Tristram and Iseult (Practice Test)

1. The poem’s main narrative focuses on:
(A) A political rebellion in medieval Brittany
(B) The tragic love triangle of Tristram, Iseult of Ireland, and Iseult of Brittany
(C) A religious conflict between druids and Christians
(D) The childhood of King Arthur

2. What is the setting of Part I of the poem?
(A) Tristram’s deathbed in Brittany
(B) A battlefield in Cornwall
(C) Iseult of Ireland’s castle
(D) A ship crossing the Irish Sea

3. The “love potion” in the story symbolizes:
(A) Religious faith
(B) Uncontrollable passion
(C) Political power
(D) Healing medicine

4. How does Iseult of Ireland arrive in Brittany?
(A) By secret invitation from Tristram
(B) On a ship with a white sail
(C) As a prisoner of war
(D) She never actually arrives

5. What is Iseult of Brittany’s primary role in the poem?
(A) A vengeful queen
(B) A faithful but neglected wife
(C) A powerful sorceress
(D) A political negotiator

6. The poem’s structure consists of:
(A) Three distinct parts with different narrators
(B) A single continuous narrative
(C) A series of sonnets
(D) Dialogues only

7. Arnold’s treatment of the medieval legend emphasizes:
(A) The glory of knightly combat
(B) Psychological realism and emotional suffering
(C) Religious redemption
(D) Comic elements

8. What literary device dominates the children’s story in Part III?
(A) Satire
(B) Dream vision
(C) Biblical allegory
(D) Pastoral imagery

9. The poem’s final section (Part III) serves to:
(A) Provide a happy ending
(B) Contrast youthful innocence with the preceding tragedy
(C) Introduce a new romantic plot
(D) Condemn all the main characters

10. Arnold’s version differs from traditional versions by:
(A) Adding supernatural elements
(B) Focusing on Iseult of Brittany’s perspective
(C) Making Tristram the sole narrator
(D) Setting the story in modern times