Summary:
“The Campaign” is a poem by Joseph Addison, written in 1704 to celebrate the victory of the Duke of Marlborough at the Battle of Blenheim during the War of the Spanish Succession. The poem portrays Marlborough as a heroic and strategic leader who brings glory to England. Addison contrasts Marlborough’s composed and calculated leadership with the chaos of war, emphasizing his noble qualities. Unlike earlier war poetry that glorified violence, Addison’s approach highlights discipline, reason, and honor in warfare. The poem also serves as political propaganda, reinforcing the greatness of Britain and its military successes under the rule of Queen Anne.
MCQs:
- Who wrote The Campaign?
A) Alexander Pope
B) John Dryden
C) Joseph Addison
D) Samuel Johnson
Answer: C) Joseph Addison - What historical event does The Campaign celebrate?
A) The English Civil War
B) The War of the Roses
C) The Battle of Blenheim
D) The Spanish Armada
Answer: C) The Battle of Blenheim - Who is the central figure praised in The Campaign?
A) King Louis XIV
B) The Duke of Marlborough
C) Oliver Cromwell
D) William Shakespeare
Answer: B) The Duke of Marlborough
The Campaign - In what year was The Campaign written?
A) 1688
B) 1704
C) 1720
D) 1755
Answer: B) 1704 - What is the primary theme of The Campaign?
A) The brutality of war
B) The heroic leadership of the Duke of Marlborough
C) The failures of the British army
D) The decline of monarchy
Answer: B) The heroic leadership of the Duke of Marlborough - How does Addison describe Marlborough’s leadership?
A) Ruthless and cruel
B) Wise and composed
C) Reckless and emotional
D) Weak and ineffective
Answer: B) Wise and composed - Which literary device is heavily used in The Campaign?
A) Satire
B) Allegory
C) Epic Similes
D) Gothic imagery
Answer: C) Epic Similes - What is Addison’s purpose in writing The Campaign?
A) To criticize war strategies
B) To glorify Britain’s military success and leadership
C) To discuss the economic effects of war
D) To protest against the monarchy
Answer: B) To glorify Britain’s military success and leadership - Which monarch ruled England during the time of The Campaign?
A) Queen Elizabeth I
B) King Charles II
C) Queen Anne
D) King George I
Answer: C) Queen Anne - What makes The Campaign different from traditional war poetry?
A) It glorifies violence and bloodshed
B) It focuses on strategic leadership rather than war’s brutality
C) It ignores the role of leaders in war
D) It criticizes the British army’s failures
Answer: B) It focuses on strategic leadership rather than war’s brutality
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | The Campaign |
| Author | Joseph Addison |
| Year Written | 1704 |
| Poem Type | Heroic, Political Propaganda |
| Main Themes | Leadership, Patriotism, War Strategy |
| Setting | Battle of Blenheim (War of the Spanish Succession) |
| Symbolism | Marlborough symbolizes discipline and reason in war |
| Literary Significance | One of the first modern war poems emphasizing leadership over violence |
| Writing Style | Formal, Grand, Celebratory |
| Impact | Strengthened Addison’s reputation and political influence |