Of Death MCQs & Summary

Summary:

In Of Death, Francis Bacon explores the fear, reality, and acceptance of death. He argues that death is inevitable and natural, but people fear it because of its uncertainty and the unknown. He believes that the fear of death is often exaggerated and that great men accept it with courage and dignity. Bacon states that the process of dying is usually not as painful as people imagine and gives examples of historical figures like Julius Caesar and Socrates who faced death bravely. He also suggests that public executions show that death is not as terrifying as people assume. Bacon concludes by advising people to accept death, focus on good deeds, and live without fear.

MCQs:

1. What is the main theme of Bacon’s essay Of Death?
   a) The inevitability and fear of death
   b) The beauty of death
   c) The role of death in poetry
   d) How to avoid death
   Answer: a) The inevitability and fear of death
2. According to Bacon, why do people fear death?
   a) Because of its painful process
   b) Because of its uncertainty and the unknown
   c) Because it is against the laws of nature
   d) Because it happens too quickly
   Answer: b) Because of its uncertainty and the unknown
3. What does Bacon compare the fear of death to?
   a) A shadow that follows a person
   b) An illusion that seems worse than reality
   c) A disease with no cure
   d) A storm that destroys everything
   Answer: b) An illusion that seems worse than reality

   

4. How does Bacon suggest people should view death?
   a) As a natural and inevitable part of life
   b) As a terrible end to existence
   c) As something to be avoided at all costs
   d) As a punishment for sins
   Answer: a) As a natural and inevitable part of life
5. What does Bacon say about great men and their attitude towards death?
   a) They accept death with courage and dignity
   b) They fear death more than ordinary people
   c) They try to avoid thinking about it
   d) They believe they are immortal
   Answer: a) They accept death with courage and dignity
6. How does Bacon describe the process of dying?
   a) As painful and frightening
   b) As mostly free from pain
   c) As a dramatic experience
   d) As unpredictable and chaotic
   Answer: b) As mostly free from pain
7. Which famous historical figures does Bacon mention as examples of bravery in the face of death?
   a) Julius Caesar and Socrates
   b) Alexander the Great and Homer
   c) Napoleon and Shakespeare
   d) Aristotle and Plato
   Answer: a) Julius Caesar and Socrates
8. What is Bacon’s opinion on public executions?
   a) They are necessary for justice
   b) They show how death is not as terrible as it seems
   c) They are cruel and should be avoided
   d) They cause more fear in society
   Answer: b) They show how death is not as terrible as it seems
9. What advice does Bacon give about dealing with the fear of death?
   a) Accept it as part of life and focus on good deeds
   b) Try to find ways to escape it
   c) Always think about death to prepare for it
   d) Avoid talking about it altogether
   Answer: a) Accept it as part of life and focus on good deeds
10. What is Bacon’s final message in Of Death?
    a) Fear of death is unnecessary and should be overcome
    b) Death is a punishment from God
    c) Life is meaningless because death is inevitable
    d) Science can help people avoid death
    Answer: a) Fear of death is unnecessary and should be overcome