British Literature Test

Which of these inferences is best supported by the passage below (lines 5-8)?(sonnet 73)

A)The narrator feels his life is slowly draining away.

Which sentence from the excerpt best supports the answer to Question 5?^^ (The English Renaissance)

A. "Shakespeare's tragedies and histories focus on complex individuals who seek to fulfill their full potential while also grappling with painful, difficult dilemmas."Correct. This selection explains one of the ways audiences could relate to Shakespeare's works.

Which of the selections best summarizes the following passage (paragraph 2)?"Second Treatise of Government"

A. All people are equal, unless appointed to a higher position by their lord.

Sonnet 18 summary

Sonnet 18 is perhaps his most famous. Frequently recited at weddings, the beautifully written verse captures the essence of love's timeless beauty. (compare the to summers day)

Which of the following inferences is best supported by the passage (paragraph 5)? The Anglo-Saxon era ended in 1066 when William the Conqueror landed with his army in England and attacked and defeated the Anglo-Saxons to become the first Norman king of England. The Normans introduced the system of feudalism, under which land was divided among the nobility. Knights pledged their wealth and services to barons, who in turn provided use of the land. Constant warfare in the Middle Ages involved troops of heavily armed knights fighting each other. Given their role in society, knights enjoyed great social prestige in the feudal aristocracy system. It was during this time period that English writers produced romances about the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as one of the most highly regarded verse romances in English.

A. Epic poems reflected the warrior culture of the Anglo-Saxons, while pilgrims' tales and medieval romances reflected the feudal culture established after the Norman invasion. Correct. Epic poems are an earlier form of storytelling, while pilgrims' tales and medieval romances were written after the Norman invasion and adoption of feudalism.

What do the following lines (5-9) mainly reveal about the speaker?(sonnet 29)

A. He enjoys neither friendship nor confidence in his own abilities.

Which of the following best explains the speaker's outlook on his own life?(sonnet 29)

A. His love redeems all other dissatisfactions.

(A Modest Proposal) Which of the following ideas about the author's message is best supported by the text?

A. In discussing the satirical proposal to help the poor, the author critiques those who have placed Irish people in poverty. Correct. The author uses the ridiculous proposal to sell children, in order to condemn those who contribute to the exploitation of the poor in Ireland.

Which of the following best represents a belief associated with the Enlightenment?

A. Individuals can determine their own thoughts and actions. B. Rational observation is an important tool in pursuit of human thriving. C. Both A and B Correct. Both answers represent key beliefs of the Enlightenment.

Based on the text, which of the following responses best explains the role of knights in the Middle Ages?

A. Knights were given privileges and respect because they were needed for the frequent conflicts that broke out. Correct. Knights occupied important social positions because they were vital for the frequent fighting that occurred during the period.

Which of the following explains why satire was most likely a popular art form during the Enlightenment?

A. Satire is able to identify what needs to be changed in a society. Correct. Satire explores what needs to be changed in a society, often through humor—and the Enlightenment was focused on improving human experience

The following passage (paragraph 7) adds to the development of the text mainly by suggesting that . More than 400 years after his death, the poet and playwright is still said to be the world's favorite author. Shakespeare is beloved for both the characters he created and the language he used in his writing. His ability to absorb and transform different kinds of material, ranging from the political issues of his own time to events from Roman and English history, reflects humanist ideals. (The English Renaissance)

A. Shakespeare remains a respected writer whose work is enjoyed to this day B. Shakespeare had a great mastery over his character development and diction C. Shakespeare often infused his work with relevant issues of his time D. All of the above Correct. All of the selections above are supported by the passage.

Which of the following inferences is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 7)? Shakespeare's tragedies and histories focus on complex individuals who seek to fulfill their full potential while also grappling with painful, difficult dilemmas. At the same time, his comedies are robust with jokes and songs that provide audiences with an escape from their own problems. From Puck to Hamlet and Falstaff to Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare's canon portrays a complete range of human experiences. (The English Renaissance)

A. Shakespeare's writing was representative of popular humanist ideas of the time. Correct. Shakespeare's writing contained elements of humanism, which was a popular movement during the Renaissance.

Which of the following statements about The Canterbury Tales is best supported by the text?

