CLEP Humanities : Analyzing the Form of Classical Poetry

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Analyzing The Form Of Classical Poetry

Roman poetry featured a focus __________.

Possible Answers:

strictly on epic stories

strictly on small, confessional themes

on rhyme schemes

on a disdain for humor

on rhythm and meter

Correct answer:

on rhythm and meter

Explanation:

Roman poetry, largely an adaptation and revision of Greek poetry, featured many different styles, from the epics of Vergil to the short, confessional poems of Catullus. Satires, religious themes, and heroic subjects were all possibilities, with romantic topics also having prominence in the Republican era. The only true uniting force in Roman poetry was a constant stress on the meter and rhythm of the poem, with strict rules governing the usage of different syllables.

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