Question

hich of the following pairs is correctly matched?

• A. Swinburne – The Earthly Paradise
• B. Rossetti – Tristram of Lyonesse
• C. William Morris – The Defence of Guenevere
• D. Walter Pater – The Blessed Damozel

Answer 1

Answer:

C. William Morris – The Defence of Guenevere

William Morris - The Defence of Guenevere

Background and Context

• William Morris (1834-1896) was a prominent English textile designer, poet, novelist, translator, and socialist activist.
• He was a key figure in the British Arts and Crafts Movement, advocating for traditional craftsmanship and the rejection of industrial mass production.
• Morris was deeply influenced by medieval romances and Arthurian legends, which frequently appear in his literary works.

The Defence of Guenevere and Other Poems (1858)

• This was William Morris's first published collection of poems.
• The collection is notable for its Pre-Raphaelite style, characterized by rich imagery, medieval themes, and emotional intensity.
• The title poem, "The Defence of Guenevere," is a dramatic monologue spoken by Queen Guenevere, defending herself against accusations of infidelity at King Arthur's court.
• This work is considered significant in the development of Victorian poetry and showcases Morris's early literary talents.
• Morris later achieved greater fame for his prose romances and his contributions to the socialist movement.

Significance in Literary History

• The Defence of Guenevere helped to popularize medieval subjects and a distinctively romantic and archaic style in Victorian poetry.
• It established Morris as a poet of considerable repute, paving the way for his later influential work in literature and design.