Summary:
Charles Lamb’s poem “A Farewell to Tobacco” is a humorous yet reflective piece in which the poet expresses his struggle with quitting tobacco. The poem captures his deep attachment to the habit, portraying tobacco as both a pleasure and a harmful addiction. Lamb personifies tobacco, describing it almost like a friend or a lover that he must part ways with, despite his reluctance.
The poem is written in a mock-serious tone, blending wit, irony, and poetic elegance. Through rich imagery and clever wordplay, Lamb highlights the conflicting emotions of enjoyment and guilt associated with smoking. While he acknowledges its negative effects, he also laments the loss of the comfort it brings him.
In essence, “A Farewell to Tobacco” is both a personal reflection and a humorous critique of human tendencies toward addiction and indulgence.
1. : What is the main theme of “A Farewell to Tobacco”?
(A) The dangers of war
(B) The poet’s struggle with quitting smoking
(C) The beauty of nature
(D) The importance of friendship
2. : What is the tone of the poem?
(A) Romantic and passionate
(B) Humorous and reflective
(C) Angry and aggressive
(D) Melancholic and tragic
3. : Which literary device is most commonly used in the poem?
(A) Simile
(B) Personification
(C) Hyperbole
(D) Metaphor
4. : Why does Lamb decide to quit tobacco?
(A) Due to health reasons and guilt
(B) Because it became too expensive
(C) Because he lost interest in it
(D) Because society rejected smokers
5. : How does the poet describe tobacco in the poem?
(A) As a beautiful flower
(B) As a loyal friend and a deceiver
(C) As a dangerous weapon
(D) As a symbol of power
6. : Which literary era does “A Farewell to Tobacco” belong to?
(A) Victorian Era
(B) Romantic Era
(C) Modernist Period
(D) Renaissance Period
7. : What kind of conflict is portrayed in the poem?
(A) Political conflict
(B) Internal struggle between pleasure and guilt
(C) Conflict between friends
(D) Social class struggle
8. : What feeling does the poet express towards tobacco?
(A) Hatred
(B) Mixed emotions of love and regret
(C) Indifference
(D) Excitement
9. : What does the poem reveal about human nature?
(A) People never change
(B) Humans struggle with addiction and self-control
(C) Life is always predictable
(D) Smoking is the key to happiness
10. : What is the structure of the poem?
(A) Sonnet
(B) Lyrical poem with free verse elements
(C) Haiku
(D) Prose poem