Epitaph on S.P. MCQs & Summary

Summary:

“Epitaph on S.P.” by Ben Jonson is a short elegy dedicated to a young child, S.P. (possibly Salomon Pavy, a child actor in the Blackfriars Theatre). The poem expresses grief over the early death of the child while highlighting his innocence and talent. Jonson mourns the brevity of the child’s life, emphasizing that he was wise and accomplished beyond his years. The poem follows the tradition of epitaphs by commemorating the deceased in a brief yet poignant manner, reflecting on themes of mortality, loss, and the fleeting nature of youth.

MCQs:

1. What is the primary theme of Epitaph on S.P.?
   A) The power of love
   B) The tragedy of a young death
   C) The struggles of old age
   D) The joy of life
   Answer: B) The tragedy of a young death
2. Who is S.P. believed to be?
   A) Ben Jonson’s father
   B) A young actor named Salomon Pavy
   C) Jonson’s best friend
   D) A Roman poet
   Answer: B) A young actor named Salomon Pavy
3. What is the tone of the poem?
   A) Joyful and celebratory
   B) Reflective and mournful
   C) Angry and bitter
   D) Sarcastic and humorous
   Answer: B) Reflective and mournful

   

4. What literary device is commonly used in the poem?
   A) Satire
   B) Hyperbole
   C) Elegy
   D) Paradox
   Answer: C) Elegy
5. What is Jonson’s main emotion in the poem?
   A) Happiness
   B) Nostalgia
   C) Sorrow
   D) Indifference
   Answer: C) Sorrow
6. How does Jonson describe S.P.’s abilities?
   A) He was a great warrior
   B) He was mature and talented beyond his years
   C) He was a master of comedy
   D) He was a poor performer
   Answer: B) He was mature and talented beyond his years
7. What does the poem suggest about the nature of life?
   A) It is long and rewarding
   B) It is unpredictable and often too short
   C) It is full of opportunities
   D) It is best lived without regrets
   Answer: B) It is unpredictable and often too short
8. What poetic form does Epitaph on S.P. follow?
   A) Sonnet
   B) Epitaph
   C) Blank verse
   D) Ode
   Answer: B) Epitaph
9. Which of the following best describes Jonson’s purpose in writing the poem?
   A) To entertain his audience
   B) To celebrate the achievements of a great king
   C) To honor and mourn a young actor
   D) To criticize the theater industry
   Answer: C) To honor and mourn a young actor
10. What is the major contrast highlighted in the poem?
    A) Youth versus old age
    B) Life versus death
    C) Comedy versus tragedy
    D) Fame versus obscurity
    Answer: B) Life versus death