A. The diverse characters of The Canterbury Tales differ from the heroes of epic poems, who are always men of high social status.

(Hamlet) Which of these inferences about Hamlet best explains the significance of these lines (Act II, Scene ii)? I have heard That guilty creatures sitting at a play Have by the very cunning of the scene Been struck so to the soul, that presently They have proclaim'd their malefactions: For murther, though it have no tongue, will speak With most miraculous organ

A. The idea occurs to him to make his accusations through the actions of a play. Correct. Hamlet believes that people can be forced to confess by seeing their own wrongs represented on stage.

(Gullivers Travel's) Which of the following answers best explains why the Lilliputians fed Gulliver and transported him to the capital city?

A. They realized that they would be safer with him as an ally than as an enemy.

According to the author, the state of nature offers more ______ , but less _____."Second Treatise of Government"

A. freedom; certainty

(A Modest Proposal) What literary device does the following passage (paragraph 17) mainly employ? He said, that many gentlemen of this kingdom, having of late destroyed their deer, he conceived that the want of venison might be well supply'd by the bodies of young lads and maidens, not exceeding fourteen years of age, nor under twelve; so great a number of both sexes in every country being now ready to starve for want of work and service: And these to be disposed of by their parents if alive, or otherwise by their nearest relations. But with due deference to so excellent a friend, and so deserving a patriot, I cannot be altogether in his sentiments; for as to the males, my American acquaintance assured me from frequent experience, that their flesh was generally tough and lean, like that of our school-boys, by continual exercise, and their taste disagreeable, and to fatten them would not answer the charge. Then as to the females, it would, I think, with humble submission, be a loss to the publick, because they soon would become breeders themselves: And besides, it is not improbable that some scrupulous people might be apt to censure such a practice, (although indeed very unjustly) as a little bordering upon cruelty, which, I confess, hath always been with me the strongest objection against any project, how well soever intended.

A. irony Correct. The author declares that his "strongest objections against any project" is cruelty, directly after proposing that his only objection to eating young men and women is their taste or ability to breed

(A Modest Proposal) Which of the following statements most closely summarizes the author's tone in this text?

A. sarcastic Correct. The author proposes a preposterous idea in order to convey feelings of disdain for the treatment of the Irish

According to the author, which of the following is mainly the benefit of submitting to government rule?"Second Treatise of Government"

A. security

Which of the following best explains the significance of the extended metaphor in this sonnet? (Sonnet 18)

B) the speaker's love is better than summer because summer, despite its reveries, is imperfect and finite.

(Gullivers Travel's) What is most likely the author's intent in his description of the conflict between the Lilliputians and Blefuscudians in Chapter IV?

B. He is connecting them to the French Catholics and British Protestants.

(Hamlet) What do the following lines mainly reveal about the King (Act I, Scene ii)? But you must know your father lost a father, That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound In filial obligation for some term To do obsequious sorrow. But to persever In obstinate condolement is a course Of impious stubbornness, 'tis unmanly grief,

B. He wants Hamlet to move on from his father's death. Correct. The King urges Hamlet to stop grieving for his father and move on.

What is the central idea or theme of this stanza (lines 9-12)("To Lucasta, Going to the Wars.")

B. Honor determines everything, even love.

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire) According to the text, what does satirical work mainly do?

B. It is mostly utilized to criticize current social issues. Correct. Satire is mainly used to point out current problems in society.

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire) Which of the following inferences about parody is best supported by the author's words in the text?

B. Parody is humor without critique. Correct. Parody is comical but does not critique society.

Which of the following statements about Shakespearean dramas is best supported by the text? (The English Renaissance)

B. Shakespeare's works all follow a common formula that contain specific elements. Correct. The text notes that Shakespeare's plays all have the same structure and format.

What is most likely the reason that the speaker chooses to capitalize the words, "Sweet," "Dear," and "Honor"? ("To Lucasta, Going to the Wars.")

B. To indicate what the speaker values most.

Which of the following most likely represents an example of Enlightenment-era art?

