A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme MCQs & Summary

Summary:

“A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme” by Ben Jonson is a satirical poem in which the poet criticizes the excessive and forced use of rhyme in poetry. Jonson argues that rhyme often restricts true poetic expression and forces poets into unnatural word choices. He suggests that poetry should focus on meaning, elegance, and natural flow rather than rigid rhyming schemes. Despite his critique, Jonson uses rhyme throughout the poem, creating a playful and ironic tone. The poem serves as both a humorous complaint and a demonstration of poetic skill, showcasing Jonson’s wit and literary mastery.


MCQs:

  1. What is the main theme of A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme?
    A) The beauty of nature
    B) The problems with forced rhyming in poetry
    C) The importance of love in poetry
    D) The greatness of Shakespeare
    Answer: B) The problems with forced rhyming in poetry
  2. What literary device is most prominent in the poem?
    A) Metaphor
    B) Irony
    C) Hyperbole
    D) Allegory
    Answer: B) Irony
  3. How does Jonson feel about rhyme in poetry?
    A) He loves it and encourages its use
    B) He believes it limits poetic expression
    C) He thinks only Shakespeare can use it properly
    D) He ignores it completely
    Answer: B) He believes it limits poetic expression

    A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme
    A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme
  4. What makes the poem ironic?
    A) Jonson criticizes rhyme while using it himself
    B) The poem is written in free verse
    C) Jonson praises bad poets
    D) The poem is a tragedy, not a satire
    Answer: A) Jonson criticizes rhyme while using it himself
  5. What does Jonson suggest poetry should focus on?
    A) Strict rules and structure
    B) Meaning and natural expression
    C) Only traditional poetic forms
    D) The repetition of words and sounds
    Answer: B) Meaning and natural expression
  6. What type of poem is A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme?
    A) Sonnet
    B) Satirical poem
    C) Epic poem
    D) Elegy
    Answer: B) Satirical poem
  7. Why does Jonson mock rhyming poetry?
    A) He believes it leads to unnatural language
    B) He prefers writing in prose
    C) He thinks only Shakespeare should use rhyme
    D) He believes poetry should only be written in Latin
    Answer: A) He believes it leads to unnatural language
  8. Which literary movement does Jonson belong to?
    A) Romanticism
    B) Renaissance
    C) Modernism
    D) Victorianism
    Answer: B) Renaissance
  9. What is the tone of the poem?
    A) Angry and aggressive
    B) Humorous and playful
    C) Sad and melancholic
    D) Mysterious and eerie
    Answer: B) Humorous and playful
  10. How does Jonson demonstrate his poetic skill in the poem?
    A) By writing in perfect iambic pentameter
    B) By using rhyme effectively while criticizing it
    C) By making up new poetic forms
    D) By writing in blank verse
    Answer: B) By using rhyme effectively while criticizing it
QuestionAnswer
Poem NameA Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme
PoetBen Jonson
Type of PoemSatirical, Humorous
Main Theme(s)Critique of Rhyme, Poetic Expression
Literary Devices UsedIrony, Satire, Rhyme, Wordplay
TonePlayful, Witty, Lighthearted
Writing StyleRhymed but Critical of Rhyme
Literary PeriodRenaissance
Central IdeaRhyme should not dictate poetic creativity