Instructions

● Read the book for thorough preparation.

● Sir Masood usually likes to ask very brief questions, requiring answers under 3 lines.
● He usually appreciates self writing
● He's so strict about spelling mistakes

Regards,
Umar Azan

Chapter No. 1
Q. When was Geoffrey Chaucer likely born?
Ans. Geoffrey Chaucer was likely born in 1340.

Q. What was Chaucer's family name, and what did it mean?

Ans. Chaucer's family name was derived from the French words 'Chaussier,' meaning
'shoe-maker.'

Q. What was Chaucer's father's occupation?

Ans. Chaucer's father, John, was a prosperous wine merchant.

Q. In whose household accounts does Chaucer's name appear?

Ans. Chaucer's name appears in the household accounts of Elizabeth, Countess of Ulster.

Q. Who was Chaucer's wife, and when did he likely marry her?
Ans. Chaucer's wife was Philippa, and they likely married around 1366.

Q. Name two sons and a daughter of Geoffrey Chaucer.

Ans. Chaucer had two sons, Lewis and Thomas, and a daughter named Elizabeth.

Q. What diverse areas of knowledge did Chaucer possess?

Ans. Chaucer had knowledge in medicine, physiognomy, astronomy, astrology,
jurisprudence, alchemy, and physics.

Q. Where did Chaucer serve with the English army, and what happened during his
service?
Ans. Chaucer served with the English army in France during 1359-1360 and was taken
prisoner near Reims.

Q. When did Chaucer visit Italy, and what impact did it have on his work?
Ans. Chaucer visited Italy in 1372, and it significantly influenced his work, drawing inspiration
from Italian poets like Petrarch and Boccaccio.

Q. What are some of Geoffrey Chaucer's major works?

Ans. Chaucer's major works include The Book of the Duchess, The Parliament of Fowls,
Troilus and Criseyde, The House of Fame, The Legend of Good Women, and his
masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales.

Q. According to the legend on his tomb, when did Geoffrey Chaucer die?
Ans. Geoffrey Chaucer is said to have died on October 25, 1400, according to the legend on
his tomb in Westminster Abbey.

Q. What characterized Chaucer's age in terms of transition?

A: Chaucer's age was marked by a transition from medieval to modern, witnessing the
coexistence of old traditions and emerging trends.

Q. How did the Hundred Years War impact Chaucer's age?

A: The prolonged war between England and France, known as the Hundred Years War,
brought about social changes, breaking down barriers between nobles and commoners.

Q. Define the concept of chivalry in Chaucer's age.

A: Chivalry in Chaucer's time encompassed values of love, war, and religion. It idealized
bravery, warlike qualities, and devotion, as seen in characters like the Knight in Canterbury
Tales.

Q. What significant events like Black Death and Peasants' Revolt shaped Chaucer's
age?

A: Black Death (1348) caused mass death, leading to labor shortages and demands for
higher wages. Peasants' Revolt (1381) resulted from economic discontent, contributing to
societal changes.

Q. Describe the role of the Church in Chaucer's age.

A: The Church held significant influence in Chaucer's age, characterized by religious

domination. The Roman Catholic Church was powerful but often corrupt, as reflected in
Canterbury Tales.

Q. What languages dominated intellectual circles in Chaucer's age?

A: Latin and French dominated educated circles. While Latin was associated with the
clergy, French remained influential. However, English emerged as a literary language in the
second half of the 14th century.

Q. Who influenced Chaucer in his poetic endeavors?

A: Chaucer was influenced by Italian poets Boccaccio and Petrarch. His works, including
The Canterbury Tales, showcase his role in popularizing English as a poetic language.
Q. How did Chaucer contribute to the early stages of the English Reformation?

A: Chaucer's poetry reflects a critical stance toward the corruption in the Church. His ironic
comments on church characters indicate a desire for reform, laying the groundwork for the
later Reformation.

Q. Name some of Chaucer's notable works that contributed to the foundation of

English poetry.

A: Chaucer's notable works include The Book of the Duchesse, The Parliament of Foules,
The House of Fame, Troilus and Criseyede, and The Canterbury Tales, which played a
crucial role in the development of English poetry.

Q. What is Chaucer's significance in the literary history of England?

A: Chaucer is considered the father of English poetry, laying the foundation for the
language. His works demonstrate his exceptional talent as a poet and artist, contributing
significantly to literary history.

Q. What makes The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales a realistic representation of

society?

A: The prologue is realistic as it brings together a diverse group of thirty pilgrims, including
the landed class, clergy, professionals, workers, and skilled tradesmen, reflecting the varied
sections and classes of medieval society.

Q. How does Chaucer depict medieval chivalry in The Prologue?

A: Chaucer represents medieval chivalry through the character of the Knight. While the
age was medieval, the Knight symbolizes the declining importance of knighthood, with his
son, the squire, embodying the new trends.

