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Total Categories: 6
Thomas Middleton was primarily recognized for his tragic works, experiencing only limited success in comedic genres during the Jacobean era.
Answer: False
The source indicates that Thomas Middleton was notable for achieving equal success in both comedy and tragedy during the Jacobean era, contradicting the assertion that he had limited success in comedic works.
Middleton's formative years were characterized by a substantial legal conflict concerning his inheritance, a circumstance that subsequently informed his satirical portrayals of the legal profession.
Answer: True
The source confirms that a 15-year legal dispute over his inheritance, following his father's death, provided Middleton with insights that likely fueled his satirical critiques of the legal profession.
Thomas Middleton completed his degree at The Queen's College, Oxford, prior to commencing his literary career.
Answer: False
The source states that Thomas Middleton matriculated at Oxford but did not graduate, leaving to pursue his literary career.
One of Middleton's initial poetic compositions, *Microcynicon: Six Snarling Satires*, was prohibited and incinerated following an Anglican church proscription against verse satire.
Answer: True
The source explicitly states that *Microcynicon: Six Snarling Satires* encountered trouble with an Anglican church ban on verse satire and was subsequently burned.
In contrast to William Shakespeare, Thomas Middleton sustained an exclusive, formal affiliation with a singular theatre company throughout his professional life.
Answer: False
The source clarifies that unlike Shakespeare, Middleton remained a free agent, writing for any theatre company that hired him, indicating he did not maintain an exclusive relationship.
Middleton's participation in the 'War of the Theatres' stemmed primarily from his rivalry with John Fletcher and Philip Massinger.
Answer: False
The source indicates that Middleton's involvement in the 'War of the Theatres' brought him into conflict with Ben Jonson and George Chapman, not John Fletcher and Philip Massinger.
The year 1603, characterized by Middleton's marriage, the bubonic plague, and James I's accession to the throne, inaugurated his most prolific phase as a dramatist.
Answer: True
The source confirms that these events in 1603, particularly the plague, led Middleton to compose prose pamphlets before returning to drama with renewed energy, initiating his most prolific period.
Thomas Middleton was interred in St Mary's churchyard in Newington Butts, Southwark, a site that currently functions as a public park.
Answer: True
The source confirms that Thomas Middleton was buried on July 4 in St Mary's churchyard in Newington Butts, Southwark, and that the old churchyard now survives as a public park.
Middleton's freelance writing career resulted in a highly diverse body of work, encompassing everything from satirical comedies to somber tragedies.
Answer: True
The source explains that Middleton's freelance status, unlike Shakespeare or Fletcher, allowed his output to be exceptionally diverse, ranging from 'snarling' satire to bleak intrigues.
*The Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets* was a widely circulated prose pamphlet by Middleton that prompted a parliamentary inquiry.
Answer: True
The source confirms that *The Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets* was particularly popular, reprinted multiple times, and even became the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.
Which of the following best describes Thomas Middleton's standing as a playwright during the Jacobean era?
Answer: He was considered one of the most successful and prolific playwrights, achieving equal success in both comedy and tragedy.
The source identifies Thomas Middleton as one of the most successful and prolific playwrights of the Jacobean era, achieving equal success in both comedy and tragedy.
What was a significant detail about Thomas Middleton's family background that connected him to the theatrical world?
Answer: His father, a bricklayer, owned property adjacent to the Curtain Theatre.
The source mentions that Middleton's father, a bricklayer, owned property adjacent to the Curtain Theatre in Shoreditch, indicating a connection to the theatrical world.
What was the outcome of Thomas Middleton's studies at The Queen's College, Oxford?
Answer: He matriculated but did not graduate, leaving to pursue his literary career.
The source states that Thomas Middleton matriculated at The Queen's College, Oxford, but did not graduate, leaving to pursue his literary career.
How did Thomas Middleton primarily support himself financially in the early 17th century before his major success as a playwright?
Answer: By writing topical pamphlets and for the Admiral's Men.
The source indicates that in the early 17th century, Thomas Middleton earned a living by writing topical pamphlets and began writing for the Admiral's Men.
What distinguished Thomas Middleton's professional relationship with theatre companies compared to William Shakespeare?
Answer: Middleton remained a free agent, writing for any company, while Shakespeare had a more official relationship with one company.
