18. Mention some of the great English nature-poets. What is their outlook upon nature? What aspects of nature particularly appealed to them? State your preference among the poets you mention, quote from his works, and give reasons for your choice.
19. Discuss the statement that “Wycliff, Langland, and Chaucer are the three great figures of English literature in the Middle Ages.” Would you place any of their contemporaries along with them?
20. What is Chaucer’s attitude to chivalry and to the Church? Compare his Knight (in The Prologue) with a similar character of Spenser and Tennyson.
21. Give a historical account of the English essay (a) from its origin to the death of Addison; (b) from the death of Addison to the death of Charles Lamb; (c) from the time of Lamb to modern times. Then give a brief summary of the history of the essay, indicating its periods of progress and decay.
22. What are the chief merits of the literary essay? Mention some English essayists who approach the ideal essay-manner.
23. Distinguish between the tale and the novel. Show how the one developed into the other. Give some account of one medieval and one modern prose tale-teller.
24. Mention five books of exploration and travel. Give a more detailed account of the one that appeals most strongly to you. What are the ideals to which in your opinion the travel-book ought to aspire?
25. Compare Milton’s Samson Agonistes with any tragedy by Shakespeare.
26. Account for the late appearance of historical literature, and sketch its subsequent development.
27. In the light of your knowledge of the English lyric criticize Shelley’s statement that “Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.”