B. a classically written poem that references Homer Correct. The text states that "Writers, musicians, painters, sculptors, and architects found inspiration in the classical beauty of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire" which demonstrates the way in which artists and writers were influenced by classical literature and art

Richard Lovelace

Born into a distinguished military and legal family, the poet Richard Lovelace (1618-1658) embroiled himself in the political affairs of 17th-century England and was twice thrown in prison. Lovelace was among the Cavalier poets, a group of writers who supported King Charles I during the English Civil War by fighting and writing on behalf of the King and his ideals. While incarcerated, Lovelace wrote his most acclaimed poetry

What do the following lines (5-8) reveal about the speaker?("To Lucasta, Going to the Wars.")

C. His sense of honor is the foundation of his character.

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire) Which of the following is not mentioned as a way that writers might create satire?

C. It seems that they would employ logical reasoning as a potential manner for creating their stories. Correct. Illogical reasoning is a way to create satire.

(The English Renaissance) Which of the following selections best explains why Shakespeare's works captivated audiences?

C. Shakespeare introduced themes in his work that the audience could relate to. Correct. Audiences enjoyed and related to the humanistic elements of Shakespeare's writing.

What do the following lines mainly reveal about the speaker's view of physical love (lines 20-24)?"A Valediction Forbidding Mourning"

C. That it is less important than the union of minds.

What information does the following passage (paragraph 5) mainly reveal about the Renaissance? (The English Renaissance)

C. The Renaissance had a strong cultural and historical impact on European society. Correct. The passage emphasises how influential the Renaissance was across Europe, and its historical significance.

Which statement about tyranny would the author most likely agree with?"Second Treatise of Government"

C. The people must defend themselves, but may not attack their ruler.

What is most likely the significance of the poet's choice of title? "A Valediction Forbidding Mourning"

C. The title tries to convey the strength of love to survive separation.

(Gullivers Travel's) What is most closely a theme of Part I, Chapter IV of Gulliver's Travels?

C. There are major wars taking place over disagreements that seem like they should be minor issues.

(Gullivers Travel's) What does the following passage mainly reveal about the Lilliputians (paragraph 11)? For as to what we have heard you affirm, that there are other kingdoms and states in the world inhabited by human creatures as large as yourself, our philosophers are in much doubt, and would rather conjecture that you dropped from the moon, or one of the stars; because it is certain, that a hundred mortals of your bulk would in a short time destroy all the fruits and cattle of his majesty's dominions: besides, our histories of six thousand moons make no mention of any other regions than the two great empires of Lilliput and Blefuscu

C. They refuse to believe that there are other "giants" like Gulliver because it would be overwhelming to think of what danger more could pose.

What is most likely the speaker's reason for altering the established rhyme scheme in the last two lines? (sonnet 29)

C. To contrast and emphasize the statement in the last two lines.

The following passage (paragraph 6) mainly suggests that Enlightenment thinkers believed . The late eighteenth century was punctuated with social and political unrest, which influenced (and was influenced by) Enlightenment ideals. People wanted to think for themselves and have a say in how their governments functioned. This progress, some believed, meant that traditional structures, such as the monarchy, the privileged ruling class, and the political power of the Catholic Church, had to be removed. The clash between the new and the traditional violently erupted with the famous Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, which marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Although the Enlightenment-era revolutions were historic moments and successful in many ways, they did not always result in a more equal and free society. The French revolutionaries, for example, wanted to replace the monarchy with a government by the people, but violence continued throughout the 1790s, leading eventually to Napoleon Bonaparte crowning himself emperor in 1804.

C. traditional institutions' claims to authority were unfounded Correct. The Enlightenment promoted the idea that "the right to rule is granted by individuals"—not by God. This implies that Enlightenment thinkers believed that the standard ruling institutions in place at that time—the monarchy, the church, and the wealthy—made claims to authority that were unfounded, or untrue.

(Gullivers Travel's) Which of the following adjectives best explains Gulliver's attitude toward the Lilliputians in paragraph 4 of Chapter I?

C. unfazed

Characteristics of the English Renaissance

Characteristics of Renaissance poetry were wit, beauty, and truth. Poets used repetition to emphasize their themes. Shakespeare was the master of the dramatic genre during the Renaissance. His skills in characterization and word creation were evidence of his genius. Renaissance literature is characterized by the adoption of a Humanist philosophy and the recovery of the classical literature of Antiquity, and benefited from the spread of printing in the latter part of the 15th century.

