Summary:
Samuel Johnson’s poem A Short Song of Congratulation is a satirical piece that comments on the pursuit of wealth and social success. The poem addresses a young man who has achieved financial prosperity but suggests that material success does not necessarily bring true happiness. Johnson contrasts the superficial joy of wealth with the deeper contentment that comes from wisdom, virtue, and inner peace.
Through irony and wit, Johnson critiques the obsession with riches and status, warning that wealth often leads to anxiety, moral compromise, and the loss of personal values. The poem serves as a reflection on the true meaning of success and happiness, emphasizing that virtue and a clear conscience are more valuable than money.
MCQs:
- Who is the author of A Short Song of Congratulation?
a) Alexander Pope
b) John Milton
c) Samuel Johnson
d) William Blake
Answer: c) Samuel Johnson - What is the main theme of the poem?
a) The power of love
b) The dangers of wealth and materialism
c) The beauty of nature
d) The importance of war
Answer: b) The dangers of wealth and materialism - What literary device does Johnson primarily use in the poem?
a) Hyperbole
b) Satire
c) Metaphor
d) Simile
Answer: b) Satire
A Short Song of Congratulation - What does Johnson suggest about wealth?
a) It guarantees happiness
b) It often leads to anxiety and moral corruption
c) It is more important than virtue
d) It is a sign of divine favor
Answer: b) It often leads to anxiety and moral corruption - Who is the poem addressed to?
a) A wise old philosopher
b) A young man who has gained wealth
c) A soldier returning from war
d) A king ruling over his people
Answer: b) A young man who has gained wealth - What does Johnson contrast with wealth in the poem?
a) Power
b) Health
c) Virtue and inner peace
d) Love and romance
Answer: c) Virtue and inner peace - What is Johnson’s overall tone in the poem?
a) Serious and tragic
b) Humorous and satirical
c) Romantic and emotional
d) Hopeful and encouraging
Answer: b) Humorous and satirical - What does the poem warn against?
a) Spending too much time in nature
b) Ignoring one’s family
c) Seeking only financial success
d) Traveling to foreign lands
Answer: c) Seeking only financial success - Which of the following best describes the structure of the poem?
a) A long epic narrative
b) A short, rhythmic, and witty piece
c) A dramatic monologue
d) A free verse poem
Answer: b) A short, rhythmic, and witty piece - What is the ultimate message of the poem?
a) Money can solve all problems
b) True happiness comes from inner virtue, not wealth
c) Hard work always leads to success
d) Society should respect only the rich
Answer: b) True happiness comes from inner virtue, not wealth
| Question | Answer |
| Title of the Poem | A Short Song of Congratulation |
| Author | Samuel Johnson |
| Main Theme | Critique of materialism and wealth |
| Tone | Satirical and humorous |
| Main Literary Device | Satire |
| Addressed to | A young man who has become wealthy |
| Message | True happiness comes from virtue, not riches |
| Poetic Structure | Short, witty, and rhythmic |
| Wealth is portrayed as | A source of anxiety and moral corruption |