- 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) Johnson's publisher
B) A poet and friend of Johnson
C) Johnson's doctor
D) A famous actor of the era
- 3. What was one of Richard Savage's most famous claims about his own identity?
A) That he was the true author of Shakespeare's plays
B) That he was the illegitimate son of nobility
C) That he was a spy for the king
D) That he had discovered a new planet
- 4. In what city did Johnson and Savage's friendship primarily take place?
A) London
B) Lichfield
C) Bath
D) Oxford
- 5. What crime was Richard Savage famously convicted of?
A) Piracy
B) Treason
C) Forgery
D) Murder
- 6. Holmes's book is an example of what genre of writing about the past?
A) Science fiction
B) Historical fiction
C) A textbook
D) Biography
- 7. What does Holmes suggest about Johnson's motive for writing about Savage?
A) He identified with Savage's struggles
B) It was a commissioned work
C) He was paid a large sum of money
D) He wanted to disgrace Savage's name
- 8. How did Savage ultimately die?
A) In a duel
B) In a shipwreck
C) In a debtor's prison
D) Of old age in comfort
- 9. What literary period did Johnson and Savage belong to?
A) The Victorian Era
B) Modernism
C) The Augustan Age
D) The Romantic Period
- 10. Which other famous biographer wrote a life of Samuel Johnson?
A) James Boswell
B) Lytton Strachey
C) John Aubrey
D) Richard Savage
- 11. Holmes's book contributes to the understanding of Johnson's what?
A) Travels abroad
B) Scientific discoveries
C) Political career
D) Early years and character formation
- 12. The book is a biographical account of the friendship between Samuel Johnson and which poet?
A) Richard Savage
B) Thomas Gray
C) John Dryden
D) Alexander Pope
- 13. In what century did the friendship between Johnson and Savage primarily take place?
A) 18th century
B) 19th century
C) 16th century
D) 17th century
- 14. What was the title of Richard Savage's most famous poem?
A) The Bastard
B) An Essay on Man
C) The Dunciad
D) The Seasons
- 15. Besides being a poet, what other profession did Savage attempt without success?
A) Architect
B) Playwright
C) Lawyer
D) Physician
- 16. What financial support did Johnson receive from Savage during their friendship?
A) Very little; they were both impoverished.
B) A large inheritance
C) Profits from a joint publishing venture
D) A regular salary for secretarial work
- 17. What was the name of the periodical to which both Johnson and Savage contributed?
A) The Spectator
B) The Rambler
C) The Tatler
D) The Gentleman's Magazine
- 18. Holmes suggests that Savage's greatest creation was what?
A) His epic poem 'The Wanderer'
B) A successful comedy for the stage
C) A new form of satire
D) His own tragic life story
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