- 1. Samuel Johnson by Walter Jackson Bate is a comprehensive biographical study that delves into the life and works of one of the most significant figures in English literature. Bate, a renowned literary scholar, provides an in-depth exploration of Johnson's multifaceted personality, his intellectual contributions, and the cultural context of 18th-century England in which he lived. The biography captures Johnson's struggles, including his battles with depression and his complex relationships with friends and contemporaries, while also highlighting his remarkable achievements, such as the creation of the first modern English dictionary and his influential works, like 'The Rambler' and 'A Dictionary of the English Language.' Bate’s narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, historical events, and literary criticism, painting a vivid portrait of Johnson as not only a literary giant but also a profound thinker whose insights into human nature and society resonate to this day. Through scholarly rigor and engaging prose, the biography invites readers to appreciate the enduring legacy of Samuel Johnson and his impact on literature, language, and culture.
Who is the author of the biography 'Samuel Johnson'?
A) Walter Jackson Bate
B) Samuel Johnson
C) David Garrick
D) James Boswell
- 2. What prestigious award did Walter Jackson Bate win for his biography of Johnson?
A) The Nobel Prize in Literature
B) The Booker Prize
C) The Pulitzer Prize
D) The National Book Award
- 3. Bate's biography is particularly noted for its exploration of Johnson's struggle with what?
A) Political ambition
B) Melancholy and fear of insanity
C) Religious doubt
D) Poverty and hunger
- 4. At which university was Walter Jackson Bate a professor when he wrote the biography?
A) Yale University
B) Harvard University
C) Oxford University
D) Cambridge University
- 5. What does Bate cite as a key source of Johnson's immense empathy for others?
A) His study of philosophy
B) His own suffering and struggles
C) His wealthy upbringing
D) His extensive travels
- 6. Bate's biography was published in which decade?
A) The 1970s
B) The 1950s
C) The 1960s
D) The 1980s
- 7. How does Bate interpret Johnson's frequent acts of charity?
A) As a practical application of his Christian beliefs
B) As a way to gain social status
C) As an investment in future favors
D) As a guilt from his own wealth
- 8. For Bate, Johnson's lasting relevance lies in his honest portrayal of what?
A) The universal struggle of the human spirit
B) The social customs of 18th-century London
C) The correct use of the English language
D) The political history of England
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