Introduction to Bright Romanticism and American Individualism – American Individualism – Flashcards

Which best describes Bright Romanticism? A. a post-Revolutionary War literary movement that focused on the pessimism and fear of the period B. a pre-Revolutionary War literary movement that focused on the beauty and optimism of the period C. a pre-Revolutionary War literary movement that focused on the pessimism and fear of the period D. a post-Revolutionary War literary movement that focused on the beauty and optimism of the period

Which best describes the author's purpose in "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer"? A. The author intended for the reader to become more curious about astronomy. B. The author intended for the reader to feel awed by the power of nature. C. The author intended for the reader to be inspired to spend more time in classrooms. D. The author intended for the reader to stop reading books to gain knowledge.

What do the stars do for the speaker of "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" that the lecture hall does not? A. The stars offer first-hand knowledge. B. The stars offer inspiration for a poem. C. The stars stimulate the speaker's need to write. D. The stars inspire the speaker to pursue further knowledge.

How does the speaker of "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" prefer to learn about nature? A. by experiencing it directly B. by being taught by a lecturer C. by reading about it in a textbook D. by sharing it with friends

How does Whitman's mention of "the mystical moist night-air" in "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" support the theme of the poem? A. It suggests that he valued contemplation over all else. B. It provides evidence of his interest in knowledge of all kinds. C. It portrays the world outside the classroom as unfamiliar and eerie. D. It communicates that the darkness connects him with a greater power.

What do these lines indicate about Dickinson's view of pride? A. They suggest that pride doesn't require self-praise. B. They indicate that she had little pride in herself. C. They are meant to show that pride can cause a downfall. D. They portray pride and self-worth as unimportant.

Why does Whitman use the words "rising and gliding" to describe the speaker's exit from the classroom? A. The words are intended to show the speaker's natural grace. B. Whitman wants to compare the speaker to a dancer. C. These words suggest that the speaker is happy to leave. D. Whitman uses these words to create a feeling of boredom.

What attitude toward social habits does this excerpt indicate? A. Social habits can be a cure for loneliness. B. Social habits are meaningless and arbitrary. C. Social habits are important for preservation of a community. D. Social habits should be followed by all individuals.

Why can "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" be considered a product of its time? A. It addresses the tension between rational thought and the natural world. B. It refers to the growth of rational thought. C. It contains an independently minded speaker. D. It supports the enjoyment and discovery of the natural world.

What does "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer" suggest about academic studies? A. that they tend to be impossibly complex B. that they reveal a wealth of information C. that they are rewarding for many people D. that they are overwhelmingly tedious