- 1. "Dr. Johnson & Mr. Savage" by Richard Holmes is a profound exploration of the lives and contrasting philosophies of two pivotal figures in 18th-century British society: Samuel Johnson, the esteemed lexicographer and literary critic, and James Boswell, his biographer and friend, who is given a new and vibrant life in this narrative. Holmes delves into the intricate dynamics of their relationship, showcasing Johnson's towering intellect and moral earnestness against Boswell's spirited and often reckless pursuit of enlightenment and experience. The book examines how their interactions reflect broader themes of friendship, the complexities of human nature, and the evolving landscape of literature and society during that era. With rich biographical detail and a keen insight into historical context, Holmes weaves a narrative that is not only engaging but also a commentary on the struggles of the artistic soul, the search for identity, and the enduring impact of companionship on creativity. Through meticulous research and vivid prose, "Dr. Johnson & Mr. Savage" invites readers to witness the intimate exchanges and intellectual debates that shaped both men, ultimately revealing how their legacies continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about literature, personal relationships, and the intricacies of human connection.
Which 18th-century literary figure is the primary subject of the book?
A) Alexander Pope
B) Jonathan Swift
C) Henry Fielding
D) Samuel Johnson
- 2. Who was Richard Savage, the 'Mr. Savage' of the title?
A) A famous actor of the era
B) Johnson's doctor
C) A poet and friend of Johnson
D) Johnson's publisher
- 3. What was one of Richard Savage's most famous claims about his own identity?
A) That he was a spy for the king
B) That he had discovered a new planet
C) That he was the true author of Shakespeare's plays
D) That he was the illegitimate son of nobility
- 4. In what city did Johnson and Savage's friendship primarily take place?
A) Oxford
B) London
C) Lichfield
D) Bath
- 5. What crime was Richard Savage famously convicted of?
A) Treason
B) Piracy
C) Murder
D) Forgery
- 6. Holmes's book is an example of what genre of writing about the past?
A) Science fiction
B) Biography
C) Historical fiction
D) A textbook
- 7. What does Holmes suggest about Johnson's motive for writing about Savage?
A) It was a commissioned work
B) He was paid a large sum of money
C) He identified with Savage's struggles
D) He wanted to disgrace Savage's name
- 8. How did Savage ultimately die?
A) In a shipwreck
B) In a duel
C) Of old age in comfort
D) In a debtor's prison
- 9. What literary period did Johnson and Savage belong to?
A) Modernism
B) The Augustan Age
C) The Victorian Era
D) The Romantic Period
- 10. Which other famous biographer wrote a life of Samuel Johnson?
A) John Aubrey
B) James Boswell
C) Lytton Strachey
D) Richard Savage
- 11. Holmes's book contributes to the understanding of Johnson's what?
A) Scientific discoveries
B) Travels abroad
C) Early years and character formation
D) Political career
- 12. The book is a biographical account of the friendship between Samuel Johnson and which poet?
A) Richard Savage
B) Alexander Pope
C) John Dryden
D) Thomas Gray
- 13. In what century did the friendship between Johnson and Savage primarily take place?
A) 19th century
B) 17th century
C) 16th century
D) 18th century
- 14. What was the title of Richard Savage's most famous poem?
A) The Dunciad
B) An Essay on Man
C) The Seasons
D) The Bastard
- 15. Besides being a poet, what other profession did Savage attempt without success?
A) Architect
B) Lawyer
C) Physician
D) Playwright
- 16. What financial support did Johnson receive from Savage during their friendship?
A) A large inheritance
B) A regular salary for secretarial work
C) Profits from a joint publishing venture
D) Very little; they were both impoverished.
- 17. What was the name of the periodical to which both Johnson and Savage contributed?
A) The Gentleman's Magazine
B) The Tatler
C) The Rambler
D) The Spectator
- 18. Holmes suggests that Savage's greatest creation was what?
A) A successful comedy for the stage
B) A new form of satire
C) His epic poem 'The Wanderer'
D) His own tragic life story
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