Question 1

Who is considered as the first English poet?

Accepted Answer

Caedmon is traditionally considered the first English poet. He was an Anglo-Saxon herdsman and is known for his hymn, which is one of the earliest known examples of Old English poetry.

Question 2

Who is the author of Ecclesiastical History of the English People ?

Accepted Answer

Bede, also known as Saint Bede or the Venerable Bede, is the author of "Ecclesiastical History of the English People," a key historical work that provides a comprehensive account of early English Christianity and history.

Question 3

Name of the Anglo Saxon epic

Accepted Answer

Beowulf is the most famous epic poem from the Anglo-Saxon period, telling the story of its eponymous hero's battles against monsters and a dragon.

Question 4

In which year the peasant Revolt happened?

Accepted Answer

The Peasant Revolt, also known as the Wat Tyler Rebellion, occurred in 1381.

Question 5

Who is the author of 'Piers Plowman'?

Accepted Answer

William Langland is traditionally credited as the author of 'Piers Plowman,' a Middle English allegorical narrative poem that is considered one of the great works of medieval English literature.

Question 6

The earliest surviving English poem

Accepted Answer

Beowulf is the earliest surviving English poem, dating from around the late 10th to the early 11th century. It is considered a masterpiece of Old English literature.

Question 7

Who is the author of The Canterbury Tales?

Accepted Answer

Geoffrey Chaucer is the author of The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories written in Middle English at the end of the 14th century.

Question 8

The Middle Age was held to begin in England with……………

Accepted Answer

The Middle Ages in England are generally considered to have begun with the Norman Conquest in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated the English army and became King of England. This event marked a significant change in the country's culture, language, and governance, leading to the feudal system and shaping the medieval period.

Question 9

Who led The Norman Conquest?

Accepted Answer

William the Duke of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror, led the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

Question 10

Name of the elegy written by Chaucer on the death of Blanche, the wife of John of Gaunt

Accepted Answer

The Book of the Duchess is an elegy written by Geoffrey Chaucer lamenting the death of Blanche, the wife of John of Gaunt.

Question 11

When did 'The General Prologue' of Canterbury Tales compose?

Accepted Answer

'The General Prologue' of Canterbury Tales was composed around 1387, marking the beginning of Geoffrey Chaucer's most famous work.

Question 12

The first English Printer, who set up printing press in 1476

Accepted Answer

William Caxton was the first English printer who set up his printing press in 1476.

Question 13

In which year the first printing press was set up in England?

Accepted Answer

The first printing press in England was set up by William Caxton in 1476.

Question 14

A short traditional and popular story in verse of unknown authorship is called…………

Accepted Answer

A ballad is a type of poem that narrates a story in a short, structured form, often involving folk tales or popular legends, typically passed down orally from one generation to another.

Question 15

Who wrote Treatise on the Astrolabe?

Accepted Answer

Geoffrey Chaucer wrote "Treatise on the Astrolabe," which is a manual for using the astrolabe, an ancient astronomical device. It is considered one of the first technical manuals written in the English language and showcases Chaucer's interest in science and technology.

Question 16

Confessio Amentis is the work of……………..

Accepted Answer

Confessio Amantis is a work by John Gower, a contemporary of Geoffrey Chaucer. It is a collection of narrative poems that explores the nature of love.

Question 17

Who did start The Hundred Years War with France?

Accepted Answer

Edward III of England started the Hundred Years' War with France. He claimed the French throne, leading to a series of conflicts between 1337 and 1453.

Question 18

Which among these was written by Chaucer under Italian influence?

Accepted Answer

"The Legend of Good Women" is known to be influenced by Italian literature, particularly by the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, showcasing Chaucer's engagement with Italian literary traditions during his time.

Question 19

Which incident is considered as the beginning of the Renaissance in England?

Accepted Answer

The end of the War of the Roses in 1485 is often considered the beginning of the Renaissance in England, as it marked the end of civil strife and the establishment of the Tudor dynasty, which supported the arts and learning.

Question 20

In which year did the War of Roses end?

Accepted Answer

The War of the Roses ended in 1485 with the Battle of Bosworth Field, which marked the victory of Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) over King Richard III. This victory effectively ended the series of dynastic conflicts between the houses of Lancaster and York.

Quiz 1: English Literature and History Trivia