Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift MCQs & Summary

Summary:

“Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift” is a satirical poem written by Jonathan Swift in 1731 and published in 1739. The poem is a self-reflective piece in which Swift imagines how people will react to his death. He explores themes of mortality, reputation, hypocrisy, and human nature, particularly focusing on how society tends to forget and move on quickly after someone’s passing.

Swift presents a humorous yet biting critique of human selfishness and how friends, critics, and society at large respond to the deaths of well-known individuals. He uses irony and wit to highlight the fleeting nature of fame and the insincerity of people’s grief. The poem also serves as a reflection on Swift’s own literary legacy and how he expects to be remembered by future generations.

MCQs:

1. Who wrote Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift?
   A) Alexander Pope
   B) Jonathan Swift
   C) John Milton
   D) Samuel Johnson
   Answer: B) Jonathan Swift
2. When was Verses on the Death of Dr. Swift published?
   A) 1725
   B) 1731
   C) 1739
   D) 1745
   Answer: C) 1739
3. What is the primary theme of the poem?
   A) Romantic love
   B) The fleeting nature of fame and human hypocrisy
   C) The beauty of nature
   D) Political corruption
   Answer: B) The fleeting nature of fame and human hypocrisy

   

4. What literary device is commonly used in the poem?
   A) Satire
   B) Metaphor
   C) Personification
   D) Simile
   Answer: A) Satire
5. What does Swift predict about his friends after his death?
   A) They will deeply mourn him forever
   B) They will quickly forget about him and move on
   C) They will become more famous because of him
   D) They will write more poems about him
   Answer: B) They will quickly forget about him and move on
6. What does the poem criticize?
   A) The monarchy
   B) The hypocrisy of people regarding death and fame
   C) The decline of literature
   D) The concept of true friendship
   Answer: B) The hypocrisy of people regarding death and fame
7. What is Swift’s tone in the poem?
   A) Melancholic and sorrowful
   B) Humorous and satirical
   C) Romantic and idealistic
   D) Angry and aggressive
   Answer: B) Humorous and satirical
8. How does Swift view his own legacy?
   A) As something that will last forever
   B) As something that will be forgotten quickly
   C) As an inspiration for new poets
   D) As a way to change the world
   Answer: B) As something that will be forgotten quickly
9. How does Swift describe the reaction of his enemies to his death?
   A) They pretend to mourn but secretly rejoice
   B) They weep sincerely
   C) They try to revive his reputation
   D) They dedicate monuments to him
   Answer: A) They pretend to mourn but secretly rejoice
10. What does Swift use to reflect on the nature of human relationships?
    A) A dream sequence
    B) Imaginary conversations
    C) Irony and satire
    D) A letter to a friend
    Answer: C) Irony and satire