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CLEP English Literature Practice Test

10 free sample questions with answers and explanations. See how you'd score on the real CLEP exam.

Question 1Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Why did Yeats write "Easter 1916"?

A

To commemorate the rising

B

To criticize the British

C

To explore the human cost

D

To advocate for violence

E

To reflect on the changing times

Explanation

To reflect on the changing times is correct because it reflects on Ireland's transformation.

Question 2Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

What theme does "Easter 1916" explore?

A

Love and relationships

B

Nature and beauty

C

Nationalism and identity

D

War and violence

E

Spirituality and faith

Explanation

Nationalism and identity is correct because it examines Irish identity.

Question 3Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Who was the leader of the Irish Volunteers during the Easter Rising?

A

Patrick Pearse

B

James Connolly

C

Eamon de Valera

D

Michael Collins

E

W.B. Yeats

Explanation

Patrick Pearse is correct because Pearse led the Volunteers.

Question 4Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

The tone of 'Lycidas' is primarily

A

Joyful

B

Melancholic

C

Angry

D

Fearful

E

Hopeful

Explanation

Melancholic is correct because 'Lycidas' is a mournful elegy.

Question 5Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

What is the primary purpose of 'Lycidas'?

A

To celebrate life

B

To mourn a friend's death

C

To describe nature

D

To tell a story

E

To express love

Explanation

To mourn a friend's death is correct because 'Lycidas' is a personal lament.

Question 6Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Milton's 'Lycidas' mourns which friend?

A

Edward King

B

John Donne

C

Ben Jonson

D

Andrew Marvell

E

George Herbert

Explanation

Edward King is correct because Edward King died in a shipwreck.

Question 7Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Which poem starts with "Thou still unravish'd bride of quietness"?

A

Ode to a Nightingale

B

To Autumn

C

Ode on a Grecian Urn

D

Endymion

E

Hyperion

Explanation

Ode on a Grecian Urn is correct because it quotes the first line of Keats' Ode on a Grecian Urn.

Question 8Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Which poem starts with "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever"?

A

Endymion

B

To Autumn

C

Ode to a Nightingale

D

Hyperion

E

Ode on a Grecian Urn

Explanation

Endymion is correct because it quotes the first line of Keats' Endymion.

Question 9Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Which poem begins with "Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art"?

A

To Autumn

B

Ode to a Nightingale

C

Bright Star

D

Endymion

E

Hyperion

Explanation

Bright Star is correct because it quotes the first line of Keats' Bright Star.

Question 10Unit 1: Medieval and Renaissance (to 1660)

Which poem starts with "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness"?

A

Ode on a Grecian Urn

B

Endymion

C

Ode to a Nightingale

D

To Autumn

E

Hyperion

Explanation

To Autumn is correct because it quotes the first line of Keats' To Autumn.

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