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:
- 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 - What literary device is most prominent in the poem?
A) Metaphor
B) Irony
C) Hyperbole
D) Allegory
Answer: B) Irony - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Which literary movement does Jonson belong to?
A) Romanticism
B) Renaissance
C) Modernism
D) Victorianism
Answer: B) Renaissance - 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 - 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
Question | Answer |
Poem Name | A Fit of Rhyme Against Rhyme |
Poet | Ben Jonson |
Type of Poem | Satirical, Humorous |
Main Theme(s) | Critique of Rhyme, Poetic Expression |
Literary Devices Used | Irony, Satire, Rhyme, Wordplay |
Tone | Playful, Witty, Lighthearted |
Writing Style | Rhymed but Critical of Rhyme |
Literary Period | Renaissance |
Central Idea | Rhyme should not dictate poetic creativity |