On the Receipt of My Mother’s Picture MCQs and Summary

Summary:

“On the Receipt of My Mother’s Picture” is a deeply emotional poem by William Cowper, written in 1790. The poem was inspired when Cowper received a portrait of his late mother, which evoked memories of his childhood and intense grief over her loss.

• The poet expresses his sorrow and longing for his mother, reflecting on the love and care she provided during his early years.
• He reminisces about his childhood, her tender affection, and the loss he felt after her passing when he was just six years old.
• The poem conveys themes of love, nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time, portraying a strong mother-child bond.
• Cowper’s grief is evident, but he also expresses hope for a reunion in heaven, reinforcing his deep religious faith.

MCQs:

1. Who wrote On the Receipt of My Mother’s Picture?
   A) William Blake
   B) William Cowper
   C) Alexander Pope
   D) John Milton
   Answer: B) William Cowper
2. What inspired Cowper to write this poem?
   A) A visit to his mother’s grave
   B) Receiving a portrait of his late mother
   C) A childhood letter from his mother
   D) A dream about his mother
   Answer: B) Receiving a portrait of his late mother
3. How old was Cowper when his mother passed away?
   A) 4 years old
   B) 6 years old
   C) 10 years old
   D) 12 years old
   Answer: B) 6 years old

   

4. Which emotion is most dominant in the poem?
   A) Anger
   B) Grief and nostalgia
   C) Joy and excitement
   D) Indifference
   Answer: B) Grief and nostalgia
5. What does Cowper express hope for in the poem?
   A) Seeing his mother in heaven
   B) Forgetting his past sorrow
   C) Reuniting with his lost childhood friends
   D) Finding happiness in worldly pleasures
   Answer: A) Seeing his mother in heaven
6. Which literary device is commonly used in the poem?
   A) Satire
   B) Personification
   C) Imagery and nostalgia
   D) Allegory
   Answer: C) Imagery and nostalgia
7. What theme is central to the poem?
   A) Political revolution
   B) The loss of childhood innocence
   C) The unbreakable bond between a mother and child
   D) The struggle for power
   Answer: C) The unbreakable bond between a mother and child
8. Which tone best describes the poem?
   A) Joyful and celebratory
   B) Bitter and vengeful
   C) Reflective and sorrowful
   D) Humorous and lighthearted
   Answer: C) Reflective and sorrowful
9. Where does Cowper find comfort despite his grief?
   A) In his mother’s letters
   B) In his faith and hope for reunion in heaven
   C) In writing poetry
   D) In remembering happy childhood days
   Answer: B) In his faith and hope for reunion in heaven
10. What does the picture symbolize for Cowper?
    A) A reminder of the past and his mother’s love
    B) A sign of life’s futility
    C) A lost memory that he wishes to forget
    D) A warning against attachment to family
    Answer: A) A reminder of the past and his mother’s love