11. Which poet does Hazlitt mention as someone who could talk endlessly during a journey?

a) William Wordsworth

b) Samuel Taylor Coleridge

c) John Keats

d) Alexander Pope

Answer: b) Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Explanation: Hazlitt describes Coleridge as someone who could engage in continuous, elaborate discussions on philosophical and literary topics during a journey. Coleridge, known for his deep intellect and poetic sensibility, would transform the landscape into a poetic discourse. While Hazlitt admired his friend’s ability to articulate ideas beautifully, he also found that such conversations interrupted the natural experience of solitude. This reinforces Hazlitt’s belief that travel is best enjoyed alone, allowing for undisturbed contemplation.

12. What does Hazlitt say about revisiting places from the past?

a) It brings disappointment

b) It revives old memories and emotions

c) It has no impact on the traveler

d) It is unnecessary

Answer: b) It revives old memories and emotions

Explanation: Hazlitt acknowledges that revisiting places from one’s past can bring back vivid memories and deep emotions. He believes that the scenery and atmosphere of a place can rekindle past experiences, making them feel alive again. However, he also recognizes that the emotional weight of these memories may be bittersweet, as they remind travelers of what has changed or what has been lost over time. The act of revisiting, therefore, is both nostalgic and reflective.

13. Hazlitt compares his mental state while traveling to what?

a) A bird soaring freely

b) A fish swimming in the ocean

c) A soldier marching to war

d) A monk in meditation

Answer: a) A bird soaring freely

Explanation: For Hazlitt, traveling alone provides a sense of liberation, much like a bird soaring in the sky without constraints. He enjoys the mental freedom that comes with solitude, allowing his thoughts to wander naturally. Unlike structured conversations or planned activities, solo travel enables an unrestricted flow of ideas, unburdened by social expectations. This comparison emphasizes his Romantic belief in personal freedom, introspection, and the organic connection between nature and the mind.

14. What does Hazlitt dislike about conversing while traveling?

a) It disturbs his connection with nature

b) It slows down the journey

c) It makes the trip expensive

d) It is exhausting

Answer: a) It disturbs his connection with nature

Explanation: Hazlitt sees nature as something to be experienced in silence and without verbal analysis. He argues that engaging in conversation forces one to focus on words rather than the direct sensory experience of the journey. He believes that nature communicates its own messages through sights, sounds, and atmosphere, and discussing it verbally diminishes its pure effect. This aligns with his Romantic ideal of experiencing emotions deeply and intuitively rather than intellectually dissecting them.

15. What does Hazlitt think of talking about supper while traveling?

a) He finds it enjoyable

b) He thinks it is a waste of time

c) He avoids such discussions

d) He finds it annoying

Answer: a) He finds it enjoyable

Explanation: Unlike philosophical discussions or forced social conversations, Hazlitt sees talking about food and supper as a pleasant and natural topic during a journey. He argues that as travelers anticipate the comforts of an inn after a long day of walking, discussing the expected meal adds to the pleasure of the experience. This is one of the few social interactions he considers worthwhile during travel, as it enhances rather than distracts from the journey.

16. How does Hazlitt feel about planning a journey?

a) It should be carefully arranged

b) It should be spontaneous

c) It should be based on a travel guide

d) It should involve multiple travelers

Answer: b) It should be spontaneous

Explanation: Hazlitt prefers an unstructured approach to travel, believing that spontaneity allows for a more authentic and personal experience. He argues that pre-planning a journey too rigidly restricts the freedom and serendipity that make traveling enjoyable. For him, the beauty of a journey lies in unexpected encounters, natural reflections, and the ability to follow one’s instincts rather than adhering to a fixed schedule or itinerary.

17. What does Hazlitt suggest about memories and travel?

a) Travel erases past memories

b) Travel strengthens the mind

c) Memories of past travels fade with time

d) Memories of travel should not be shared

Answer: c) Memories of past travels fade with time

Explanation: Hazlitt reflects on how experiences that once seemed vivid and unforgettable eventually fade from memory. He notes that while certain places and journeys might leave a strong impression, over time, the intensity of these memories diminishes. This observation aligns with his broader theme that travel is an ephemeral experience—one that is best enjoyed in the present moment rather than overly analyzed or relied upon as a permanent emotional anchor.

18. What does Hazlitt believe happens when traveling with someone who does not share the same perceptions?

a) The journey becomes less enjoyable

b) The traveler learns new perspectives

c) The journey becomes more interesting

d) The traveler gains new insights

Answer: a) The journey becomes less enjoyable

Explanation: Hazlitt argues that if two travelers do not perceive or appreciate things in the same way, it can create frustration rather than harmony. For instance, one traveler may be moved by a scenic view, while the other remains indifferent. This disconnect diminishes the emotional depth of the experience. Rather than trying to explain or justify one’s feelings, Hazlitt prefers to travel alone to fully immerse himself in personal reflections without the burden of misaligned companionship.

19. What does Hazlitt say about seeing distant objects while traveling?

a) Everyone sees the same details

b) Some people do not notice the beauty

c) Distant objects are always fascinating

d) Travelers should carry binoculars

Answer: b) Some people do not notice the beauty

Explanation: Hazlitt points out that perception varies from person to person. While one traveler might be deeply moved by a distant landscape, another might fail to notice it altogether. Some travelers may not have the same sensory appreciation for nature, such as a diminished sense of smell or sight, making it difficult to share experiences fully. Hazlitt believes that such mismatches in perception can reduce the enjoyment of a journey, further reinforcing his preference for solitude.

20. What does Hazlitt conclude about the benefits of traveling alone?

a) It is the best way to experience true freedom

b) It can be dangerous

c) It leads to loneliness

d) It is only suitable for poets

Answer: a) It is the best way to experience true freedom

Explanation: Hazlitt ultimately concludes that traveling alone offers unparalleled freedom, allowing one to move at their own pace, reflect without interruption, and fully immerse in nature. Without the need for conversation, explanation, or compromise, a traveler can experience unfiltered emotions and observations. He argues that solitude is not a form of loneliness but rather an opportunity to reconnect with oneself and the world in its purest form. This idea is central to his Romantic philosophy, which values individualism, emotional depth, and personal connection with nature.