41. Why does Hazlitt mention his old friend Coleridge?
a) To illustrate the contrast between solitude and intellectual conversation
b) To criticize his traveling habits
c) To praise his silence during journeys
d) To show that Coleridge disliked travel
Answer: a) To illustrate the contrast between solitude and intellectual conversation
Explanation: Hazlitt mentions Samuel Taylor Coleridge to highlight the difference between the peaceful introspection of solitude and the stimulating but demanding nature of intellectual discussions. Coleridge, known for his deep philosophical reflections, would engage in long conversations, which Hazlitt found intellectually enriching but exhausting. This contrast underscores Hazlitt’s preference for unstructured thought over prolonged dialogue while traveling.
42. What is Hazlitt’s view on discussing intellectual topics while traveling?
a) It interrupts the natural flow of thoughts
b) It enhances the travel experience
c) It makes the journey more meaningful
d) It is the best way to pass the time
Answer: a) It interrupts the natural flow of thoughts
Explanation: Hazlitt believes that deep discussions interfere with the organic flow of thoughts that emerge naturally during a journey. He values travel as a means of spontaneous reflection, where ideas arise effortlessly. Intellectual debates, on the other hand, require structured thinking and argumentation, which break the free movement of the mind. This belief aligns with his Romantic ideals, emphasizing emotional and intuitive experiences over rigid intellectual discourse.
43. What metaphor does Hazlitt use to describe how thoughts come to him while traveling alone?
a) Like thistle seeds floating in the wind
b) Like waves crashing on the shore
c) Like birds flying south
d) Like a river flowing through mountains
Answer: a) Like thistle seeds floating in the wind
Explanation: Hazlitt compares thoughts during solitary travel to thistle seeds carried by the wind, highlighting their spontaneous and unstructured nature. Just as the wind moves seeds unpredictably, travel allows the mind to wander freely, forming ideas without constraint. This metaphor illustrates his belief that solitude fosters creativity and mental freedom, enabling travelers to think deeply without external influences shaping their thoughts.
44. What does Hazlitt say about returning to places he has visited before?
a) It brings a mix of nostalgia and disappointment
b) It is always a joyful experience
c) It ruins the original memory
d) It helps him forget his past
Answer: a) It brings a mix of nostalgia and disappointment
Explanation: Hazlitt acknowledges that revisiting places from one’s past can evoke a mixture of emotions. While it may bring back pleasant memories, it can also highlight how much has changed—either in the place itself or within the traveler. He believes that nostalgia makes familiar places feel emotionally significant, but the realization that the past cannot be fully recaptured can lead to a sense of loss or disappointment.
45. In which year was On Going a Journey published?
a) 1812
b) 1822
c) 1830
d) 1798
Answer: b) 1822
Explanation: William Hazlitt’s essay On Going a Journey was published in 1822 as part of his collection Table-Talk. The early 19th century was a time of significant literary activity in England, particularly within the Romantic movement, which emphasized individual experience and the beauty of nature. Hazlitt’s essay reflects these ideals, focusing on the personal and reflective aspects of travel rather than on historical or geographical details.
46. On Going a Journey is part of which collection of essays by William Hazlitt?
a) The Spirit of the Age
b) Table-Talk
c) Essays of Elia
d) The Round Table
Answer: b) Table-Talk
Explanation: Hazlitt included On Going a Journey in his collection Table-Talk, which was published in two volumes in 1821 and 1822. This collection features essays on various topics, including literature, philosophy, and personal reflection. Hazlitt was known for his conversational and intimate writing style, and Table-Talk captures his thoughts on diverse subjects in a way that feels like a spoken discourse rather than formal prose.
47. What is the primary literary genre of On Going a Journey?
a) Travelogue
b) Autobiography
c) Essay
d) Novel
Answer: c) Essay
Explanation: Hazlitt’s work is an essay, a literary form that allows for personal reflection, argument, and the exploration of ideas. Unlike a travelogue, which provides detailed descriptions of places, or an autobiography, which recounts a life story, On Going a Journey is an introspective piece that explores the philosophy of travel and solitude. Hazlitt’s essays are known for their depth, wit, and conversational tone, making them both insightful and engaging.
48. During which literary period did William Hazlitt write?
a) The Renaissance
b) The Romantic Period
c) The Victorian Era
d) The Enlightenment
Answer: b) The Romantic Period
Explanation: Hazlitt was a key figure in the Romantic Period, which spanned roughly from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. Romanticism emphasized individual emotion, nature, and personal experience, rejecting the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Hazlitt, along with writers like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Keats, contributed to this movement by focusing on personal introspection and the celebration of nature in his essays.
49. Which of the following best describes Hazlitt’s writing style in On Going a Journey?
a) Logical and detached
b) Philosophical and reflective
c) Scientific and analytical
d) Dramatic and exaggerated
Answer: b) Philosophical and reflective
Explanation: Hazlitt’s essay is deeply reflective, as he contemplates the nature of solitude and the experience of travel. He does not merely describe the act of journeying but philosophizes about its effects on the mind and spirit. His style is characterized by a blend of intellectual depth and personal introspection, making the essay both engaging and thought-provoking. Unlike scientific or analytical writing, his approach is more emotional and intuitive.
50. How does On Going a Journey reflect Romantic ideals?
a) It emphasizes individual freedom and deep personal reflection
b) It promotes industrial progress and scientific discovery
c) It advocates for structured travel and guided tours
d) It focuses on political and social issues
Answer: a) It emphasizes individual freedom and deep personal reflection
Explanation: Romantic literature often champions personal experience, emotional depth, and the beauty of nature. Hazlitt’s essay aligns with these values by advocating for solo travel as a means of achieving personal freedom and uninterrupted thought. He sees nature as a source of inspiration and believes that solitude enhances one’s ability to appreciate it fully. This emphasis on inner experience over external structures is a hallmark of Romantic writing.
