29 Questions
What is Robert Lynd known for?
Being a popular essayist, critic, columnist, and poet
In what magazine did Robert Lynd contribute his weekly literary essay under the pseudonym Y.Y.?
New Statesman
What does Robert Lynd argue in 'The Pleasures of Ignorance'?
Ignorance leads to the constant pleasure of discovery
Which season is especially mentioned as being amazing for a walk in the country?
April or May
What is one example of people's ignorance mentioned by Robert Lynd in his essay?
Not knowing the difference between a beech and an elm tree
Why does Robert Lynd claim that many people cannot distinguish between bird songs?
Lack of observation and not noticing the birds around them
'The Pleasures of Ignorance' implies that knowledge sometimes limits:
The joy of discovery.
What is one characteristic of Robert Lynd's essays as mentioned in the text?
Humor and precise observations
What did Robert Lynd use as his pseudonym when writing his literary essays?
Y.Y.
According to Robert Lynd, why do many people live and die without knowing about nature?
Due to lack of observation and noticing what's around them
What precedes the fruit of an apple tree, according to the text?
Blossom precedes fruit
How does the author describe their memory?
Forgetful and capricious
What does the author compare re-learning the names of flowers every spring to?
Re-reading a forgotten book
Why does the author suggest there may be as much to be said for a bad memory as for a good one?
A bad memory allows for endless reading and learning
What does the author imply about forgetting information from books and life?
It allows one to experience things anew
What is the most important crop in England according to the contemporary English novelist mentioned in the text?
Rye
'One of the greatest joys known to man is to take such a flight into ignorance in search of knowledge.' What is meant by this statement?
The joy of asking questions to overcome ignorance
'Knowledge outside the day's work is regarded by most men as a gewgaw.' What does 'gewgaw' mean in this context?
'Gewgaw' refers to trivial or showy knowledge
'The man who has lost this pleasure or exchanged it for the pleasure of dogma...is already beginning to stiffen.' What does 'stiffen' imply in this sentence?
'Stiffen' means becoming resistant to change
What is the author's opinion on ignorance as described in the text?
Ignorance is beneficial as it allows for constant discovery and pleasure.
What does the author suggest about the pleasure of observing nature for the naturalist as compared to a novice?
The naturalist's pleasure is more enthusiastic and transient compared to the novice.
Why does the author mention the naturalist's desire to see the female cuckoo laying her egg?
To highlight the importance of firsthand observation and confirmation.
How does the author describe the new moon's appearance according to the text?
Its appearance is always a pleasant surprise even to those who know when to expect it.
What does the author imply about knowledge and ignorance in relation to naturalists?
The fortune of ignorance continues to drive naturalists to discover new aspects of nature.
In what way does the author describe the pleasure derived from finding an early primrose?
It is likened to a thrilling experience similar to finding a hidden treasure.
What emotion does the author associate with witnessing a cuckoo's flight for the first time?
Enthusiasm
Why do naturalists feel half ignorant even after reaching 'the very Z of knowledge in the books'?
Because confirmation through personal observation is essential for full understanding
How does the author describe the pleasure derived from observing nature for a novice compared to that for a naturalist?
The naturalist's pleasure is transient compared to the steady pleasure of a novice
What does the author suggest about ignorance in relation to discovering new aspects of nature?
Ignorance enables individuals to uncover constant pleasures through discovery in nature
Study Notes
Robert Lynd and his Work
- Robert Lynd is known for his literary essays and contributions to a magazine under the pseudonym Y.Y.
- He wrote a weekly literary essay in the magazine, showcasing his writing style.
The Pleasures of Ignorance
- In 'The Pleasures of Ignorance', Robert Lynd argues that ignorance can be a pleasure, especially in relation to nature and knowledge.
- He suggests that people's ignorance of certain aspects of nature can lead to a greater appreciation and wonder.
- One example of people's ignorance mentioned in the essay is not knowing the names of flowers.
Nature and Knowledge
- Spring is especially mentioned as an amazing season for a walk in the country, highlighting the beauty of nature.
- Many people cannot distinguish between bird songs due to their lack of knowledge.
- Lynd claims that knowledge sometimes limits one's ability to appreciate the beauty of nature.
- He suggests that people live and die without knowing about nature because they are not encouraged to observe it.
Characteristics of Lynd's Essays
- Lynd's essays are characterized by their ability to find pleasure in ignorance and the beauty of nature.
Memory and Forgetting
- The author describes their memory as imperfect, comparing re-learning the names of flowers every spring to having to relearn a forgotten language.
- The author suggests that there may be as much to be said for a bad memory as for a good one, implying that forgetting information can be beneficial.
- The author implies that forgetting information from books and life is a natural process.
The Importance of Nature
- The most important crop in England is apples, according to the contemporary English novelist mentioned in the text.
- The new moon is described as having a silvery appearance.
The Pleasure of Ignorance
- The author suggests that taking a "flight into ignorance" in search of knowledge can be a great joy, implying that ignorance can be a catalyst for discovery.
- The author implies that ignorance is not a limitation, but rather an opportunity to discover new things.
- The author suggests that naturalists feel half ignorant even after reaching 'the very Z of knowledge in the books', implying that there is always more to learn.
- The author describes the pleasure derived from observing nature for a novice as a sense of wonder and awe, compared to the pleasure of a naturalist, which is more nuanced and informed.
Test your knowledge on Robert Lynd's essay 'The Pleasures of Ignorance' which showcases his humor, precise observations, and engaging writing style. Explore his use of examples from nature to support the idea that ignorance can lead to a sense of wonder.
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