romantic era exam

The Lady of Shalott

A woman lives isolated in a tower under a curse. She can only see the outside world through a mirror and weaves what she sees. When she looks directly at Sir Lancelot, the curse is triggered. She leaves the tower, floats down a river, and dies. Key idea: Isolation vs real life; art vs reality.

Dover Beach

Speaker stands by the sea reflecting on life. The 'Sea of Faith' is retreating → loss of religion. The world feels uncertain and lacking meaning. Key idea: Loss of faith → insecurity in Victorian society.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

A legend says a supernatural hound kills members of the Baskerville family. Sir Charles dies mysteriously; Sir Henry is in danger. Sherlock Holmes investigates using logic. The 'hound' is revealed to be a real dog used in a murder plot. Key idea: Science and reason defeat superstition.

The Fisherman and His Soul

A fisherman falls in love with a mermaid. He separates from his soul to be with her. His soul becomes dangerous and tempts him. The story ends tragically, showing consequences of his choice. Key idea: Love vs morality/soul; personal conflict.

My Last Duchess

A Duke shows a portrait of his dead wife. He hints that he had her killed because she was too friendly. Key idea: Power, control, jealousy.

Porphyria’s Lover

A woman visits her lover and expresses love. He kills her to 'preserve' the perfect moment. Key idea: Obsession and control disguised as love.

Ulysses

An aging hero refuses to settle into a quiet life. He wants to keep exploring and seeking adventure. Key idea: Never stop striving / human ambition.

Goblin Market

Goblins tempt sisters with magical fruit. One sister gives in and becomes sick. The other sacrifices herself to save her. Key idea: Temptation, sacrifice, and redemption.

God’s Grandeur

Nature is full of God’s presence despite human damage. Key idea: Divine power in nature.

Pied Beauty

Celebrates imperfect and varied beauty in nature. Key idea: Beauty in diversity and imperfection.

Spring and Fall

A child mourns falling leaves. Speaker explains she’s really mourning mortality. Key idea: Awareness of death.

The Windhover

Describes a bird in flight as powerful and beautiful. Key idea: Nature reflects divine strength.

Sonnet 43

Speaker expresses deep, endless love. Key idea: Pure, spiritual love.

The Blessed Damozel

A woman in heaven longs for her lover on earth. Key idea: Love separated by death.

A Scandal in Bohemia

Holmes tries to retrieve a photo for a king. Irene Adler outsmarts him. Key idea: Intelligence and respect for women.

The Miracle of Purun Bhagat

A man leaves society to live spiritually. He saves villagers from a landslide. Key idea: Spiritual devotion and sacrifice.