18-century test prep

Why does Johnson believe readers tend to value ancient works over modern ones?

Samuel Johnson, "Preface to Shakespeare"

Which attributes of Shakespeare's characterization does Johnson admire?

Johnson writes, “A quibble is to Shakespeare what luminous vapors are to the traveler: he follows it at all adventures; it is sure to lea him out of his way, and sure to engulf him in the mire….A quibble, poor and barren as it is, gave him such delight that he was content to purchase it by the sacrifice of reason, propriety, and truth” (p 2941). What is a “quibble”?

What is admirable about Shakespeare’s use of dialogue?

Johnson suggests that certain factors influence a writers’ reception during his lifetime. What are they?

John Dryden, "Mac Flecknoe"

Which of the following men (mentioned in Dryden's poem) were Poet Laureate of England?

Flecknoe believes he needs a successor to be the king of his literary _______.

Dryden believes that what three things produce great literature?

Flacknoe praises Shadwell for his dullness and ___________

The form of “Mac Flecknoe” is _____.

Jonathan Swift, "A Modest Proposal"

Consider the setting established in Swift’s opening paragraph. In what “great town” does one see the “melancholy object” of mothers begging bread for their children?

In what sense does Swift use the word “projector” in this piece?

What fate awaits the starving children of this “great town”?

True or false? The narrator claims his scheme will have these advantages: tavern business will increase locally; exports will profit the nation; poor tenants will have a means of making money; the number of Papists (Catholics; then viewed as a threat to the English throne) will be reduced; and it will increase domestic tenderness of men toward their wives and promote marriage.

Which of the following is the best definition of irony?

According to Pope, how should critics should each work?

Which of the following ancient critics does Pope commend as exemplary?

Why does Pope counsel critics, “Be thou the first true merit to befriend;/ His praise is lost who stays till all commend”?

What is they style/format of "An Essay on Criticism"?

In Part 3 of An Essay on Criticism, Pope writes of the manner in which criticism should be conveyed. What should criticism do?