The Dunciad MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 2, 2025

Summary:

The Dunciad by Alexander Pope is a satirical epic poem that criticizes the decline of literary standards and the rise of mediocrity. It is a scathing attack on poets, critics, and publishers whom Pope saw as responsible for corrupting literature. The poem portrays the triumph of dullness, with the goddess Dulness crowning a new king, first Theobald (in earlier versions) and later Colley Cibber. Written in heroic couplets, The Dunciad mocks bad poetry, ignorance, and the commercialization of literature. The final book of the poem envisions a future where stupidity and darkness completely take over the world.  
The Dunciad
The Dunciad
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1. : Who is the poet of The Dunciad?





2. : What is The Dunciad primarily about?





3. : Who was originally the “hero” of The Dunciad?





4. : What type of poem is The Dunciad?





5. : Which goddess is central to The Dunciad?





6. : In the final version of The Dunciad, who is crowned as the King of Dulness?





7. : What is the rhyme scheme of The Dunciad?





8. : What is one of the major themes of The Dunciad?





9. : How many books are in the final version of The Dunciad?





10. : What does the final book of The Dunciad depict?





 
Question Answer
Poem Name The Dunciad
Poet Alexander Pope
Year Published 1728 (first version), 1743 (final version)
Poem Type Satirical epic poem
Rhyme Scheme Heroic couplets (AABB)
Main Themes Satire of bad literature, Decline of intelligence, Rise of mediocrity
Famous Lines “O heavy scene! and O ye powers of wit,
What dullness reigns in majesty complete!”
Divisions of the Poem Four books in the final version
Influence Criticized and mocked bad poets, critics, and publishers of Pope’s time
Key Message Ignorance and dullness are taking over literature and society

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