CLASSE QUARTA

ENGLISH LITERATURE TEST

1)  Write a short paragraph about the main features of the Metaphysical Poets.

2)  In what way were the Cavalier Poets different from them?

  J.Donne – A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning.

3)  Explain the title of the poem.

4)  Divide the content of the poem into five sections and sum them up:

stanzas 1-2 ____________________________________________________

stanza  3 ____________________________________________________

stanzas 4-5 ____________________________________________________

stanza 6  ____________________________________________________

stanzas 7-8-9 ___________________________________________________

5)  The image of the compass is stressed by the double meaning of certain words:

‘firmness (line 35) can also mean _________________

‘circle (line 35) can also mean __________________

‘just (line 35) can also mean _________________

  J.Donne – Sonnet X

6)  Why is this sonnet an example of the Metaphysical Poets ‘intellectual poetry?

7)  What is the function of the final couplet?

8)  Sum up the poets argument in a short paragraph.

9)  Are the structure and the rhyme scheme of the Elizabethan sonnet respected?

A.  Marvell – To his coy mistress

10)  The poem can be divided into three parts: explain the poets arguments in three short paragraphs.

11)  What is the theme of the poem?

12)  Consider the last couplet (lines 45-46) and explain its meaning.

13)  Describe the rhyme scheme and the structure of the poem.

14)  Provide some examples of run-on-lines.

  The Puritan Age

15)  Explain what was the Petition of Rights, who signed it and when.

16)  Explain the Civil War of 1642-1649 and its causes.

17)  What was the Commonwealth?

18)  Describe the Puritans and their way of life.