The source highlights that unlike Shakespeare, Middleton remained a free agent, writing for any theatre company that hired him, rather than maintaining an exclusive relationship with one company.
Who were the primary playwrights Middleton came into conflict with during the 'War of the Theatres'?
Answer: Ben Jonson and George Chapman.
The source states that Middleton's friendship with Thomas Dekker brought him into conflict with Ben Jonson and George Chapman during the 'War of the Theatres'.
What significant event in 1603, besides Middleton's marriage and James I's ascension, marked the beginning of his most productive period?
Answer: An outbreak of the bubonic plague, forcing theatre closures.
The source identifies an outbreak of the bubonic plague, which forced London theatres to close, as a significant event in 1603 that initiated Middleton's most prolific period.
Where was Thomas Middleton buried in 1627?
Answer: St Mary's churchyard in Newington Butts, Southwark.
The source states that Thomas Middleton was buried on July 4, 1627, in St Mary's churchyard in Newington Butts, Southwark.
Which of Middleton's prose works was particularly popular, reprinted multiple times, and became the subject of a parliamentary inquiry?
Answer: The Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets.
The source identifies *The Penniless Parliament of Threadbare Poets* as a prose pamphlet by Thomas Middleton that was particularly popular, reprinted several times, and became the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.
Subsequent to the plague-induced theatre closures, Middleton predominantly concentrated on authoring historical plays and court masques.
Answer: False
The source states that after the plague closures, Middleton primarily focused on city comedy and revenge tragedy, though he also produced masques and pageants, not exclusively historical plays and court masques.
Thomas Middleton collaborated with Ben Jonson on the play *The Roaring Girl*, a biographical drama concerning Mary Frith.
Answer: False
The source indicates that Thomas Middleton collaborated with Thomas Dekker on *The Roaring Girl*, not Ben Jonson.
William Rowley, an actor and dramatist, frequently collaborated with Thomas Middleton, co-authoring plays such as *Wit at Several Weapons*.
Answer: True
The source confirms that William Rowley was an actor and playwright who began a fruitful collaboration with Thomas Middleton in the 1610s, producing plays like *Wit at Several Weapons*.
*A Chaste Maid in Cheapside*, a recognized comic masterpiece, was a collaborative endeavor between Middleton and William Rowley.
Answer: False
The source explicitly states that Thomas Middleton produced *A Chaste Maid in Cheapside* working alone in 1613, indicating it was not a collaborative effort with William Rowley.
Beyond plays, what other types of literary works did Thomas Middleton extensively produce?
Answer: Masques and pageants.
The source states that in addition to his extensive work as a playwright, Thomas Middleton was also a prolific writer of masques and pageants.
Which two genres did Thomas Middleton primarily focus on during his most productive period after the plague closures?
Answer: City comedy and revenge tragedy.
The source states that after the plague closures, Thomas Middleton primarily focused on city comedy and revenge tragedy.
With whom did Thomas Middleton collaborate on the play *The Roaring Girl*, a biographical work about Mary Frith?
Answer: Thomas Dekker
The source indicates that Thomas Middleton collaborated with Thomas Dekker on the play *The Roaring Girl*.
Which of the following plays is solely attributed to Thomas Middleton?
Answer: A Chaste Maid in Cheapside.
The source lists *A Chaste Maid in Cheapside* among the plays solely attributed to Thomas Middleton.
Which play did Thomas Middleton co-write with John Webster?
Answer: Anything for a Quiet Life.
The source states that Thomas Middleton co-wrote *Anything for a Quiet Life* with John Webster.
Which of the following was NOT a play co-written by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley?
Answer: The Bloody Banquet.
The source lists *Wit at Several Weapons*, *A Fair Quarrel*, and *The Old Law* as plays co-written by Thomas Middleton and William Rowley. *The Bloody Banquet* is listed as co-written with Thomas Dekker.
Thomas Middleton received the official appointment as chronologist to the City of London in 1620, a position he occupied until his demise.
Answer: True
The source confirms that Thomas Middleton was officially appointed as chronologist to the City of London in 1620 and held this post until his death in 1627.
Middleton's dramatic work *A Game at Chess* satirized the political machinations associated with the French Alliance.
Answer: False
The source states that *A Game at Chess* satirized the political intrigues surrounding the Spanish Match, not the French Alliance.
