Summary:
“An Account of the Greatest English Poets” is a poem by Joseph Addison, written in 1694. It serves as a literary critique and historical survey of notable English poets. Addison presents a chronological account, praising the contributions of poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Edmund Spenser, William Shakespeare, John Milton, and others. The poem reflects Addison’s admiration for their literary achievements while also subtly criticizing certain aspects of their work. It highlights the evolution of English poetry, from medieval times to the Restoration period, and emphasizes the lasting influence of these poets on English literature.
1. : Who is the author of An Account of the Greatest English Poets?
(A) John Milton
(B) Alexander Pope
(C) Joseph Addison
(D) William Wordsworth
2. : What is the primary purpose of the poem?
(A) To criticize English poets
(B) To provide a historical survey of English poetry
(C) To promote Addison’s own poetry
(D) To discuss politics
3. : Which poet is mentioned as the father of English poetry in the poem?
(A) William Shakespeare
(B) John Dryden
(C) Geoffrey Chaucer
(D) Edmund Spenser
4. : How does Addison view Shakespeare in the poem?
(A) As a poet with weak writing skills
(B) As an unmatched genius in drama and literature
(C) As someone who copied earlier writers
(D) As an overrated poet
5. : Which poet is recognized for his epic poetry in An Account of the Greatest English Poets?
(A) Geoffrey Chaucer
(B) John Milton
(C) William Blake
(D) Alexander Pope
6. : What literary period does the poem primarily cover?
(A) The Romantic era
(B) The Modernist movement
(C) Medieval to Restoration period
(D) The Victorian age
7. : What is Addison’s tone in the poem?
(A) Mocking and sarcastic
(B) Reverent and admiring
(C) Indifferent and neutral
(D) Aggressive and bitter
8. : In which year was An Account of the Greatest English Poets written?
(A) 1600
(B) 1694
(C) 1750
(D) 1801
9. : What is one criticism Addison subtly makes in the poem?
(A) Some poets lacked originality
(B) Poetry should focus only on nature
(C) Drama is an inferior form of literature
(D) Poetry should not include religious themes
10. : What does the poem emphasize about English poetry?
(A) It is declining in quality
(B) It has evolved over time and gained excellence
(C) It should follow only classical traditions
(D) It needs to be rewritten completely