Q. What social changes are evident in the representation of the middle class in The
Prologue?

A: The trading and skilled classes gain importance, with prosperous merchants, weavers,
and carpenters showcasing economic stability. Their wives, in particular, display their wealth.

Q. How does Chaucer depict the professional class in The Prologue?

A: The professional class is represented by characters like the Doctor of Physique and the
Sergeant of Law. The Doctor profits from the great plague, while the Sergeant of Law is a
clever but dishonest lawyer.

Q. What does Chaucer's portrayal of the clergy in The Prologue reveal about the state
of the church?
 A: Chaucer depicts the degeneration of the church through characters like the Monk and
Friar, highlighting moral decline. However, the Parson and Clerk represent good churchmen,
emphasizing the enduring element of goodness.

Q. How does The Prologue reflect the new trends and changes in society?

A: The Prologue introduces characters like the Wife of Bath and the hot lover, representing
new trends. The Wife of Bath symbolizes the emancipated woman and challenges traditional
norms, while the hot lover signifies a departure from the traditional values embodied by his
father, the Knight.

Q. What does The Prologue offer readers about 14th century England?

A: The Prologue provides a clear and comprehensive picture of 14th-century England,

presenting ordinary men and women from various social classes. Chaucer emerges as the
most representative poet of the era, offering an accurate portrayal of English social life.

Q. Why is The Wife of Bath considered a pioneer in The Prologue?

A: The Wife of Bath is considered a pioneer for standing as an emancipated woman,

challenging conventions, and advocating for the rights and independence of women. She is
depicted as gay, jolly, and unafraid to have love affairs and marriages with multiple men.

Q. Who was William Langland, and what is his notable work?

A: William Langland was a prominent poet in 14th-century English literature. His notable
work is "Piers Plowman," an allegorical poem addressing religious, ethical, social, and
economic issues of the time.

Q. What distinguishes Langland's "Piers Plowman" from Chaucer's "The Canterbury

Tales"?

A: While Chaucer's work is a social chronicle with engaging tales, Langland's "Piers
Plowman" is a deep allegory focused on religious, ethical, and societal concerns, offering a
novel and radical perspective.

Q. Who was John Gower, and what were his major works?

A: John Gower, a contemporary of Chaucer, wrote narrative works. His major works
include "Speculum Hominis," a sermon against contemporary sins, "Vox Clamantis," a Latin
dream allegory on socio-political themes, and "Confessio Amantis," an English project
presenting stories in verse.

Q. What is John Barbour's principal work, and what genre does it belong to?

A: John Barbour, a Scottish poet, wrote "The Bruce" between 1373 and 1378. It is a
political and patriotic work, often considered a national epic for the Scottish people.
Q. How did John Wycliff contribute to English literature and society?

A: John Wycliff, a theologian and religious reformer, fomented the peasant rebellion,
attacked the power of the church, and initiated the Lollard Movement. His major contribution
is the translation of the Bible, earning him the title "father of English Prose."

Q. Who is John Mandeville, and what is his controversial work?

A: John Mandeville is a controversial figure known for "The Travels of Sir John
Mandeville," a book detailing his purported extensive journey. However, the authenticity of
both the author and his travels has been challenged.

Q. What literary forms developed in 14th-century English poetry?

A: In 14th-century poetry, literary forms such as allegory, ballad, descriptive and narrative
poems, and metrical romances developed. Poets like Chaucer, Langland, and Gower made
significant contributions to these forms.

Q. Who are considered the outstanding literary figures of the 14th century?

A: The outstanding literary figures of the 14th century include the anonymous author of "Sir
Gawain and the Pearl," Langland, Gower, Wycliffe, and above all, Chaucer. Prose writers
like Wycliffe, Mandeville, and Mallory also played crucial roles.

Chapter No. 2 - The Renaissance

1. What is Reformation, and when did the first wave begin in England?

A: Reformation is a movement to purify the church from corrupt practices. The first wave of
Reformation began in England in the 14th century.

2. When did the second wave of Reformation reach its peak, and what conflict did it
lead to?

A: The second wave of Reformation reached its peak between 1545 and 1620, culminating
in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) in central Europe.

3. What was the state of religion in the medieval period, and what was the main faith?

A: In the medieval period, religion was crucial for common people, who were often ignorant
and backward. Roman Catholicism was the main faith, with the Pope considered the head of
Catholics worldwide.

4. Who were the major activists of the Reformation movement in England?

 A: The major activists of the Reformation movement in England included John Wycliff, Jan
Hus, and Martin Luther. John Wycliff, an English priest, translated the Bible into English and
challenged the monopoly of clergy.

