On Going a Journey MCQs
1. Who is the author of “On Going a Journey”?
a) Charles Lamb
b) William Hazlitt
c) Samuel Taylor Coleridge
d) William Wordsworth
Answer: b) William Hazlitt
Explanation: William Hazlitt, an English essayist, wrote On Going a Journey, which was published in 1822 as part of his collection Table-Talk. Hazlitt was known for his sharp literary criticism, philosophical reflections, and personal essays. His writings emphasized individual experience and emotion, aligning with the Romantic movement. In this essay, he discusses the pleasure of solitary travel and the freedom it provides. Other options, such as Charles Lamb and Coleridge, were his contemporaries but did not write this particular essay.
2. What is the central theme of the essay?
a) The importance of companionship during a journey
b) The benefits of traveling alone
c) The historical significance of travel
d) The dangers of traveling
Answer: b) The benefits of traveling alone
Explanation: The essay On Going a Journey explores the advantages of solitary travel. Hazlitt believes that traveling alone provides an opportunity for self-reflection, personal freedom, and an uninterrupted connection with nature. He argues that companionship often disrupts deep contemplation and the organic experience of a journey. He dismisses other aspects, such as socialization and historical significance, emphasizing that the true purpose of travel is to liberate oneself from societal expectations and constraints.
3. According to Hazlitt, what is the best company for a journey?
a) A close friend
b) A book
c) Nature
d) A fellow traveler
Answer: c) Nature
Explanation: Hazlitt asserts that the best companion during a journey is nature itself. He finds solace and inspiration in the landscapes, skies, and open roads rather than human company. He believes that companionship forces one into conversation, limiting the ability to fully absorb the surroundings. Unlike a book, which requires focus, or a fellow traveler, who may demand interaction, nature provides an effortless and enriching experience without distractions.
4. Hazlitt believes that traveling alone allows for what?
a) Better social interactions
b) Complete liberty
c) Faster travel
d) Improved physical health
Answer: b) Complete liberty
Explanation: One of the most significant points in On Going a Journey is Hazlitt’s belief that traveling alone grants absolute freedom. Without a companion, one is free to think, act, and feel without external influence. He dislikes the restrictions that come with traveling in a group, such as accommodating others’ preferences or engaging in unnecessary conversation. To Hazlitt, solitude on a journey is an escape from obligations, allowing for pure, unfiltered experiences.
5. What is Hazlitt’s opinion on talking while walking?
a) He enjoys it as it makes the journey more enjoyable
b) He finds it unnecessary and distracting
c) He believes it enhances the experience
d) He thinks it is a way to pass time
Answer: b) He finds it unnecessary and distracting
Explanation: Hazlitt dislikes talking while walking because he believes it disrupts one’s ability to fully absorb the natural surroundings. He argues that walking should be a contemplative activity, allowing the mind to wander freely. Engaging in conversation forces one to focus on words rather than the journey itself. He finds it unnecessary to analyze or discuss nature with others when he could instead experience it directly and silently.
6. Why does Hazlitt prefer solitude while traveling?
a) To enjoy his own thoughts freely
b) To avoid unnecessary expenses
c) To interact with locals
d) To read books peacefully
Answer: a) To enjoy his own thoughts freely
Explanation: Hazlitt values solitude because it enables him to think without interruption. He believes that companionship forces people into superficial conversation, distracting them from deeper, more meaningful reflections. Solitude, in contrast, allows a person to revisit old memories, consider philosophical ideas, and simply exist without the burden of social interaction. Traveling alone, for Hazlitt, is an opportunity for mental and emotional freedom.
7. What does Hazlitt say about those who travel to “watering-places”?
a) They genuinely seek solitude
b) They carry city life with them instead of escaping it
c) They experience true relaxation
d) They make the best travelers
Answer: b) They carry city life with them instead of escaping it
Explanation: Hazlitt criticizes travelers who visit popular resorts and spas, arguing that they bring their urban habits and social expectations with them rather than truly escaping into nature. Instead of embracing solitude and freedom, they engage in the same conversations, routines, and distractions they sought to leave behind. He sees this as a failure to appreciate the real purpose of travel, which, for him, is about detachment and self-discovery.
8. What does Hazlitt mean by “The soul of a journey is liberty”?
a) Journeys help people escape their problems
b) Traveling should be unrestricted and free from obligations
c) A journey is best when shared
d) Traveling involves careful planning
Answer: b) Traveling should be unrestricted and free from obligations
Explanation: Hazlitt sees travel as an opportunity to escape restrictions and obligations. The phrase “The soul of a journey is liberty” highlights his belief that a journey should be about freedom—freedom from societal norms, responsibilities, and even personal worries. He argues that the best journeys are those taken alone, where one is not bound by schedules, conversations, or the expectations of others.
9. How does Hazlitt describe solitude in nature?
a) As a form of loneliness
b) As a burden
c) As the perfect state of being
d) As a boring experience
Answer: c) As the perfect state of being
Explanation: Hazlitt believes that solitude in nature provides the ideal state of existence. He argues that when alone in nature, a person is never truly lonely but rather experiences a profound connection with the world. He finds joy in walking, reflecting, and absorbing his surroundings without the interference of social interaction. For him, solitude is not a burden but a way to achieve clarity and emotional peace.
10. Why does Hazlitt dislike having a companion during a journey?
a) It forces him to talk and engage in conversation
b) He finds companionship annoying
c) He prefers to walk at his own pace
d) He does not like socializing
Answer: a) It forces him to talk and engage in conversation
Explanation: Hazlitt argues that a companion during travel often becomes an obligation rather than a pleasure. A traveling companion may expect conversation, shared observations, or mutual decision-making, which limits personal freedom. Hazlitt prefers to be entirely immersed in his thoughts rather than engage in small talk or forced discussions. He values complete solitude because it allows for uninterrupted reflection and an authentic connection with the journey.
