History of English Literature
Important Long Questions (Jacobean to Restoration)
1. The Jacobean Age (1603–1625)
Drama & Shift in Tone
- Discuss the transition from Elizabethan optimism to Jacobean pessimism in English drama. Reference the works of Webster or Tourneur.
- Analyze the characteristics of Revenge Tragedy with special reference to John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi.
- Define the Comedy of Humours. How does Jonson use this to satirize the follies of his age in Volpone?
- Compare and contrast the dramatic art of Ben Jonson with that of Shakespeare. Why is Jonson called a "Classicist"?
2. The Caroline Age (1625–1649)
Metaphysical Poetry
- What are the chief characteristics of Metaphysical Poetry? Discuss John Donne as the leader of this school.
- Analyze the use of the 'Metaphysical Conceit' with examples from Donne, Herbert, or Marvell.
- Write an essay on the Cavalier Poets. How do their themes of love and Carpe Diem differ from the Metaphysical poets?
3. The Commonwealth Period (1649–1660)
Prose & Politics
- Discuss the rise of political and religious prose during the Puritan Interregnum, referencing Milton's Areopagitica.
- Why is the Commonwealth period often called a 'barren' period for English drama? Discuss the impact of the Closing of the Theaters (1642).
4. The Restoration Period (1660–1700)
Restoration Comedy
- Define Comedy of Manners. Discuss its focus on wit, artificiality, and upper-class intrigue.
- Critically analyze the role of 'Wit' in the plays of William Congreve (e.g., The Way of the World).
- Evaluate John Dryden as the representative poet and critic of the Restoration Age.
- Discuss the rise of Satire as a dominant literary form, referencing Absalom and Achitophel.
- Consider Paradise Lost as a Classical Epic. How does Milton adapt epic conventions for a Christian theme?
- "Satan is the true hero of Paradise Lost." Discuss this statement critically.
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