1.
In which year, was Charles II restored to the throne of England?
Correct Answer
A. 1660
Explanation
Charles II was restored to the throne of England in 1660. After the death of his father, Charles I, in 1649, England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell and the country was under a period of Commonwealth. However, in 1660, the monarchy was restored and Charles II became the king of England. This event is known as the Restoration and it marked the end of the Interregnum period.
2.
Which of the following events is described in Pepys’ diary?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that all three events, the Second Anglo-Dutch War of 1665-7, the Great Plague of 1665, and the Great Fire of London of 1666, are described in Pepys' diary. The diary of Samuel Pepys, a prominent English naval administrator and Member of Parliament, is known for its detailed accounts of these significant events in 17th century England.
3.
As a 15-year-old schoolboy, Samuel Pepys witnessed the execution of which of the following monarchs?
Correct Answer
C. Charles I
Explanation
As a 15-year-old schoolboy, Samuel Pepys witnessed the execution of Charles I. This event took place during the English Civil War, when Charles I was put on trial and ultimately executed in 1649. Pepys, who later became a famous diarist, would have been a witness to this significant historical event at a young age.
4.
What was the reaction of Samuel Pepys after having witnessed the execution of two well-known criminals?
Correct Answer
D. Indifference
Explanation
Samuel Pepys' reaction to witnessing the execution of two well-known criminals was indifference. This suggests that he did not have a strong emotional response to the event. It is possible that Pepys was desensitized to violence and death due to the frequent executions that took place during that time period. Alternatively, he may have had a lack of sympathy or empathy towards the criminals, which led to his indifferent reaction.
5.
Pepys was an avid theatre-goer. How many theatre visits in total are mentioned in his diary?
Correct Answer
D. Over 300
Explanation
Pepys' diary mentions over 300 theatre visits, indicating that he was a frequent and enthusiastic theatre-goer. This suggests that he had a strong interest in the performing arts and enjoyed attending plays and performances regularly. His diary provides valuable insights into the cultural and social life of the time, as well as his personal experiences and interests.
6.
The Spectator was a daily publication of 1711–12. Who founded it?
Correct Answer
C. Joseph Addison and Richard Steele
Explanation
Joseph Addison and Richard Steele founded The Spectator. The Spectator was a daily publication that was active from 1711 to 1712. It was a highly influential periodical during the early 18th century and played a significant role in shaping public opinion. Addison and Steele were both prominent writers and intellectuals of their time, and their collaboration on The Spectator helped establish it as a leading publication of its era.
7.
In the introductory issue of The Spectator, the goal of the publication was stated. Which word is missing from the following fragment of the statement?
“(…) to enliven morality with ………, and to temper ………. with morality”
Correct Answer
wit
Explanation
In the given fragment of the statement, the word "wit" is missing. The statement is saying that the goal of The Spectator is to enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality. This suggests that The Spectator aims to bring humor and cleverness to discussions of moral topics, while also ensuring that wit is balanced and guided by moral principles.
8.
The brain which appears fictionally dissected in issue 275 of The Spectator belongs to which of the following characters?
Correct Answer
B. A beau
Explanation
In issue 275 of The Spectator, the brain that is fictionally dissected belongs to a beau.
9.
The Spectator was strictly neutral between the Whigs and the Tories. True or false?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Spectator was a publication that was known for its impartiality and neutrality in political matters. It aimed to provide fair and balanced coverage of both Whig and Tory viewpoints, without favoring one over the other. This neutrality allowed The Spectator to gain a wide readership and maintain its credibility as a reliable source of information. Therefore, the statement that The Spectator was strictly neutral between the Whigs and the Tories is true.
10.
In Samuel Johnson’s Preface to his Edition of Shakespeare’s Plays, the author defends Shakespeare’s mixing of tragic and comic elements. True or false?
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The correct answer is true because in Samuel Johnson's Preface to his Edition of Shakespeare's Plays, the author indeed defends Shakespeare's mixing of tragic and comic elements. Johnson argues that this combination adds depth and complexity to the plays, making them more realistic and relatable to the audience. He believes that Shakespeare's ability to seamlessly blend tragedy and comedy showcases his genius as a playwright. Therefore, the statement is true.