5. What was the significance of Martin Luther in the Reformation in Germany?

A: Martin Luther initiated the Reformation in Germany with his Ninety-Five Theses against
the Catholic Church in 1517. He criticized the Church, papacy, indulgences, purgatory, and
the authority of the pope.

6. How did the Reformers convey their ideas, and what was their aim?

A: The Reformers used inexpensive pamphlets and vernacular Bibles with the printing
press to swiftly spread ideas. Their aim was to rid the church of corrupt practices, restore its
true image, and make people true Christians.

7. What was the church's reaction to the Reformation, and how was it settled?

A: The church reacted severely to the Reformers, condemning them at the Council of
Constance (1414-18). Jan Hus was executed, and John Wycliff was posthumously
condemned. The Council strengthened the medieval conception of church and empire.

8. What was the political setback to Catholicism in England, and who played a key
role?

A: A major setback to Catholicism in England came from political quarters when King
Henry VIII clashed with Catholic views on divorce. He separated from the Roman church,
established the Church of England in 1534, and became its spiritual head.

9. How did England's religious landscape change after Henry VIII's actions?

A: England's religious landscape changed as Henry VIII's actions led to the establishment
of the Church of England, and Protestantism gained prominence. The Crown and later the
nobility and gentry acquired church land and property.

10. What was the impact of the Puritan movement in England in the 1640s?

A: The Puritan movement in the 1640s, an extension of the Reformation, resulted in

religious strife and the beheading of the English king in 1649. It led to the establishment of
democracy under Cromwell.

1. What was the Reformation, and who were its major activists?

A: The Reformation was a religious movement initiated by dissatisfied churchmen to

reform the Christian Church. Major activists included John Wycliff, Jan Hus, Erasmus, Martin
Luther, and John Calvin.

2. Who was John Wycliff, and what were his contributions to the Reformation?
 A: John Wycliff, an English priest and theologian, led the Reformation in England during
the 14th century. He advocated austerity, simplicity, and translated the Bible into English,
challenging the clergy's monopoly on religion.

3. What reforms did Jan Hus advocate in the Reformation Movement?

A: Jan Hus, from the Czech Republic, preached reforms like allowing married priests,
eliminating indulgences, and rejecting the concept of purgatory. He adopted a doctrine of
justification by grace through faith alone.

4. How did Erasmus contribute to the Reformation, and what was his main aim?

A: Erasmus, a Dutch scholar, criticized the Church's corruption in "The Praise of Folly" and
produced a Greek version of the Bible in 1516. His main aim was to reform the church and
return to early true Christian values.

5. What role did Martin Luther play in the Protestant Reformation, and what event
marked its beginning?

A: Martin Luther, a German philosopher and theologian, questioned the corrupt practices
of the church, particularly indulgences. His Ninety-Five Theses, posted in 1517, marked the
beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

6. How did the Pope respond to Martin Luther's actions, and what did it lead to?

A: The Pope condemned Martin Luther and ordered his excommunication, leading to the
beginning of the Protestant Reformation in Europe.

7. Where did John Calvin take refuge, and what was his influence in the Reformation?

A: John Calvin, a French priest and theologian, took refuge in Geneva, Switzerland. His
work and writings were influential in establishing a loose consensus among various groups
in Switzerland, Scotland, Hungary, Germany, and elsewhere during the Reformation.

1. When did the term "Renaissance" become commonly used, and who popularized
it?

A: The term "Renaissance" became commonly used in the 19th century, popularized by
Swiss historian Jacob Burckhardt in his classic, "Civilization of Renaissance Italy."

2. What does the term "Renaissance" mean, and when did it start?

A: The term "Renaissance" means rebirth. It started as an intellectual, philosophical, and

art movement from Italy in the 15th century and later spread across Europe.

3. Why is it challenging to pinpoint the beginning of the Renaissance?

 A: The Renaissance was not a political period but a change in mindset. Signs of its
influence can be seen in England as early as the 14th century, but it gained momentum after
the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

4. What factors expedited the Renaissance movement in England?

A: The end of the War of Roses, political stability, the introduction of the printing press in
1479 by William Caxton, the discovery of America in 1492, and influential figures like
Erasmus, Martin Luther, and John Calvin expedited the Renaissance movement in England.

5. Who were influential figures during the English Renaissance, and when did it gain
momentum?

A: The English Renaissance began with King Henry VII, gained momentum during the
Elizabethan Era (1558-1603), and saw influential figures like Shakespeare, Marlow, Webster,
Jonson, Sidney, Donne, Milton, Bacon, Nashe, Raleigh, Brown, and Hooker.

6. How did the Renaissance impact literature in England?

A: Renaissance English literature became one of the richest in the world. Shakespeare,
Marlow, Webster, Jonson excelled in drama, while Sidney, Donne, and Milton were
prominent in poetry. Bacon, Nashe, Raleigh, Brown, and Hooker made significant
contributions to prose.

