- Understand the limitations of contemporary literature as discussed by Ruskin.
- Identify the criteria for readers to engage with the thoughts of great authors.
- Recognize the challenges in comprehending the works of good authors.
- Emphasize the importance of accuracy in reading and understanding texts.
What is a Good Book?
Study Action Plan (Sorted by Difficulty)
Learning Objectives
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Revision Notes & Summary
TopWhat is a Good Book?
Suggested Reading
- Sesame and Lilies by John Ruskin
- Seven Lamps of Architecture by John Ruskin
Understanding the Text
- Limitations of the Good Book: What are the limitations of the good book of the hour according to Ruskin?
- Criteria for Readers: What criteria does Ruskin believe readers should fulfill to be fit for the company of the Dead?
- Painstaking Task: Why does Ruskin consider reading the work of a good author a painstaking task?
- Emphasis on Accuracy: What emphasis does Ruskin place on accuracy?
Talking About the Text
- Discuss in pairs:
- Ruskin's insistence on looking intensely at words and assuring oneself of meaning, syllable by syllable, letter by letter.
- The crucial role of diction in the communication of meaning.
Appreciation
- Text Features: Identify features that fit the speech mode in the excerpt from Sesame and Lilies, which consists of two essays written for public lectures in 1864.
- Shifts in Style: Discuss the shifts in style and diction that differentiate the language used in 1864 from today.
Language Work
- Rhetorical Style: Analyze how starting many sentences and paragraphs with 'And' contributes to the rhetorical style of the lecture.
- Balanced Sentences: Study the balance in the following sentences and find others in the text that reflect this:
- a. "It is right that a false Latin quantity should excite a smile in the House of Commons; but it is wrong that a false English meaning should not excite a frown there."
- b. "Let the accent of words be watched, by all means, but let the meaning be watched more closely still, and fewer will do the work."
About the Author
John Ruskin (1819-1900): A powerful and influential critic of the nineteenth century, he wrote on various subjects including nature, art, architecture, politics, and history. His work is characterized by clarity of vision. His notable volumes include Modern Painters (1843), Unto this Last (1862), and Sesame and Lilies (1871). His ideas on architecture are presented in The Seven Lamps of Architecture (1849) and The Stones of Venice (1853).
Practice Test – MCQs, True/False
TopMultiple Choice Questions
A.
To preserve the author's voice permanently
B.
To multiply the author's voice
C.
To entertain the reader
D.
To convey the author's emotions
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Ruskin emphasizes that a book is written not merely to multiply or convey the author's voice, but to preserve it permanently.
A.
Wealth and social status
B.
Labor and merit
C.
Fame and recognition
D.
Artistic talent
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin states that the 'court of the past' is open only to labor and merit, emphasizing that no wealth or name can grant entry.
A.
A book that is timeless and universally relevant
B.
A book that is useful or pleasant for the moment
C.
A book that is only for entertainment
D.
A book that is meant for academic study
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin describes 'the good book of the hour' as useful or pleasant talk, similar to a friend's conversation, but not meant to replace true books.
A.
A book that is timeless and eternal
B.
A book that provides useful or pleasant talk
C.
A book that is difficult to understand
D.
A book that is only for scholars
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin describes the 'good book of the hour' as one that provides useful or pleasant talk, similar to a conversation with a friend.
A.
A leisurely walk in the park.
B.
A miner searching for gold.
C.
A chef preparing a gourmet meal.
D.
A musician composing a symphony.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin uses the analogy of a miner searching for gold to describe the effort required to understand a good book, emphasizing the need for hard work and patience.
A.
A gardener tending to plants
B.
An artist painting a masterpiece
C.
A miner extracting gold
D.
A chef preparing a meal
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
Ruskin uses the analogy of a miner extracting gold to describe the effort required to understand a good book, emphasizing the need for tools and hard work.
A.
A ranking system for books.
B.
A hierarchy of words based on their origin and usage.
C.
A list of words commonly used in literature.
D.
A collection of words used in legal documents.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin refers to the 'peerage of words' as a hierarchy where words are distinguished by their descent and usage, akin to a social hierarchy.
A.
As an effortless and quick endeavor
B.
As a laborious process requiring tools and patience
C.
As a casual activity for leisure time
D.
As an intuitive understanding without effort
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin compares the process to mining, requiring tools like care, wit, and learning, as well as patience to extract wisdom from a good book.
A.
By finding one's own thoughts expressed by the author
B.
By seeking to understand the author's unique perspective
C.
By reading it quickly to grasp the main ideas
D.
By comparing it with other books
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin believes that one should approach a book by a wise author with the intention of understanding the author's unique perspective, not merely to find one's own thoughts expressed.
A.
It is less important than creativity.
B.
It should be insisted upon for serious purposes.
C.
It is only important in formal settings.
D.
It is the responsibility of the speaker alone.
Correct Answer: B
Solution:
Ruskin emphasizes that accuracy in language should be required for serious purposes, not just for formality.
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What is a Good Book?
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Locked • Full Phase AssessmentStep 3: Redemption Arena
Locked • AI Weakness TrackerTrue or False
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Ruskin distinguishes between 'books of the hour,' which are like letters or newspapers, and true books, which have lasting value.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Ruskin stresses that while pronunciation is important, understanding the meaning of words is even more crucial.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Ruskin states that a book is essentially a written thing, not with the view of more communication, but of permanence.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Ruskin notes that wise authors often hide their deeper thoughts, requiring readers to work to uncover them.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Ruskin compares the effort needed to understand a good book to the painstaking work of mining for gold, emphasizing the need for careful reading.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Ruskin notes that authors often hide their deeper thoughts, requiring effort and merit from the reader to uncover them.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Ruskin emphasizes that readers should strive to understand the author's meaning, not to find their own expressed by the author.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Ruskin emphasizes that a book is written to preserve the author's insights and knowledge, not merely to multiply their voice.
Correct Answer: False
Solution:
Ruskin insists on the importance of accuracy in language, stating that a few well-chosen words are more effective than many used incorrectly.
Correct Answer: True
Solution:
Ruskin emphasizes that a book is written not just to communicate but to preserve the author's true and useful insights.
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