The Age of Johnson - Question Bank
1. The Age of Johnson saw a significant development in the use of the English language, moving towards greater standardization and clarity, largely influenced by:
2. The publication of James Boswell's 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' in 1791 is considered a landmark in the genre of:
3. Which of the following was NOT a characteristic style of the Age of Johnson?
4. The novel 'Evelina' by Frances Burney, published in 1778, is a notable example of:
5. The literary output of the Age of Johnson can be seen as a culmination of Neoclassical ideals and a precursor to:
6. Which writer, known for his philosophical essays and his skepticism, was a major influence on the rationalist spirit of the age?
7. The collection 'A Dictionary of the English Language' by Samuel Johnson aimed to:
8. The literary criticism of the Age of Johnson, exemplified by Johnson himself, valued:
9. Which author, a contemporary of Johnson, wrote the sprawling novel 'The Adventures of Roderick Random'?
10. The satire of the Age of Johnson often targeted:
11. Which poet, known for his 'Ode to Evening' and 'The Seasons', bridged the gap between Neoclassicism and the emerging sensibility of the later period?
12. The rise of autobiography and personal narrative can be seen in works like Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, reflecting the era's interest in:
13. Samuel Johnson's preface to his edition of Shakespeare's plays is a significant contribution to:
14. Which literary form, often using heroic couplets and focusing on moral and social themes, was still highly regarded, though beginning to be challenged?
15. The philosophical ideas of which Enlightenment thinker, emphasizing reason and natural rights, indirectly influenced the intellectual climate of the Age of Johnson?
16. Which play by Oliver Goldsmith is considered a prime example of the sentimental comedy that became popular during this time, albeit with a twist of satire?
17. The transition from the Age of Johnson to the Romantic period was marked by a growing dissatisfaction with:
18. Who was the primary editor and influential figure behind 'The Rambler' and 'The Idler' periodicals?
19. The prose style of the Age of Johnson is often described as:
20. Which of these poets, though often associated with Romanticism, had works published and recognized during the later part of the Age of Johnson?
21. The establishment of literary clubs and coffee houses, such as the famous one attended by Johnson and his friends, fostered:
22. The literary output of the Age of Johnson was heavily influenced by the preceding era's focus on:
23. Which novel by Tobias Smollett is a picaresque tale following the adventures of its protagonist?
24. The 'Age of Sensibility', a sub-movement within the Age of Johnson, emphasized:
25. Which critic and playwright, known for his essays on dramatic theory and his play 'The Conscious Lovers', was a significant figure in the early part of this era?
26. The literary reputation of which author, known for his epic poem 'The Dunciad', was solidified during the Age of Johnson?
27. The 'Odes' of which poet, though sometimes seen as transitional, were published during this period and explored themes of nature and patriotism?
28. Which writer, known for his satirical masterpiece 'Gulliver's Travels', was a contemporary and sometimes critic of the Johnsonian circle?
29. The influence of John Locke's empiricist philosophy can be seen in the literature of the Age of Johnson, particularly in its emphasis on:
30. Which poet, known for his optimistic poem 'The Seasons', also wrote the popular ballad opera 'The Beggar's Opera'?
31. The literary style of the Age of Johnson is often characterized by:
32. Which author is known for his eccentric and experimental novel 'Tristram Shandy'?
33. Samuel Johnson's critical work, 'The Lives of the Poets', offered biographical and critical assessments of major English poets, influencing literary criticism for years. Which poet's life and work was NOT extensively covered in this collection?
34. The rise of journalism and periodical literature, such as 'The Tatler' and 'The Spectator', began before but continued significantly into which era?
35. Which philosopher and statesman delivered the influential speeches collected in 'Reflections on the Revolution in France'?
36. The 'Scriblerus Club' was a group of writers who satirized the "abuse of learning." Who was a prominent member associated with the Age of Johnson?
37. Oliver Goldsmith, a contemporary of Johnson, wrote the novel 'The Vicar of Wakefield' and the play:
38. Which playwright is known for his witty comedies of manners, such as 'The School for Scandal' and 'The Rivals'?
39. The development of the novel as a major literary form was a hallmark of which period?
40. Thomas Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' is a significant work from which literary age?
41. Which poet, a key figure of the Graveyard School, wrote 'The Complaint: or, Night-Thoughts'?
42. The 'Graveyard School' of poetry, with its focus on mortality and melancholy, is associated with which period?
43. Which author, a rival of Samuel Richardson, satirized societal hypocrisy in novels such as 'Joseph Andrews' and 'Tom Jones'?
44. Who was a contemporary and friend of Samuel Johnson, known for his sentimental novels like 'Pamela' and 'Clarissa'?
45. Which literary form, characterized by wit, satire, and social commentary, flourished during the Age of Johnson?
46. Samuel Johnson is most famous for compiling which seminal work?
47. Which literary movement significantly influenced the Age of Johnson, emphasizing reason, order, and imitation of classical models?
48. What was the approximate time period of the Age of Johnson?
49. Which prominent literary figure lent his name to the Age of Johnson?
50. The Age of Johnson is also commonly referred to by which other name?