7. What were the main themes in Renaissance literature, and how did it question
traditional beliefs?

A: Renaissance literature focused on the internal life of man, questioning assumptions and
blind faith. It explored themes like humanism, man's free will, and his relationship with God,
as seen in Milton's "Paradise Lost."

8. How did the Renaissance impact science and inventions?

A: The Renaissance saw the birth of modern science, math, and astronomy. Copernicus'
theory challenged Aristotelian concepts, and inventions like clocks, thermometers,
telescopes, microscopes, and compasses emerged during this period.

9. What were the positive and negative influences of the Renaissance?

A: The Renaissance promoted love for learning, questioned traditional beliefs, and
contributed to scientific and industrial progress. However, it also led to a love for power,
wealth, and adventure, contributing to European imperialism.

Q. Who is credited with the invention of the printing press, and in what year did it
emerge?

Answer: Johannes Gutenberg is credited with inventing the printing press around 1440.
 Q. How did artists like Leonardo da Vinci incorporate science into their work during
the Renaissance?

Answer: Artists like da Vinci studied anatomy to improve their artistic representations of
the human body.

Q. Name two scientists from the Renaissance period who played significant roles in
the Scientific Revolution.

Answer: Galileo and Isaac Newton were prominent scientists during the Renaissance and
the Scientific Revolution.

Q. What impact did the printing press have on the distribution of information during
the Renaissance?

Answer: The printing press enabled widespread distribution of information, including

scientific discoveries, among a broader audience.

Q. Briefly explain one advancement in astronomy made during the Renaissance.

Answer: Copernicus, during the Renaissance, proposed a heliocentric model challenging

the Earth-centered view of the universe.

6. Q. What significant invention allowed for more accurate timekeeping during the
Renaissance?

Answer: Galileo's refinement of the pendulum in 1581 greatly improved the accuracy of
mechanical clocks.

Q. Besides the printing press, name two other inventions that emerged during the
Renaissance.

Answer: The microscope and telescope were invented, both benefiting from
improvements in lens-making technology.

Q. What was alchemy, and what were some misguided goals associated with it
during the Renaissance?

Answer: Alchemy was a pseudo-science aiming to transform base metals into gold. Many
hoped to achieve wealth through this process.

Q. In what way did the Renaissance impact warfare, and what were some inventions
associated with it?

Answer: Advances in warfare during the Renaissance included cannons and muskets,
signaling the end of medieval castles and knights.
Q. Summarize the overarching influence of the Renaissance on various aspects of
society.

Answer: The Renaissance had a multi-dimensional impact on religious beliefs, arts,

literature, and the intellect, fostering a love for learning and questioning that influenced
scientific and industrial progress in Europe.

Q. Define Renaissance humanism and its key characteristics.

Answer: Renaissance humanism was a cultural and intellectual movement in Europe from
1400 to 1650, emphasizing a return to classical ideals. Key characteristics include a focus
on secularism, appreciation for worldly pleasures, personal independence, and individual
expression. Humanists valued the classics, embraced a secular worldview, and encouraged
the pursuit of knowledge and aesthetic experiences in the present life.

Q. How did humanism mark a departure from medieval religiosity?

Answer: Humanism shifted focus from medieval religiosity to secular and human interests.
The emphasis moved from the afterlife to individual experiences in the present world. The
weakening reliance on faith and God allowed for a more independent and varied exploration
of human relationships.

Q. What role did beauty play in Renaissance humanism?

Answer: Beauty was considered a glimpse of a transcendental existence in Renaissance

humanism. The movement was fundamentally aesthetic, emphasizing the practical measure
of all things based on human experience. The ideal life shifted from monastic seclusion to
active participation in rich and diverse human relationships.

Q. Explain the relationship between humanism and the recovery of classical culture.

Answer: Humanism involved the recovery of secular and humane philosophy from Greek
and Roman antiquity. The movement revived the pagan scale of virtues, promoting a
philosophy focused on successful living rather than an exclusive concern for the
supernatural and eternal destiny.

Q. Discuss the intellectual trait of individualism during the era of humanism.

Answer: Renaissance humanism saw the rebirth of individualism, challenging the

medieval restrictions imposed by the Church. The movement cultivated the instinct of
curiosity, fostered honest doubt over unreasoning faith, and incited a spirit of individual
expression, ultimately influencing the Protestant revolt against authority.

Q. How did humanism impact the freedom of individual expression?

Answer: Humanism played a crucial role in challenging the sovereignty of tyrants, feudal
lords, classes, corporations, and traditions. It brought forth the freedom of individual
expression and opposition to authority, becoming an integral part of the western intellectual
tradition and influencing the subsequent history of Europe.

Compiled By Umar Azan