England in 1819 Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Questions
Q: Who wrote the poem “England in 1819”?
A: Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Q: In what year was “England in 1819” written?
A: 1819.
Q: How does Shelley describe King George III in the poem?
A: As “old, mad, blind, despised, and dying.”
Q: What type of poem is “England in 1819”?
A: It is a sonnet.
Q: What is the rhyme scheme of “England in 1819”?
A: The rhyme scheme is ABABABCDCDCCDD.
Q: What does Shelley call the princes in the poem?
A: “The dregs of their dull race.”
Q: Who are described as clinging “leechlike” to the country?
A: The rulers.
Q: What event does the poem reference indirectly due to its political criticism?
A: The Peterloo Massacre.
Q: What does Shelley imply about the military in the poem?
A: It serves as an oppressive force.
Q: What is Shelley’s opinion of the laws of the time?
A: He describes them as “golden and sanguine,” meaning deceptive and dangerous.
Q: How does Shelley describe organized religion in the poem?
A: As “Christless, Godless—a book sealed.”
Q: What does “a book sealed” suggest about religion?
A: That true spiritual meaning is hidden or inaccessible.
Q: How does Shelley refer to the British parliament in the poem?
A: As “Time’s worst statute, unrepealed.”
Q: What does the “glorious Phantom” symbolize?
A: The hope for revolution or positive change.
Q: What is the tone of the poem?
A: It is critical and accusatory, with a hopeful ending.
Q: What metaphor does Shelley use for the rulers in the poem?
A: He describes them as “mud from a muddy spring.”
Q: What imagery does Shelley use to depict the people’s suffering?
A: “Starved and stabbed in th’ untilled field.”
Q: What does Shelley envision at the end of the poem?
A: A new force that will illuminate the dark times.
Q: What social issues does the poem address?
A: Corruption, social injustice, and oppression.
Q: What does Shelley hope will come from the “graves” of old institutions?
A: A glorious, transformative change.
Short Answer Questions
Q: How does Shelley describe King George III in “England in 1819”?
A: Shelley describes King George III as “old, mad, blind, despised, and dying.” This description highlights the king’s poor physical and mental condition. Shelley portrays the monarch as ineffective and out of touch, symbolizing the decay of the monarchy. The king’s condition reflects the political stagnation of the country.
Q: What criticism does Shelley make of the rulers in “England in 1819”?
A: Shelley criticizes the rulers as being like “mud from a muddy spring.” He suggests that they are corrupt, ineffective, and undeserving of their power. They cling to the country “leechlike,” draining it of vitality, without offering any meaningful leadership or relief to the suffering people.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase “starved and stabbed in th’ untilled field”?
A: The phrase “starved and stabbed in th’ untilled field” highlights the plight of the common people. It conveys both literal and figurative suffering—starvation from neglect and metaphorical “stabbing” due to the harshness of their conditions. The “untilled field” represents the government’s neglect of the working class, leaving them unsupported and without opportunities.
Q: How does Shelley view the military in “England in 1819”?
A: Shelley views the military as an instrument of oppression, describing them as a “two-edged sword.” He suggests that instead of protecting the people, the military is used against them by those in power. The term “liberticide” implies that the army is being used to crush liberty, turning it into a force of harm rather than protection.
Q: What does Shelley mean by “golden and sanguine laws which tempt and slay”?
A: Shelley refers to laws that seem appealing (“golden”) but are in reality harmful (“sanguine” meaning bloody). He implies that these laws are designed to appear beneficial, yet they ultimately lead to the suffering and demise of the people. This reflects the hypocrisy of the legal and political systems that fail to protect citizens while pretending to serve them.
Q: What does Shelley imply about organized religion in the poem?
A: Shelley criticizes organized religion by calling it “Christless, Godless—a book sealed.” He implies that religion has lost its true spiritual essence, becoming hollow and inaccessible to the people. By referring to it as “a book sealed,” he suggests that religious institutions are not offering meaningful guidance or moral values to society.
Q: How does Shelley describe the British parliament in “England in 1819”?
A: Shelley describes the British parliament as “Time’s worst statute, unrepealed.” This suggests that it is outdated and ineffective, one of the worst relics of the past that remains in place. He implies that the governing body is incapable of enacting meaningful reforms and is instead contributing to the stagnation of the nation.
Q: What is the “glorious Phantom” in the poem, and what does it represent?
A: The “glorious Phantom” symbolizes hope for a revolutionary change or renewal that may arise from the decaying state of England. Despite the bleak depiction of the current state, Shelley believes that something positive could emerge to bring light to the dark times. It represents the potential for rebirth, transformation, and the liberation of the people.
Q: What is the tone of “England in 1819” and how does it change by the end of the poem?
A: The tone of “England in 1819” is initially very critical and accusatory, as Shelley condemns the monarchy, government, and institutions. However, in the final couplet, the tone shifts slightly to one of hope, suggesting that from the current decay and suffering, something transformative might arise to bring light and change to the nation.
Q: How does Shelley use imagery in “England in 1819” to convey his message?
A: Shelley uses vivid imagery to convey the corruption and decay of England. Descriptions such as “leechlike to their fainting country cling” and “starved and stabbed in th’ untilled field” evoke a sense of exploitation and neglect. He also uses powerful metaphors like “mud from a muddy spring” to illustrate the tainted nature of those in power, effectively painting a picture of a nation in crisis.
