Perfecting Poetry: T.S. Eliot - Rhapsody On A Windy Night - Lines 1-22

This video is part of the Perfecting Poetry series, focusing on T. S. Eliot's 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night.' It explores the poem's title, irony, and themes of urban decay and madness. The lesson analyzes the first two stanzas, highlighting Eliot's use of musical language, temporal references, and literary devices like metaphor and synesthesia. The video also discusses the persona's journey through a cityscape, the portrayal of women, and the impact of modernity on urban life.

What is the significance of the title 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night' in T. S. Eliot's poem?

• It reflects a joyful and lively atmosphere.

• It highlights the poem's musical quality and irony.

• It describes a calm and peaceful night.

• It suggests a romantic love story.

How does T. S. Eliot use irony in the poem 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'?

• By contrasting the expected rhapsodic emotion with confusion and agony.

• By presenting a romantic love story.

• By depicting a joyful and lively night.

• By describing a calm and peaceful urban setting.

In the first stanza, what literary device does Eliot use to describe the persona's psyche?

• Simile

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

• Metaphor

What is the effect of synesthesia in the first stanza of 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'?

• It emphasizes the poem's musical quality.

• It highlights the persona's joy and excitement.

• It blends human senses to create an unsettling atmosphere.

• It creates a sense of calm and tranquility.

In the second stanza, how is the street lamp personified?

• As a friendly guide.

• As a silent observer.

• As a commanding authority.

• As a playful companion.

What does the woman's torn and stained dress symbolize in the second stanza?

• The polluted environment of the city.

• Her joyful personality.

• Her physical purity.

• Her wealth and status.

What theme is common in Eliot's early poems, as seen in 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'?

• The simplicity of rural living.

• The petrifying gaze of women.

• The beauty of nature.

• The joy of urban life.

What is the role of the flaneur in Eliot's poetry?

• To explore the degradation of urban environments.

• To depict romantic love stories.

• To emphasize the joy of city life.

• To highlight the beauty of nature.

How does Eliot portray modernity in 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'?

• As a source of joy and progress.

• As a cause of alienation and disillusionment.

• As a celebration of technological advancements.

• As a return to traditional values.

What does Eliot aim to express in his early poems, including 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'?

• The simplicity of rural life.

• The damaging impacts of modernity.

• The beauty of romantic relationships.

• The joy of modern urban living.