Summary:
“A Description of a City Shower” is a satirical poem written by Jonathan Swift in 1710. The poem provides a vivid and humorous depiction of a sudden rainstorm in London. Unlike traditional poetic representations of rain as refreshing and cleansing, Swift portrays the city shower as a disruptive and filthy event that reveals the dirt and corruption of urban life.
The poem uses detailed imagery to describe how the storm affects different parts of the city, from wealthy citizens to common people. The rain floods the streets, washing away waste, debris, and revealing the unpleasant reality of city life. Swift’s use of irony and satire highlights the contrast between the idealized beauty of nature and the harsh conditions of urban living.
Ultimately, “A Description of a City Shower” serves as both a realistic and exaggerated portrayal of London’s filth and chaos, reflecting Swift’s broader critique of society and urban decay.
MCQs:
- Who wrote A Description of a City Shower?
A) Alexander Pope
B) Jonathan Swift
C) Samuel Johnson
D) John Milton
Answer: B) Jonathan Swift - In which year was A Description of a City Shower published?
A) 1704
B) 1710
C) 1725
D) 1750
Answer: B) 1710 - What does the city shower symbolize in the poem?
A) A refreshing change
B) The cleansing power of nature
C) The dirt and corruption of the city
D) The beauty of urban life
Answer: C) The dirt and corruption of the city
A Description of a City Shower - What literary device is prominently used in the poem?
A) Metaphor
B) Satire
C) Hyperbole
D) Personification
Answer: B) Satire - Which location does the poem mainly describe?
A) A countryside village
B) A busy city (London)
C) A battlefield
D) A royal palace
Answer: B) A busy city (London) - How does Swift describe the rain in the city?
A) As a gentle, refreshing drizzle
B) As a chaotic and filthy downpour
C) As a symbol of divine purity
D) As a rare and beautiful event
Answer: B) As a chaotic and filthy downpour - What is washed away by the rain in the poem?
A) Gold and treasure
B) Leaves and flowers
C) Dirt, waste, and city filth
D) People’s worries and stress
Answer: C) Dirt, waste, and city filth - What is the tone of the poem?
A) Romantic and uplifting
B) Sad and depressing
C) Humorous and satirical
D) Mysterious and suspenseful
Answer: C) Humorous and satirical - Which of the following is NOT a theme in the poem?
A) The ugliness of urban life
B) The beauty of nature
C) The chaos of a city during rain
D) The corruption and filth of London
Answer: B) The beauty of nature - Why is A Description of a City Shower considered a satirical poem?
A) It mocks traditional poetic depictions of nature
B) It tells a serious and tragic story
C) It presents rain as a joyful experience
D) It uses religious themes to teach morality
Answer: A) It mocks traditional poetic depictions of nature
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | A Description of a City Shower |
| Poet Name | Jonathan Swift |
| Year Published | 1710 |
| Main Themes | Urban filth, satire, chaos of city life, realism |
| Literary Devices | Satire, irony, vivid imagery |
| Symbolism of Rain | Represents corruption, dirt, and disorder in the city |
| Tone | Humorous, ironic, and critical |
| Setting | London |