Renaissance

Question 1

What is the rhyme scheme of sonnet 29?

Answer 1

The rhyme scheme of Sonnet 29 is ABABCDCDEFEFGG.

Question 2

What are the three quatrains and what is the final couplet? Give line numbers. (sonnet 29)

Answer 2

The three quatrains in the sonnet are:
Quatrain 1: Lines 1-4
Quatrain 2: Lines 5-8
Quatrain 3: Lines 9-12
The final couplet: Lines 13-14

Question 3

What is the message of the first two quatrains? (sonnet 29)

Answer 3

In the first two parts, the speaker feels really sad and wishes for things he doesn’t have. He feels lonely and unhappy.

Question 4

Explain the simile used in lines 11-12. (sonnet 29)

Answer 4

The poem says the speaker feels better when thinking about someone they love, comparing it to a bird singing happily at sunrise.

Question 5

What is the rhyme scheme of sonnet 130?

Answer 5

ABABCDCDEFEFEGG

Question 6

What are the three quatrains and what is the final couplet? Give line numbers. (sonnet 130)

Answer 6

First quatrain: Lines 1 to 4
Second quatrain: Lines 5 to 8
Third quatrain: Lines 9 to 12
Final couplet: Lines 13 and 14

Question 7

What is the message of the first 12 lines? (sonnet 130)

Answer 7

In the first part, the speaker talks about how their lover doesn’t match the usual idea of beauty.

Question 8

What is said about her eyes (sonnet 130)?

Answer 8

They are not as bright and shining as the sun.

Question 9

What is said about her lips (sonnet 130)?

Answer 9

They aren’t as red as coral; they’re less red.

Question 10

What is said about her skin (sonnet 130)?

Answer 10

Her skin isn’t pure white like snow; it’s more of a dull color.

Question 11

What is said about her cheeks (sonnet 130)?

Answer 11

Her cheeks aren’t rosy like some flowers; they don’t have those colors.

Question 12

What is said about her scent (sonnet 130)?

Answer 12

The way she smells isn’t as delightful as some perfumes.

Question 13

What is said about her voice (sonnet 130)?

Answer 13

Although the speaker loves hearing her speak, they admit that music sounds better.

Question 14

What is said about her way of moving (sonnet 130)?

Answer 14

The way she walks is not like a goddess; she walks normally on the ground.

Question 15

The final couplet contains the “volta”, a point where the logical development takes a new direction. What is the twist of sonnet 130?

Answer 15

The speaker acknowledges that even though their lover might not fit society’s standards of beauty, their love for her is rare and genuine, just as valuable as anyone praised for beauty they don’t really have.

Question 16

What does ‘renaissance’ literally mean

Answer 16

‘Renaissance’ literally means “rebirth” in French.

Question 17

Define the term ‘Reformation’ and point out what the end-result of the Reformation was in England.

Answer 17

The Reformation was a religious movement challenging the authority of the Catholic Church. In England, it resulted in the establishment of the Church of England, separating from the Roman Catholic Church.

Question 18

What aspects of life did humanism concern itself with?

Answer 18

Humanism concerned itself with literature, history, philosophy, and the arts, focusing on human values and potential.

Question 19

Name two famous humanists.

Answer 19

Two famous humanists were Erasmus and Thomas More.

Question 20

What famous work was written by the English humanist?

Answer 20

The famous work written by the English humanist was “Utopia” by Thomas More

Question 21

Compare medieval thinking and renaissance thinking. What are basic differences?

Answer 21

Medieval thinking was more focused on faith, tradition, and divine authority, while Renaissance thinking embraced reason, individualism, and human potential.

Question 22

What important prose work was published in English at the beginning of the 17th century?

Answer 22

At the beginning of the 17th century, the important prose work published in English was the King James Bible.

Question 23

Why was lyric poetry popular with Renaissance poets?

Answer 23

Lyric poetry was popular with Renaissance poets due to its expressive, emotional, and personal nature.

Question 24

Define a sonnet in general terms.

Answer 24

A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme and meter, usually expressing a single theme or idea.

Question 25

There are two types of sonnet. What are they called and what are their similarities and differences in form?

Answer 25

The two types of sonnets are the Petrarchan (Italian) and the Shakespearean (English). Both have 14 lines, but the rhyme scheme and structure differ.

Question 26

What prose work did Edmund Spenser write?

Answer 26

Edmund Spenser wrote “The Faerie Queene.”

Question 27

How did drama continue to develop in the 16th century?

Answer 27

Drama continued to develop through the establishment of professional theaters and the rise of playwrights focusing on secular themes.

Question 28

Describe the Elizabethan stage and include the words apron stage and picture-frame stage.

Answer 28

The Elizabethan stage had an apron stage extending into the audience and a picture-frame stage with a decorated backdrop.

Question 29

Which playwright of the time is second to William Shakespeare?

Answer 29

Christopher Marlowe is considered second to William Shakespeare.

Question 30

Which play did he write in 1589?

Answer 30

He wrote “Tamburlaine” in 1589

Question 31

What is this play about?

Answer 31

“Tamburlaine” is about a shepherd who becomes a conqueror and faces the challenges of power.

Question 32

When was Shakespeare born and when did he die?

Answer 32

Shakespeare was born in 26 April 1564 and died in April 23 1616.

Question 33

Cite at least four of Shakespeare’s plays. give short answers

Answer 33

Four of Shakespeare’s plays are “Hamlet,” “Macbeth,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.