Summary:
The Task is a long didactic poem by William Cowper, published in 1785. It consists of six books written in blank verse and reflects Cowper’s thoughts on nature, rural life, morality, and the corruptions of urban civilization.
- The poem was inspired by a challenge from Lady Austen, who suggested Cowper write about a sofa, which became the subject of Book I: The Sofa.
- The poem expands beyond the sofa into themes of nature, simple rural life, Christianity, and political and social issues.
- Cowper critiques materialism, corruption, and human folly, advocating instead for a peaceful life connected with nature and faith.
- He contrasts the artificiality of city life with the purity of the countryside, emphasizing spiritual and moral values.
- The poem includes vivid descriptions of landscapes, reflections on solitude, and criticisms of slavery and war.
Cowper’s conversational tone, use of blank verse, and deep reflections make The Task an important work of pre-Romantic poetry, influencing later poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge.
MCQs:
- Who wrote The Task?
A) William Blake
B) William Cowper
C) William Wordsworth
D) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Answer: B) William Cowper - In which year was The Task published?
A) 1785
B) 1798
C) 1770
D) 1805
Answer: A) 1785 - How many books are in The Task?
A) Four
B) Six
C) Five
D) Three
Answer: B) Six
The Task - What was the inspiration behind The Task?
A) A bet with a friend
B) A challenge from Lady Austen
C) A political event
D) A religious vision
Answer: B) A challenge from Lady Austen - What is the main theme of The Task?
A) The glory of war
B) The beauty of nature and rural life
C) The importance of wealth
D) The rise of industrialization
Answer: B) The beauty of nature and rural life - What poetic form does Cowper use in The Task?
A) Heroic couplets
B) Blank verse
C) Free verse
D) Sonnet form
Answer: B) Blank verse - Which book of The Task begins with a discussion on the sofa?
A) Book I
B) Book III
C) Book V
D) Book VI
Answer: A) Book I - Which major social issue does Cowper critique in The Task?
A) Slavery
B) The monarchy
C) Education reform
D) Industrialization
Answer: A) Slavery - What contrast does Cowper highlight in the poem?
A) Youth vs. old age
B) Nature vs. city life
C) War vs. peace
D) Love vs. hate
Answer: B) Nature vs. city life - Which literary movement did The Task help influence?
A) Romanticism
B) Modernism
C) Realism
D) Gothic literature
Answer: A) Romanticism
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | The Task |
| Poet | William Cowper |
| Year Published | 1785 |
| Number of Books | Six |
| Poetic Form | Blank Verse |
| Main Themes | Nature, Rural Life, Morality, Religion, Social Critique |
| Influence | Pre-Romanticism, Inspired Wordsworth & Coleridge |
| Notable Subjects | Critique of Slavery, Simple Living, Nature vs. Urban Life |