What do lines 1-6 reveal about the speaker's love relationship? ("On Monsieur's Departure"):

D) She feels pressure to hide her love and heartbreak.

Which of the following best summarizes the poem? (sonnet 73)

D)The narrator is an aging man who knows his death is imminent.

Author of "Second Treatise of Government"?

John Locke

(A Modest Proposal) Which of the following options best explains a positive outcome to the plan proposed?

D. Irish families will feel more invested in childcare. Correct. The proposal claims that parents will take better care of their children if they know they will be paid for them.

What information does the following passage (paragraph 3) mainly convey? "Second Treatise of Government"

D. Liberty must have reasonable limits.

(Hamlet) Which of the following best explains the Queen's attitude?

D. She is loyal to her new husband and callous toward her son. Correct. She, too, wants Hamlet to move on and does not indulge his grieving for her former husband.

(Gullivers Travel's) Which of these inferences about Gulliver and the Lilliputians is best supported by the excerpt from Chapter IV?

D. The Lilliputians freed Gulliver in hopes he would fight for them.

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire) Which of the following inferences is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 6)? Satire is not a new development and has been a popular style of writing used to challenge power since ancient times. The ancient Romans first used the word satire to refer to a specific style of poetry, and later began to apply it to a wider group of critical work. Two Romans were particularly influential in establishing major forms of satire. One was the poet Horace, whose satire criticized social vices and faux-pas in order to teach and educate through gentle humor. Juvenal, on the other hand, wrote satire that was a harsh criticism of social and political evils, less concerned with humor, and his form of satire attacked not just social structures, but also individuals.

D. The Romans were influential in developing forms of satire. Correct. As stated in the text, the Romans were very influential in developing satire.

(A Modest Proposal) Which of the following inferences is best supported by this passage (paragraph 21)? For first, as I have already observed, it would greatly lessen the number of Papists, with whom we are yearly over-run, being the principal breeders of the nation, as well as our most dangerous enemies, and who stay at home on purpose with a design to deliver the kingdom to the Pretender, hoping to take their advantage by the absence of so many good Protestants, who have chosen rather to leave their country, than stay at home and pay tithes against their conscience to an episcopal curate.

D. The proposal argues that the Papists have too many children. Correct. Papists are criticized for "trying to take their advantage" by excessive breeding

Author of "On Monsieur's Departure"?

Elizabeth I

Author of The Canterbury Tales?

Geoffrey Chauncer

Gulliver's travels summary:

Gulliver's Travels is a masterpiece of satire, critiquing the popular 18th-century Enlightenment notion that advances in human society are the result of reason and logic alone. In this excerpt from Part I, Swift offers a thinly veiled mockery of 18th-century English politics: Lilliput, an island of miniature people engaged in ridiculous conflicts, is likely to symbolize the Kingdom of England, with the two major political parties of England—the Tories and Whigs—represented by Lilliput's High Heels and Low Heels. Rival island Blefuscu symbolizes the Kingdom of France.

Sonnet 29 summary

In Sonnet 29, Shakespeare explores his ideas about the transformative power of love.

Sonnet 73 summary

In Sonnet 73, William Shakespeare's inspired imagery takes us on a journey through life's final season. The poem tells of the passage of youth, the waning of love, and the approach of death.

"Second Treatise of Government"

In the first treatise, Locke argues against absolute power for the monarchy. The second treatise provides Locke's outline for a better form of government—one that protects the natural rights of citizens and derives its power from the consent of the governed. The Second Treatise of Government places sovereignty into the hands of the people. Locke's fundamental argument is that people are equal and invested with natural rights in a state of nature in which they live free from outside rule.

"A Valediction Forbidding Mourning" author

John Donne

Author of "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning"?

John Donne

The Enlightenment

Known as the Age of Reason, the Enlightenment period was characterized by the belief that philosophy, which included the natural and social sciences, had the power to improve human life. In his essay "An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?" (1784), German philosopher Immanuel Kant, defines "enlightenment" as the movement of humans toward maturity"

"To Lucasta, Going to the Wars." author

Richard Lovelace

Author of "To Lucasta, Going to the Wars"?

