Ben Jonson
What was the inspiration for Ben Jonson's poem "On my First Son"?
The death of his first son.
Bonus: What was the name of his first son?
What Latin phrase encapsulates the theme of "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time"?
Carpe Diem
What is the central theme of Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress"?
The fleeting nature of time and the urgency to embrace love.
Which poem by Christopher Marlowe invites a woman to live with him and enjoy life's pleasures?
"The Passionate Shepherd to His Love."
What central idea does Donne express with the line, “No man is an island”?
That all humans are interconnected and part of a greater whole—no one is truly independent of others.
In "On My First Son," what is the speaker's attitude toward his son's death?
The speaker expresses deep sorrow and resignation, viewing his son's death as a return to God.
In "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time," what natural imagery does Herrick use to emphasize the fleeting nature of youth?
The rising and setting of the sun.
In "To His Coy Mistress," what does the speaker suggest they would do if they had unlimited time?
Spend centuries admiring each part of the woman's body and falling in love with her
What is the central theme of "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love"?
The idealization of a carefree, romantic life.
In “Meditation 17,” what does the tolling bell symbolize?
Death and the reminder that every death affects all of humanity.
What type of poem is "On My First Son," reflecting the speaker's grief?
an elegy, mourning a lost loved one
What advice does Herrick give to virgins in his poem?
To marry while they are still young and beautiful
What does the speaker mean by "your quaint honor will turn to dust"?
Her beauty and youth will eventually end, so she shouldn't waste her prime being coy.
What type of poem is "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd"?
a parody that criticizes the shepherd's idealistic views of life
What famous quote about the bell from “Meditation 17” emphasizes shared human fate in death?
“Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
In "Song: To Celia," what does the speaker send to Celia as a token of affection?
a "rosy wreath"
How does Herrick's tone in "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" contribute to its message?
The tone is urgent and persuasive, urging readers to act before time runs out.
In "To His Coy Mistress," what does the speaker warn will happen if they don't act on their love? Who/What will take her honor?
Death will come, and she will become food for worms.
In "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd," what does the nymph argue about the shepherd's promises?
They are fleeting and will not last.
In “Holy Sonnet 10,” how does Donne challenge the power of death?
He claims that death is not mighty or dreadful and will ultimately be defeated.
What is the central theme of "Song: To Celia"?
Unrequited love and the longing for reciprocation.
What do the rosebuds symbolize?
Youth and innocence.
What is the speaker suggesting at the end of the poem by saying "we will make our sun run"?
Enjoy every moment of everyday because time will pass quickly
How does "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" serve as a critique of Marlowe's original poem?
By presenting a realistic view of love and time's effects
What paradox concludes “Holy Sonnet 10,” revealing Donne’s Christian hope in eternal life?
“Death, thou shalt die.”