The Question - Shelley

Question 1

When was The Question written?

Answer 1

1819/1820

Question 2

What does Shelley explicitly reference in the opening and closing lines of stanza 1?

Answer 2

Dreams suggesting a other-worldly tone

Question 3

Compare the presentation of reality in The Question and one other poem

Answer 3

Wordsworth - reality of nature

Blake’s Holy Thursday (Experience)/London

Keats - negative capability

Question 4

When is the meaning of the title The Question revealed?

Answer 4

At the very end

Question 5

Why is the meaning of the title The Question revealed at the very end?

Answer 5

Creates suspense for the reader who initially reads the poem with a meaningless title

On the second reading, the title reminds the reader of the reality that haunts the poem

Question 6

Summary of The Question

Answer 6

Tells of a dream in which a speaker encountered a vast forest of pristine, blooming flowers

Question 7

Possible inspiration for The Question?

Answer 7

Shelley’s later years were especially tragic
- crafts the dream as a kind of retreat
- BUT first person narrator is not necessarily Shelley himself

Question 8

What is the structure of The Question?

Answer 8

5 stanzas of octaves

Structured rhyme scheme with alternating end sounds
- ABABABCC

Question 9

What is the significance of using iambic pentameter in The Question?

Answer 9

Very consistent pace

Somewhat meditative and peaceful

Question 10

What might The Question be dedicated to?

Answer 10

New love interest for Jane Williams

Question 11

Themes in The Question

Answer 11

Poetry and Artistic Inspiration

Beauty and Power of the Imagination

Artistry and Audience