Richard Lovelace

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire)

Satire has been a means to question people, ideas, and institutions in power. satire, generally it is a form of artful, humorous social criticism with the goal of bringing attention to a subject or changing society in some way. While satire is largely directed at politics and political figures, it has also been used to critique religion and social dynamics and norms

Author of Hamlet?

Shakespeare

Author of Sonnet 18, 73, and 29?

Shakespeare

Hamlet Summary

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare (ca. 1564-1616) is a vivid portrayal of madness, rich with themes of treachery and revenge. His father the King's death and his mother's immediate remarriage to his uncle throws Hamlet into existential turmoil—a struggle for personal meaning and grueling internal strife that threatens to consume him. A ghost, once played by Shakespeare himself around 1602, visits the Prince. Hamlet's soliloquies, exemplifying the best of Shakespeare's eloquent and clever language, raise unanswerable questions and explore the reality of being human in one of the greatest plays ever written.

"To Lucasta, Going to the Wars." summary

The theme of the poem is the importance of honor and duty. The speaker asks his beloved not to think harshly of him for leaving her side to go to war. He could not love her as much as he does, he says, if he dishonored himself by failing to answer the call to duty.

"A Modest Proposal"

anonymously in 1729. In it, Swift mocks heartless attitudes toward the plight of Ireland's poor by satirically suggesting that poor families sell their infants for food.

The Medieval Period Characteristics

chivalric romance, religious themes, and travel literature.

"A Valediction Forbidding Mourning" summary

poem that explores the complexity of love and connection. Originally written in 1611 or 1612, the poem was published after Donne's death as part of the collection Songs and Sonnets.

"On Monsieur's Departure" summary

speaker expresses the pain of unrequited love.

Summary of Beowulf

story itself is set firmly in the Scandinavia of yore. The tale follows the heroic journey of Beowulf, who comes to the aid of a king to defeat the murderous monster, Grendel.

What is most closely a theme of the following stanza (lines 13-18) ("On Monsieur's Departure"):

A) It is better to be in love or out of it, rather than in between, living in uncertainty.

Which of the following best explains the speaker's situation? ("On Monsieur's Departure")

A) She cannot be with the man she loves

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire) What is the author's main reason for mentioning the two Roman authors in paragraph 6?

A. This is the author's attempt to show the relevance and uses of satires in history. Correct. The author hopes to show that satire is not a new, modern idea

Which statement most closely rephrases the speaker's feelings below (lines 9-12)?(sonnet 73)

B)The ashes of my faded youth will extinguish what little flame of life is left.

(Gullivers Travel's) Which sentence from the text most strongly supports the answer to Question 7?

B. "He began with compliments on my liberty; said 'he might pretend to some merit in it;' but, however, added, that if it had not been for the present situation of things at court, perhaps I might not have obtained it so soon."

Which sentence from the excerpt best supports the answer to Question 7?^^^^ (The English Renaissance)

B. "Shakespeare's plays follow a strict format. Each has five acts, and each of those acts contain scenes." Correct. This quote directly addresses how Shakespeare's plays follow a specific formula.

Which selection from the article best supports the correct answer to Question 5?^^^ (The Enlihgtenment)

B. "The Enlightenment's focus on improving human life often involved noticing what needed to be changed. Satirists highlighted these necessary changes by presenting the ridiculousness of things as they were." Correct. This quote shows the link between satire and Enlightenment ideals, suggesting why satirical work was popular at the time.

Which quote from the text best supports the correct answer to Question 7?^^^^^^

B. "They also provided models for warriors to emulate and a goal to pursue—namely, to win fame and be remembered after death for one's deeds." Correct. This quote shows that epic poetry affected its audience by inspiring them to be like the heroic warrior characters the stories centered around.

Which of the following statements about the function of epic poems, medieval romances, and pilgrims' tales is most closely supported by the text?

B. All three forms of storytelling served mainly as entertainment. Correct. History, religion, and chivalry influenced these forms of storytelling, but the main function of the stories was to entertain, like modern-day movies.

