage. Signup and view all the answers

Which set of lines refers to the great fire that swept through the city of London in 1666?

Her flag aloft spread ruffling to the wind, And sanguine streamers seem the flood to fire; The weaver, charm'd with what his loom design'd, Goes on to sea, and knows not to retire. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the growth of factories in England in the eighteenth century?

Farmers who lost their lands due to agricultural reforms were in need of work. Signup and view all the answers

What may have helped Daniel Defoe to realistically portray settings of major characters who do not belong to the upper class?

his own upbringing in a lower middle-class family Signup and view all the answers

Which set of lines provides evidence that the writer is mocking women for being too preoccupied with their social status?

For Sylphs, yet mindful of their ancient race, Are, as when women, wondrous fond of place. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poetic Forms and Elements

Epigram: A concise, witty poem that concludes with a twist.
Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words; identified lines from "To Celia" include phrases like "Doth ask a drink divine" and "Since when it grows, and smells, I swear."
Sensory Imagery: Evocative language that stimulates the senses; notable examples in the poem "To Celia" include lines about eyes, kisses, and the sublime drink of Jove’s nectar.
Blank Verse: Unrhymed iambic pentameter used effectively in Milton's "Paradise Lost."

Historical Context

Political Landscape (16th-17th Century): The era was characterized as tumultuous, marked by significant political and religious upheaval.
Division of Political Parties: The Tories were mainly conservative and pro-nobility, while the Whigs leaned towards liberalism and the rising middle class.

Impact of Societal Changes in Britain

Eighteenth Century: Wealth disparity increased with the rich gaining more, while societal shifts welcomed more comfortable lifestyles and leisure time for many.
Factory Growth: Emerged as a response to the need for work from farmers displaced by agricultural reforms.

Literary Contributions

Samuel Johnson's Dictionary: Innovatively included literary excerpts for demonstrating word usage, enhancing the understanding of English lexicon.
Daniel Defoe's Characters: Often depicted protagonists from lower social classes, drawing from Defoe's own lower middle-class upbringing.

John Milton's Works

"L'Allegro" vs "Il Penseroso": Contrasts joyful and melancholic perspectives; the first celebrates revelry and social gatherings while the latter prefers peaceful, quiet contemplation.
Humankind's Innocence Theme: Reflected in "Paradise Lost," highlighting the naive view of Adam and Eve who passed undisturbed in the presence of God.

Alexander Pope's "The Rape of the Lock"

Mockery of Social Status: Evidence of satire on women's preoccupation with social standing in the depiction of the aërial guard and their structured companionship reflective of card games.

Urban Developments and Disasters

1666 Great Fire of London: Referenced in John Dryden's "Annus Mirabilis," showcasing the destructive fire that reshaped the cityscape and vintage storytelling of its events.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Neoclassicism with these flashcards. This quiz includes questions on poetic forms, historical contexts, and literary devices found in key works. Ideal for students preparing for literature exams.

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