British Literature Final Exam Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is a rhyme scheme, and how can it contribute to the meaning or tone of a poem?
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhymes at the ends of lines. It helps create rhythm, mood, and emphasis in a poem.
Define ‘meter’ in poetry. How does it affect the flow and impact of a poem?
Meter is the structured rhythm of a poem based on the number and type of beats in a line. It gives the poem a musical quality and emotional effect.
Name and explain five poetic devices.
- Simile: Comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’
- Metaphor: Direct comparison
- Personification: Giving human traits to non-humans
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration for effect
- Imagery: Vivid sensory description
What does ‘spontaneity’ mean in poetry, and why might it be important in Romantic literature?
Spontaneity means expressing thoughts and emotions naturally without planning. Romantic poets valued raw emotion and intuition.
How can a poem express passivity, and what does this reveal about the speaker or time period?
Through passive tone, lack of action, or reflective language. It may reflect societal constraints or emotional detachment.
What clues can help you determine the overall subject or theme of a poem?
- Title
- Recurring images
- Tone
- The speaker’s voice
- Emotional or philosophical message
How does the use of imagery shape the reader’s experience or interpretation of a poem?
Imagery paints mental pictures and appeals to the senses, deepening understanding and emotional impact.
What were major historical and cultural events during the Romantic era, and how did they influence poetry?
Events like the French Revolution and Industrial Revolution inspired focus on nature, emotion, individualism, and rebellion.
What characterized the Victorian period, and how did those characteristics affect poets?
Industrialization, moral restraint, science vs religion. Poets wrote about doubt, beauty, duty, and social issues.
What global and cultural shifts marked the Modernist period, and how did poets respond?
War, alienation, and loss of faith led to fragmented, experimental, and introspective poetry.
How did industrialization and urbanization show up in Victorian poetry?
Themes of alienation, the clash between nature and industry, and reflections on social change.
Why might World War I have led Modernist poets to write in more fragmented or disillusioned styles?
The trauma and chaos of war shattered old beliefs, inspiring poets to reject traditional forms and reflect uncertainty.
Which poem from the Romantic period resonated with you most, and why?
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Which Victorian poem did you find most powerful or interesting? Explain.
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Is there a Modernist poem that challenged or changed your view on poetry? Why?
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Compare how emotion is expressed in a Romantic and Modernist poem. Which do you connect with more, and why?
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