Exercises

1. Tell the story of Burns's life.

2. Why is Burns considered to be the most democratic poet of his age?

3. Speak about the poet's patriotism; illustrate his ideas by quoting lines from his verses.

4. What qualities did Burns appreciate most of all in man?

5. What are the main themes of his lyrics?

6. What features of Burns's poetry bring him close to the romantic trend of the 19^th century?

7. Name the songs of the poet which are most popular in our country.

8. Compare the Russian translation of some of Burns's poems with the original and say whether the author's style is preserved.

Review Questions and Tasks

I.

1. What common features had the movement of the Enlightenment all over Europe? What was particular about the English Enlightenment?

2. What forms of literature became the most popular in Britain in the 18^th century? Characterize the principal features of the leading genre.

3. Characterize each of the three periods in the development of 18^th century English literature.

4. Characterize the literary trend of Sentimentalism. Name the leading sentimentalists and explain how they tried to stir the heart of the reader.

II.

1. Comment on Crusoe's character as typical of the bourgeoisie at the period of its prosperity.

2. Why is the novel "Robinson Crusoe" considered praise of fortitude, energy and the creative power of man?

3. What makes the novel still popular? Which of Crusoe's features appeal to the reader today?

III.

1. Why did the Irish people consider Swift their champion in the struggle for the welfare and freedom of their country? Speak about his works written in defence of Ireland.

2. How does Swift reveal his attitude towards the English government, the court, and religious controversy in his works?

3. How does Swift criticize England's war policy?

4. What literary device does Swift use in order to make his critical ideas conspicuous to the reader? Comment on the nature of his satire.

5. What makes the reader believe in Swift's fantasy?

IV.

1. Why do we consider "Tom Jones" the peak of the bourgeois realistic novel?

2. Dwell on Fielding's humanism and optimism. Comment on the most attractive features of the Key-character in "Tom Jones".

V.

1. Say a few words about the role of folklore in Burns's poetry.

2. What impress you most of all in the poet's literary work?

3. What is Burns's contribution to literature?

4. Name the greatest Russian enlightener and comment on his work.

"The dead have been awakened - shall I sleep?

The world's at war with tyrants - shall I crouch?