Subsequent to the Privy Council's suppression of *A Game at Chess*, Middleton was commended for his patriotic stance.
Answer: False
The source indicates that Middleton faced an unspecified, likely severe, punishment after the play was silenced, not a commendation.
What official civic role did Thomas Middleton hold in the City of London from 1620 until his death?
Answer: Chronologist
The source states that in 1620, Thomas Middleton was officially appointed as chronologist to the City of London, a post he held until his death.
What political event was satirized in Thomas Middleton's controversial dramatic allegory, *A Game at Chess*?
Answer: The Spanish Match.
The source indicates that *A Game at Chess* satirized the political intrigues surrounding the Spanish Match.
What was the immediate consequence for Thomas Middleton after the staging of *A Game at Chess*?
Answer: The play was silenced by the Privy Council, and he faced an unspecified punishment.
The source states that the Privy Council silenced the play after only nine performances due to a complaint from the Spanish Ambassador, and Middleton faced an unspecified, likely severe, punishment.
Middleton's dramatic works often depict genuine heroes and convey an optimistic perspective on human nature.
Answer: False
The source states that Middleton rarely portrays true heroes and instead depicts almost every character as selfish, greedy, and self-absorbed, reflecting a cynical view of society.
*A Chaste Maid in Cheapside* presents a cynical depiction of London society, subjecting every social stratum to its satirical scrutiny.
Answer: True
The source confirms that *A Chaste Maid in Cheapside* offers a comprehensive and cynical view of London society, portraying it as entirely populated by sinners, with no social rank spared from its satirical critique.
Middleton's tragic works, exemplified by *Women Beware Women*, generally culminate in the victory of virtuous protagonists over malevolent conspirators.
Answer: False
The source indicates that Middleton's tragedies, such as *Women Beware Women* and *The Revenger's Tragedy*, typically culminate in a climactic bloodbath resulting from constant scheming among amoral courtiers, not the triumph of virtuous characters.
When virtuous characters are present in Middleton's plays, they are typically assigned substantial, intricate roles to serve as a foil to the predominantly flawed characters.
Answer: False
The source states that when good people appear in Middleton's plays, they are typically given small roles and are depicted as flawless, serving as a contrast, rather than significant, complex roles.
A theological pamphlet ascribed to Middleton implies his firm adherence to Arminianism.
Answer: False
The source indicates that a theological pamphlet attributed to Middleton is considered by some scholars to be evidence of his strong belief in Calvinism, not Arminianism.
Middleton's early literary output was distinguished by a 'snarling' satirical tone, shaped by the late Elizabethan satirical tradition.
Answer: True
The source confirms that Middleton's early work was shaped by the flourishing of satire during the late Elizabethan period, characterized by a 'snarling' tone.
In his subsequent tragedies, such as *The Changeling*, Middleton evinced a development of more comprehensively delineated and engaging central characters compared to his earlier compositions.
Answer: True
The source indicates that in his later tragedies, *The Changeling* and *Women Beware Women*, Middleton demonstrates a development in his character portrayal, with central characters that are more fully drawn and compelling as individuals.
What is a prominent characteristic of human nature often portrayed in Thomas Middleton's plays?
Answer: A cynical view, depicting most characters as selfish, greedy, and self-absorbed.
The source indicates that Middleton's plays are frequently characterized by an often amusingly presented cynicism about the human race, depicting most characters as selfish, greedy, and self-absorbed.
Which play is cited as exemplifying Middleton's cynical view of London society, portraying it as entirely populated by sinners?
Answer: A Chaste Maid in Cheapside.
The source states that *A Chaste Maid in Cheapside* offers a comprehensive and cynical view of London society, portraying it as entirely populated by sinners.
What is the typical outcome of the plots in Middleton's tragedies like *Women Beware Women* and *The Revenger's Tragedy*?
Answer: A climactic bloodbath resulting from constant scheming among amoral courtiers.
The source indicates that in Middleton's tragedies like *Women Beware Women* and *The Revenger's Tragedy*, the plots typically culminate in a climactic bloodbath resulting from constant scheming among amoral courtiers.
How does Thomas Middleton generally portray 'good people' when they appear in his plays?
Answer: As flawless characters given small roles, serving as a contrast.
The source states that when Thomas Middleton does include good people in his plays, they are typically given small roles and are depicted as flawless, serving as a contrast to the predominantly cynical and flawed characters.
