Mac Flecknoe MCQs and Summary

Summary:

Mac Flecknoe is a satirical poem by John Dryden, written in 1678 and published in 1682. It is a mock-heroic work targeting Thomas Shadwell, a rival poet and playwright. The poem portrays Richard Flecknoe, a dull poet, choosing his successor—Shadwell—as the new king of nonsense. Dryden ridicules Shadwell’s lack of poetic talent, excessive verbosity, and poor literary judgment. The poem is filled with humorous imagery, sarcastic comparisons, and classical allusions to emphasize Shadwell’s mediocrity. Written in heroic couplets, Mac Flecknoe exemplifies Dryden’s mastery of satire and his skill in demolishing literary opponents through wit and ridicule.

MCQs:

1. Who is the primary target of Dryden’s satire in Mac Flecknoe?
   a) William Shakespeare
   b) Ben Jonson
   c) Thomas Shadwell
   d) Alexander Pope
   Answer: c) Thomas Shadwell
2. What is the main theme of the poem?
   a) The glory of monarchy
   b) The rise of a great poet
   c) The mockery of bad poetry and literary incompetence
   d) The history of England
   Answer: c) The mockery of bad poetry and literary incompetence
3. Who is Flecknoe in the poem?
   a) A Roman emperor
   b) A famous English playwright
   c) An Irish poet known for his dull poetry
   d) A character from Greek mythology
   Answer: c) An Irish poet known for his dull poetry

   

4. Why does Flecknoe choose Shadwell as his successor?
   a) Because of his great literary genius
   b) Because of his extreme dullness
   c) Because he is the king’s favorite poet
   d) Because he is the most talented playwright
   Answer: b) Because of his extreme dullness
5. What literary device is predominantly used in Mac Flecknoe?
   a) Metaphor
   b) Satire
   c) Elegy
   d) Lyricism
   Answer: b) Satire
6. What is the poetic form of Mac Flecknoe?
   a) Blank verse
   b) Free verse
   c) Heroic couplets
   d) Sonnet
   Answer: c) Heroic couplets
7. Where is Shadwell’s coronation as the “King of Nonsense” held?
   a) Rome
   b) London
   c) The City of Augusta (a reference to London’s literary world)
   d) Athens
   Answer: c) The City of Augusta (a reference to London’s literary world)
8. Which of the following best describes Dryden’s tone in Mac Flecknoe?
   a) Serious and respectful
   b) Humorous and mocking
   c) Tragic and sorrowful
   d) Romantic and idealistic
   Answer: b) Humorous and mocking
9. Which classical writers does Dryden reference in the poem?
   a) Homer and Virgil
   b) Chaucer and Spenser
   c) Dante and Petrarch
   d) Milton and Pope
   Answer: a) Homer and Virgil
10. What does Dryden compare Shadwell’s writing to?
    a) The beauty of a sunset
    b) The wisdom of philosophers
    c) The dullness of sleep and stupidity
    d) The power of a king’s speech
    Answer: c) The dullness of sleep and stupidity