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Philosophy of Composition by Edgar Allen Poe

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 14mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Edgar Allen Poe uses __________ poem to elucidate a theory of good writing in his essay “The Philosophy of Composition”.

a)

Annabel Lee

b)

Eldorado

c)

A Dream within a Dream

d)

The Raven

2.

The beginning of “the Philosophy of Composition” talks about the novel Caleb Williams that was written in backwards? Who is the author of that novel?

a)

Charles Dickens

b)

William Godwin

c)

Edgar Allen Poe

d)

Ernest Hemingway

3.

According to Edgar Allen Poe, it is only with the _________constantly in view that we can give a plot its indispensable air of consequence, or causation, by making the incidents, and especially the tone at all points, tend to the development of the intention.

a)

Rising Action

b)

Climax

c)

Exposition

d)

Denouement

4.

In “The Philosophy of Composition” Edgar Allen Poe expresses that the first concern he always has when he composes a poem is ______________.

a)

the effect of the work on reader.

b)

his satisfaction.

c)

the comments of the editors.

d)

the comments of the editors.

5.

Edgar Allen Poe’s aim is, while writing a work, getting vivid effect on readers. What are the two things assist Edgar Allen Poe in achieving this?

a)

theories and grandeur

b)

techniques and values

c)

tones and events

d)

style and tone

6.

Throughout the essay “The Philosophy of Composition, Poe aims to prove that at no point during the writing of "The Raven'' did he ever compose ___________________.

a)

with thinking or planning

b)

with an idea of introducing metaphors

c)

without thinking or planning

d)

with denouement

7.

Poe writes that the first feature he considers in writing the poem “The Raven” is it’s ____________.

a)

plot

b)

length

c)

poetic devices

d)

raven

8.

Poe states that after he decides on the story's length, he sets out to determine what ‘impression, or effect’ he wants to convey as well as the tone because according to him, "______________ is the sole legitimate province of the poem" or the function and purpose of poetry. 

a)

beauty

b)

style

c)

tone

d)

meaning

9.

What is the third important thing that Poe considered while constructing the poem “the Raven”?

a)

effect

b)

tone

c)

metre

d)

length

10.

Poe wanted to have a _____________ tone for the poem “The Raven” as he considered it as the most legitimate tone in poetry.

a)

joyful

b)

satiric

c)

complaining

d)

melancholic

11.

Poe, while explaining his composition of the poem “The Raven”, asserts that he wanted to write a refrain that reflected the melancholic tone of the poem. What is that refrain?

a)

Nothing more

b)

Quote the Raven

c)

No more

d)

Nevermore

12.

According to Poe, the death of ___________ is, unquestionably, the most poetical topic in the world.

a)

a beautiful woman

b)

a great king

c)

a warrior

d)

a child

13.

Poe, while talking about the composition of “The Raven” claims that it was only at this point that he "first put pen to paper" to write the poem. Which stage of writing he talks about?

a)

Determining the climax

b)

Determining the characters

c)

Determining the style

d)

Determining the tone

14.

Based on Edgar Allen Poe’s discussion on the philosophy of composition of the poem “The Raven”, find out the statement which is NOT CORRECT

a)

Melancholic tone is chosen

b)

Versification or the meter and structure are planned with utmost care

c)

Effect on the reader is taken care

d)

Death is chosen as a theme

15.

While reading the poem “The Raven”, when are the readers able to understand the Raven as being emblematical or symbolic of "Mournful and Never-ending Remembrance."?

a)

In the beginning of the poem

b)

At the end of the poem

c)

In the middle of the poem

d)

In the first line of the poem

16.

What does Poe mean by "excess of suggested meaning" which makes a work flat?

a)

A work should have a hidden meaning

b)

A work should not have a hidden meaning

c)

A work should have flat characters

d)

A work should have bombastic language to convey its meaning

17.

In “The Philosophy of Composition”, Edgar Allen Poe, by explaining his composition of the poem “The Raven”, shares ______________.

a)

One possible way to create great literature.

b)

The best way to create great literature.

c)

A number of ways to create great literature.

d)

The ways to avoid creating uninteresting piece of work.

18.

What do you understand as Poe’s complete vision of the writing process from reading “The Philosophy of Composition”?

a)

It is logical and precise.

b)

It is logical, intentional, and precise.

c)

It is illogical but intentional.

d)

It is precise.

19.

Many of the considerations Poe lays out for his writing of "The Raven" are very much in line with the general ideals of ____________.

a)

Classicism

b)

Realism

c)

Romanticism

d)

Impressionism

20.

According to Poe, great literature is not written to impart moral lessons but rather to present ___________to the reader and excite their emotions.

a)

figurative language

b)

unique poetic devices

c)

refrains

d)

aesthetic beauty