Greenblat, S. (Ed.) (2013). The Norton anthology of English literature (The Major Authors 9th ed.). New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

Provide 150 words per answers.

1-Wilde is renowned for his sense of humor and razor-sharp wit, and his play The Importance of Being Earnest is supposed to reflect that humor. The play is a satire, which is a genre that uses irony and sarcasm to expose human folly. After this exposure, the hope is that readers will reflect upon it and make necessary changes. Examine exactly what social customs and behaviors The Importance of Being Earnest seems to be satirizing. What is Wilde trying to undermine? And where can you see relevant parallels to modern day society?

2- Literary critics like to talk about Thomas’s lyricism—that is, the musical quality of his poetry. What aspects of “Do Not Go Gentle” might give a critic the impression of a song or song lyrics? What do you think the relationship is between poetry and music?

3-As we have discussed, the Romantics were very fond of nature and considered our relationship with the great outdoors to be an essential aspect of the human condition. Atwood’s “Death by Landscape” also deals with the nature—but how does she choose to portray nature and our relationship to it? Does Atwood’s story convey the same affection for the outdoors as the Romantics, or is there an entirely different message? Explain your answer.