38. What is meant by an “ode”? What are the requirements of a good ode? Mention the chief odes in English, from those of Spenser to those of Tennyson.
39. Compare Lycidas, Adonais, and The Scholar-Gipsy as elegies. Add to this an account of other important English elegies, and sketch the growth of this type of poem.
40. Give a short account of six heroines in standard English novels; add an account of six heroines of poems; and conclude with a description of six of Shakespeare’s heroines.
41. What was Scott’s contribution to the historical novel? How far has the historical novel advanced since his death?
42. Mention some patriotic poems in English. What are the merits and chief weaknesses of this particular kind of poetry?
43. In Irish and Scottish literature are there any literary peculiarities that are essentially Irish and Scottish? Discuss the general question of nationality in literature.
44. Taking Lamb, Scott, George Eliot, Charlotte Brontë, and Junius as the chief examples, consider the use of the nom de plume or of anonymity in literature. To what extent is anonymity a feature of modern journalism?
45. What novels dealing with life in India or British colonial life are known to you? Have they any features in common?
46. Has the spread of modern education affected the standard of literature? What species of literature has it encouraged, and which has it depressed?
47. Discuss the statement that “the English epic began and ended with Milton.” Trace the course of the epic in English.