31. When was Astrophil and Stella published?
a) 1579
b) 1591
c) 1609
d) 1623
Answer: b) 1591
Explanation: Although Sidney wrote the sonnets in the early 1580s, Astrophil and Stella was published posthumously in 1591, five years after his death. The sequence had a significant influence on later English poets.
32. Who is believed to be the real-life inspiration for Stella in Astrophil and Stella?
a) Elizabeth I
b) Penelope Devereux
c) Mary Sidney
d) Anne Boleyn
Answer: b) Penelope Devereux
Explanation: Penelope Devereux, a woman with whom Sidney was once romantically involved, is thought to be the inspiration for Stella in the sonnet sequence. However, their relationship never led to marriage, and Devereux married another man.
33. What does the name ‘Astrophil’ mean?
a) Star-lover
b) Sun-worshipper
c) Poet of the stars
d) Knight of love
Answer: a) Star-lover
Explanation: The name ‘Astrophil’ comes from Greek roots: “astro” meaning “star” and “phil” meaning “lover.” Thus, Astrophil symbolizes the speaker who is in love with Stella, whose name means “star” in Latin.
34. How many sonnets are there in Astrophil and Stella?
a) 108
b) 100
c) 154
d) 120
Answer: a) 108
Explanation: The Astrophil and Stella sequence contains 108 sonnets. These poems explore themes of love, desire, and frustration, focusing on Astrophil’s unrequited love for Stella.
35. What form of sonnet is primarily used in Astrophil and Stella?
a) Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet
b) English (Shakespearean) sonnet
c) Spenserian sonnet
d) Miltonic sonnet
Answer: a) Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet
Explanation: Sidney primarily employs the Petrarchan sonnet form in Astrophil and Stella, which consists of an octave followed by a sestet. However, he occasionally mixes this with features of the English sonnet.
36. What is a central theme of the Astrophil and Stella sequence?
a) Religious devotion
b) War and conquest
c) Unrequited love
d) Political power
Answer: c) Unrequited love
Explanation: The central theme of Astrophil and Stella is unrequited love. Astrophil’s longing for Stella, and his frustration at her rejection, are explored throughout the sequence, making it a poignant meditation on the pain of unattainable love.
37. Which literary tradition influenced Astrophil and Stella?
a) Roman epic poetry
b) Medieval allegory
c) Petrarchan sonnet tradition
d) French Renaissance poetry
Answer: c) Petrarchan sonnet tradition
Explanation: Sidney was influenced by the Italian poet Petrarch and his tradition of sonnets centered around unattainable love. The structure, themes, and tone of Astrophil and Stella reflect the Petrarchan influence, though Sidney adapted the form to English.
38. What is the tone of the Astrophil and Stella sonnets?
a) Joyful and celebratory
b) Despairing and melancholic
c) Humorous and lighthearted
d) Triumphant and heroic
Answer: b) Despairing and melancholic
Explanation: The tone of the sonnets is often melancholic, as Astrophil laments his unrequited love for Stella. His emotional turmoil, frustration, and longing for her affection dominate the sequence, giving it a sense of deep emotional conflict.
39. What type of literary work is Astrophil and Stella?
a) Epic poem
b) Sonnet sequence
c) Prose romance
d) Play
Answer: b) Sonnet sequence
Explanation: Astrophil and Stella is a sonnet sequence, which is a series of interconnected sonnets that explore a central theme or narrative. This form was popular in the Renaissance, and Sidney’s sequence is one of the earliest and most influential in English literature.
40. What key message does Sidney convey in Astrophil and Stella?
a) The dangers of political ambition
b) The beauty of nature
c) The inner conflict of unrequited love
d) The importance of friendship
Answer: c) The inner conflict of unrequited love
Explanation: Sidney’s Astrophil and Stella explores the emotional and psychological struggles of unrequited love. Astrophil’s attempts to win Stella’s affection and the pain of her rejection highlight the complexities and challenges of love.