What is most closely the meaning of profanation in the passage below (lines 5-8)?"A Valediction Forbidding Mourning"

B. corruption

The passage below (paragraph 8) adds to the development of the text mainly by . Much of the Enlightenment focused on the nature of experience, the influence of science, the role of reason, and the formation of new social and political systems, while the role of visual and literary arts was not at the forefront. The focus on order did, however, still influence the visual arts, which emphasized symmetry and simplicity and viewed art as an intellectual pursuit more so than an emotional one. Many Enlightenment thinkers discussed theories of aesthetics, or the nature of beauty. The age of philosophy was also the age of criticism. Philosophers developed specific criteria that could be used to determine whether an object should be considered beautiful. Much of the art during this time period was Neoclassical. Writers, musicians, painters, sculptors, and architects found inspiration in the classical beauty of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.

B. explaining the various ways in which the Enlightenment changed society, specifically with a focus on the visual and literary arts Correct. This passage provides specific examples from the United States—which was founded on Enlightenment ideals—to explain that despite its humanistic values, Enlightenment theories have not always been applied justly.

John Locke

British political philosopher John Locke (1632-1704) was one of the most influential thinkers of the Age of Enlightenment, a cultural movement that began in the late 17th century and emphasized individualism and reason over tradition. Originally published anonymously, Two Treatises of Government became one of Locke's most well-known works.

What are most closely the central themes of Sonnet 18?

C) love and immortality

(Hamlet) Which of these lines best indicates Hamlet's despair over his mother's quick wedding to his uncle?

C. "A little more than kin, and less than kind." Correct. This shows Hamlet's despair well by emphasizing that he feels betrayed by his own family.

Which sentence from the text best supports the correct answer to Question 5?^^^^^^

C. "Constant warfare in the Middle Ages involved troops of heavily armed knights fighting each other. Given their role in society, knights enjoyed great social prestige in the feudal aristocracy system." Correct. This quote explains that knights held prestigious positions because they were needed for war.

Which of the following sentences from the excerpt best supports the author's argument for majority rule? "Second Treatise of Government"

C. "When any number of men have so consented to make one community or government, they are thereby presently incorporated, and make one body politic, wherein the majority have a right to act and conclude the rest."

Aside from providing entertainment, which of the following responses best describes how epic poems influenced their audiences?

C. Epic poems inspired Anglo-Saxon warriors to imitate epic heroes and seek fame. Correct. Anglo-Saxon warriors strove to be like the heroes of epic poems in the hope that they would also earn lasting fame.

(Hamlet) Which of these sentences is most closely the central theme of this passage (Act 3, Scene i)? To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep— No more, and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to; 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep— To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there's the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause;

C. Hamlet is taking into consideration the pros and cons of suicide. Correct. "To be, or not to be, that is the question" is Hamlet's consideration of whether he should kill himself.

Enlightenment thinkers mainly believed that "Truth" was__________ .

C. obtainable by humans and worthy of careful study Correct. Enlightenment thinkers believed that "Truth," although abstract, could be obtained by humans through careful study.

(Literary Seminar: Saying it with Satire) Which of the following quotations best explains the definition of satire?

D. "As such, the satire of a period can provide a window into the culture of the time, showing both the ideas that dominate the period and the voices that would challenge those ideas." Correct. This quotation best defines satire as it is used in the text

Which of the following quotes from the text provides the best description of the concept of chivalry?

D. "The romance hero follows a strict code of conduct, demonstrating absolute loyalty to his king and an unwavering adherence to his oaths as well as exhibiting courtly manners toward women and protecting and aiding the defenseless."

(Gullivers Travel's) Which sentence from the text most strongly supports the answer to Question 5?

D. "Whereupon the emperor his father published an edict, commanding all his subjects, upon great penalties, to break the smaller end of their eggs."

Author of Beowulf?

Gareth Hinds

"Second Treatise of Government" author

John Locke

Author of "A Modest Proposal"?

Jonathan Swift

Author of "Gulliver's Travels"?

Jonathan Swift

John Donne

considered the foremost leader of metaphysical poetry, a movement known in part for its use of complex and unusual metaphors to meld the sensory and the abstract. Donne was a prolific writer across genres, from sonnets, to epigrams, to elegies, to sermons and more