Astraea Redux MCQs and Summary

Summary:

Astraea Redux (1660) is a poem by John Dryden celebrating the restoration of King Charles II to the English throne after the period of Oliver Cromwell’s rule. The title refers to Astraea, the Roman goddess of justice, who is symbolic of peace and the return of rightful monarchy. The poem expresses joy over the end of the Interregnum and praises Charles II as a savior who will restore order, stability, and prosperity to England. Dryden presents the restoration as a divine event, portraying Charles as a ruler who will bring a golden age of justice, mercy, and governance.

MCQs:

1. What is the main theme of Astraea Redux?
   a) The downfall of monarchy
   b) The restoration of King Charles II
   c) The decline of the British Empire
   d) The French Revolution
   Answer: b) The restoration of King Charles II
2. What does “Astraea” symbolize in the poem?
   a) War and conquest
   b) Justice and the return of order
   c) The power of the church
   d) Rebellion and chaos
   Answer: b) Justice and the return of order
3. Which historical event does Astraea Redux celebrate?
   a) The Glorious Revolution
   b) The Restoration of 1660
   c) The execution of Charles I
   d) The signing of the Magna Carta
   Answer: b) The Restoration of 1660

   

4. Who ruled England before Charles II’s restoration?
   a) Queen Elizabeth I
   b) James I
   c) Oliver Cromwell
   d) Henry VIII
   Answer: c) Oliver Cromwell
5. How does Dryden depict Charles II in the poem?
   a) As a weak and indecisive leader
   b) As a divine figure bringing peace and prosperity
   c) As a tyrant who seeks revenge
   d) As a common man rising to power
   Answer: b) As a divine figure bringing peace and prosperity
6. Which literary device is heavily used in Astraea Redux to glorify Charles II?
   a) Satire
   b) Metaphor and allegory
   c) Irony
   d) Tragic irony
   Answer: b) Metaphor and allegory
7. What kind of poem is Astraea Redux?
   a) An epic
   b) A panegyric
   c) A satire
   d) A sonnet
   Answer: b) A panegyric
8. What does Dryden suggest will happen with Charles II’s return?
   a) A new age of peace and prosperity
   b) More civil war and division
   c) The weakening of England
   d) The rise of a new republic
   Answer: a) A new age of peace and prosperity
9. What tone does Dryden use in Astraea Redux?
   a) Pessimistic and dark
   b) Hopeful and celebratory
   c) Critical and ironic
   d) Humorous and mocking
   Answer: b) Hopeful and celebratory
10. Why does Dryden compare Charles II’s return to a divine event?
    a) To emphasize his rightful rule and divine favor
    b) To mock the monarchy
    c) To suggest Charles is weak without divine help
    d) To highlight the importance of religious conflict
    Answer: a) To emphasize his rightful rule and divine favor