The Traveller MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 25, 2025

Summary:

The Traveller by Oliver Goldsmith is a philosophical poem that explores the idea of happiness in different nations. The poet, who is depicted as a traveler, observes various European countries and examines how political and social conditions affect their people’s contentment. He discusses Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, and Britain, noting the virtues and flaws of each society. Goldsmith concludes that no single country holds the key to true happiness, as it depends on personal perspective rather than external conditions. The poem ultimately emphasizes the universality of human struggle and the limitations of political systems in achieving complete satisfaction.

MCQs:

1. What is the central theme of The Traveller?
   A) The power of monarchy
   B) The search for happiness in different nations
   C) The dangers of traveling
   D) The importance of wealth
   Answer: B) The search for happiness in different nations
2. Which countries does the poet describe in The Traveller?
   A) Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, and Britain
   B) Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Russia
   C) China, India, America, and Egypt
   D) Greece, Turkey, Persia, and Japan
   Answer: A) Italy, France, Switzerland, Holland, and Britain
3. According to the poem, what determines happiness?
   A) Political stability
   B) Wealth and prosperity
   C) Personal perspective rather than external conditions
   D) Military power
   Answer: C) Personal perspective rather than external conditions

   

4. What literary device is commonly used in The Traveller?
   A) Metaphor
   B) Personification
   C) Imagery
   D) All of the above
   Answer: D) All of the above
5. What is the tone of the poem?
   A) Celebratory
   B) Philosophical and reflective
   C) Humorous
   D) Angry and rebellious
   Answer: B) Philosophical and reflective
6. What does Goldsmith suggest about different nations?
   A) Some countries are far superior to others
   B) Every nation has its own strengths and weaknesses
   C) Only Britain provides true happiness
   D) The best country is one ruled by a strong monarchy
   Answer: B) Every nation has its own strengths and weaknesses
7. How does Goldsmith describe Italy?
   A) A land of freedom and democracy
   B) A beautiful country suffering under tyranny
   C) A poor and struggling nation
   D) A land of warriors and conquerors
   Answer: B) A beautiful country suffering under tyranny
8. Which country does Goldsmith describe as peaceful but lacking ambition?
   A) France
   B) Switzerland
   C) Holland
   D) Britain
   Answer: B) Switzerland
9. How does The Traveller conclude?
   A) The poet chooses the best country to live in
   B) The poet acknowledges that happiness is not tied to any one place
   C) The poet returns to his homeland
   D) The poet criticizes all nations
   Answer: B) The poet acknowledges that happiness is not tied to any one place
10. What poetic form is The Traveller written in?
    A) Blank verse
    B) Heroic couplets
    C) Free verse
    D) Sonnet form
    Answer: B) Heroic couplets