Summary:
“The Diverting History of John Gilpin” is a humorous ballad written by William Cowper in 1782. The poem narrates the comical misadventure of John Gilpin, a linen draper from Cheapside, London, who unintentionally embarks on a wild ride on horseback.
- John Gilpin and his family plan a holiday trip to an inn in Edmonton to celebrate their wedding anniversary.
- Due to a lack of horses, Gilpin borrows a horse and rides alone, while his wife and children travel by coach.
- However, as soon as he mounts the horse, it bolts and runs uncontrollably, taking him far beyond Edmonton to the town of Ware.
- Despite his desperate attempts to stop the horse, he is unable to regain control, causing great amusement to onlookers.
- Finally, the horse turns back and runs all the way home, completing an unexpected round trip.
- The poem satirizes middle-class life and social customs while delivering lighthearted entertainment.
MCQs:
- Who wrote The Diverting History of John Gilpin?
A) William Wordsworth
B) William Cowper
C) Alexander Pope
D) John Dryden
Answer: B) William Cowper - What is the genre of the poem?
A) Tragedy
B) Romance
C) Humorous ballad
D) Epic poetry
Answer: C) Humorous ballad - Why does John Gilpin decide to go on a trip?
A) To attend a business meeting
B) To celebrate his wedding anniversary
C) To visit his relatives
D) To escape from his daily routine
Answer: B) To celebrate his wedding anniversary
The Diverting History of John Gilpin - Where does Gilpin intend to go?
A) London
B) Edmonton
C) Ware
D) York
Answer: B) Edmonton - What happens when Gilpin mounts the horse?
A) The horse refuses to move
B) The horse bolts and runs uncontrollably
C) Gilpin falls off immediately
D) The horse calmly walks to the inn
Answer: B) The horse bolts and runs uncontrollably - Where does the horse take Gilpin instead of Edmonton?
A) London
B) Ware
C) Bristol
D) Oxford
Answer: B) Ware - What is the reaction of the onlookers?
A) They rush to help him
B) They laugh and cheer at his misfortune
C) They ignore him
D) They call the police
Answer: B) They laugh and cheer at his misfortune - What does Gilpin lose during the ride?
A) His hat and wig
B) His horse
C) His boots
D) His money
Answer: A) His hat and wig - How does the adventure end?
A) The horse throws Gilpin off
B) The horse runs back home, completing a round trip
C) Gilpin reaches Edmonton safely
D) The police stop the horse
Answer: B) The horse runs back home, completing a round trip - What is the tone of the poem?
A) Serious and tragic
B) Lighthearted and humorous
C) Angry and critical
D) Sad and melancholic
Answer: B) Lighthearted and humorous
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | The Diverting History of John Gilpin |
| Poet | William Cowper |
| Year of Publication | 1782 |
| Main Theme | Humor, social satire, misadventure |
| Main Character | John Gilpin |
| Setting | London, Edmonton, and Ware |
| Poetic Form | Ballad |
| Tone | Lighthearted and humorous |