The Ruins of Time MCQs and summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 3, 2025

Summary:

The Ruins of Time is a poetic lament by Edmund Spenser, included in his collection Complaints (1591). The poem is an elegy that mourns the transience of human achievements, the decay of great civilizations, and the fleeting nature of time. Through the voice of the poet, the poem expresses sorrow over how even the mightiest cities and rulers eventually fade into obscurity, leaving only ruins behind. The poem specifically references historical figures, noble families, and once-glorious cities that have now fallen into decay. It emphasizes that despite human ambition and power, time eventually erases all traces of past greatness. However, Spenser also suggests that poetry and literature can preserve memories beyond physical destruction. The main themes of The Ruins of Time include the inevitability of time, the fleeting nature of human glory, and the power of poetry to immortalize history. It reflects Renaissance humanist concerns with legacy and the impermanence of worldly success.
The Ruins of Time
The Ruins of Time
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1. : What is the main theme of The Ruins of Time?





2. : What literary form does The Ruins of Time take?





3. : Which Renaissance idea is reflected in the poem?





4. : What does Spenser suggest can survive the destruction of time?





5. : Which of the following best describes the tone of The Ruins of Time?





6. : What happens to the great rulers and civilizations mentioned in the poem?





7. : Which historical event or theme is The Ruins of Time concerned with?





8. : According to Spenser, what role does poetry play in history?





9. : What literary device is most frequently used in The Ruins of Time?





10. : What does Spenser ultimately warn against in the poem?





 
Question Answer
Poem Name The Ruins of Time
Poet Edmund Spenser
Year Published 1591
Poem Type Elegy
Themes Time, mortality, decay, legacy
Main Literary Device Personification of time
Structure Written in rhyme, using Spenserian verse
Tone Melancholic, reflective
Main Message All human achievements fade, but poetry endures
Legacy A classic Renaissance reflection on time and history
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