Which theological belief is sometimes associated with Thomas Middleton based on one of his attributed works?
Answer: Calvinism.
The source indicates that a theological pamphlet attributed to Thomas Middleton is considered by some scholars to be evidence of his strong belief in Calvinism.
How did Middleton's early work, characterized by a 'snarling' tone, differ from his mature work?
Answer: His early work was shaped by late Elizabethan satire, while his mature work was influenced by Fletcherian tragicomedy, tempering his satirical fury.
The source explains that Middleton's early work was shaped by late Elizabethan satire with a 'snarling' tone, while his mature work was influenced by Fletcherian tragicomedy, tempering his satirical fury.
In his later tragedies, such as *The Changeling*, what development can be observed in Middleton's character portrayal compared to earlier works like *The Revenger's Tragedy*?
Answer: More fully drawn and compelling central characters as individuals.
The source indicates that in later tragedies like *The Changeling*, Middleton developed more fully drawn and compelling central characters as individuals compared to earlier works like *The Revenger's Tragedy*.
Contemporary scholarship, utilizing statistical analyses, has conclusively ascribed *The Revenger's Tragedy* to Cyril Tourneur.
Answer: False
The source indicates that modern statistical studies have provided extensive evidence supporting Middleton's authorship of *The Revenger's Tragedy*, and this attribution is no longer seriously contested by scholars, contradicting the attribution to Cyril Tourneur.
The Oxford Middleton project posits Middleton's collaborative involvement with Shakespeare on plays such as *Timon of Athens* and his revision of *Macbeth*.
Answer: True
The source confirms that the Oxford Middleton project offers evidence suggesting Middleton's collaboration with Shakespeare on *Timon of Athens* and his adaptation and revision of *Macbeth*.
All academic attributions of collaborative works between Middleton and Shakespeare are universally endorsed by scholars.
Answer: False
The source explicitly states that the collaborative attributions between Thomas Middleton and William Shakespeare are not universally accepted by all scholars, indicating ongoing academic debate.
Modern scholarship, particularly statistical studies by David Lake and MacDonald P. Jackson, has provided extensive evidence supporting Middleton's authorship of which previously disputed play?
Answer: The Revenger's Tragedy.
The source indicates that statistical studies by David Lake and MacDonald P. Jackson have provided extensive evidence supporting Middleton's authorship of *The Revenger's Tragedy*.
The Oxford Middleton project suggests Middleton's collaboration with Shakespeare on which of the following plays?
Answer: Timon of Athens.
The source states that the Oxford Middleton project offers evidence suggesting Middleton's collaboration with Shakespeare on *Timon of Athens*.
T. S. Eliot posited that Thomas Middleton's literary merit was surpassed only by that of Ben Jonson.
Answer: False
The source states that T. S. Eliot considered Middleton to be second only to William Shakespeare in literary merit, not Ben Jonson.
*The Revenger's Tragedy* was adapted into Alex Cox's film *Revengers Tragedy*, with the film's opening credits explicitly attributing its authorship to Thomas Middleton.
Answer: True
The source confirms that *The Revenger's Tragedy* was adapted for Alex Cox's film *Revengers Tragedy*, and the film's opening credits attribute authorship to Thomas Middleton.
The frontispiece of the 1657 edition of *Two New Plays* portrays William Shakespeare, rather than Thomas Middleton.
Answer: False
The source states that the frontispiece of *Two New Plays*, a 1657 edition, depicts Thomas Middleton, not William Shakespeare.
Which prominent literary critic considered Thomas Middleton to be second only to William Shakespeare in literary merit?
Answer: T. S. Eliot.
The source indicates that T. S. Eliot considered Thomas Middleton to be second only to William Shakespeare in literary merit.
Which of Middleton's tragedies has been adapted for film multiple times and remains a stage favorite?
Answer: The Changeling.
The source states that *The Changeling* has been adapted for film multiple times, and *Women Beware Women* remains a stage favorite. Given the options, *The Changeling* is the best fit for both film adaptations and stage favorite status.
What is depicted in the frontispiece of the 1657 edition of *Two New Plays*, which included *Women Beware Women*?
Answer: A depiction of Thomas Middleton.
The source states that the frontispiece of *Two New Plays*, a 1657 edition that included *Women Beware Women*, depicts Thomas Middleton.