What is a Good Book by John Ruskin - Critical Analysis, Summary, Q&A Solved

Summary/Critical Analysis of "What is a Good Book?" by John Ruskin

In "What is a Good Book?", John Ruskin differentiates between "books of the hour" and "books of all time." The former refers to temporary, often engaging but fleeting content, while the latter represents works of lasting significance. Ruskin believes that books should be written for permanence, not just for momentary communication. He asserts that a good book is the product of the author's deep understanding and insight, which stands the test of time. Ruskin emphasizes that reading a good book is not easy—it requires effort, as it often holds hidden wisdom that demands thoughtful reflection. He further underscores the importance of accuracy in language, advocating for a deep understanding of words down to their syllables and letters.

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UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT(Q&A)

Q. What, according to Ruskin, are the limitations of the good book of the hour?

A. According to Ruskin, the limitations of the "good book of the hour" are that it serves only immediate purposes, like casual conversation, and lacks lasting value. Such books may be informative or entertaining, but they do not contribute to permanent knowledge and should not replace true, timeless books.

Q. What are the criteria that Ruskin feels that readers should fulfil to make themselves fit for the company of the Dead?

A. Ruskin believes that readers must rise to the level of the great minds of the past by putting in effort to understand their thoughts. Readers should not approach books expecting to find their own ideas but should learn from the wisdom of the authors. This requires a deep desire to be taught and the willingness to work hard to understand the author's message.

Q. Why does Ruskin feel that reading the work of a good author is a painstaking task?

A. Ruskin feels that reading the work of a good author is a painstaking task because true wisdom is not easily given. The best authors embed their deeper thoughts in complex ways, requiring the reader to work diligently to uncover and understand them, much like a miner digging for gold.

Q. What is the emphasis placed by Ruskin on accuracy?

A. Ruskin places great emphasis on accuracy, stressing that a well-educated person should know the precise meaning and pronunciation of words. He believes that this attention to detail is essential for truly understanding a book and for effective communication. Inaccuracy in meaning, he argues, is far more detrimental than a mispronounced word.

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TALKING ABOUT THE TEXT(Q&A)

Q. Discuss Ruskin’s insistence on looking intensely at words, and assuring oneself of meaning, syllable by syllable—nay, letter by letter.

A. Ruskin insists that readers should study words with great care, examining their meanings at the most detailed level. He believes that true understanding requires dissecting words down to their syllables and even letters, as this accuracy is the foundation of education and comprehension.

Q. Choice of diction is very crucial to the communication of meaning.

A. Ruskin argues that the choice of words, or diction, is critical because each word carries specific meanings and connotations. An accurate and thoughtful selection of words ensures that the intended message is conveyed clearly and effectively. Misuse or careless selection of words can distort meaning and weaken communication.

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APPRECIATION

Q. The text is an excerpt from Sesame and Lilies, which consists of two essays, primarily, written for delivery as public lectures in 1864. Identify the features that fit the speech mode. Notice the sentence patterns.

A. The text exhibits several features of speech, including direct addresses to the audience ("you"), rhetorical questions, and a conversational tone. The sentence patterns are complex and balanced, often with a contrast between ideas. These features help convey the persuasive nature of the lecture, making it engaging for listeners.

Q. The lecture was delivered in 1864. What are the shifts in style and diction that make the language different from the way it is used today?

A. The language of Ruskin's time is more formal and elaborate than contemporary usage. Sentences are longer and more intricate, with multiple clauses and carefully balanced structures. Additionally, the diction includes archaic words and phrases that would not be commonly used today, reflecting the formal and public nature of the lecture.

20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to test comprehension of John Ruskin's chapter, "What is a Good Book?"

MCQs on General Understanding:

1. What does Ruskin define as a “good book”?
   a) A book that is written for entertainment
   b) A book that is meant to be temporary
   c) A book that conveys timeless wisdom and knowledge
   d) A book that contains facts and statistics
   Answer: c

2. According to Ruskin, what is the primary limitation of the "book of the hour"?
   a) It is too long
   b) It is meant for temporary communication and lacks permanence
   c) It contains too many opinions
   d) It is not entertaining enough
   Answer: b

3. Why does Ruskin criticize the "book of talk"?
   a) Because it can never be printed
   b) Because it only serves the purpose of multiplying the author's voice
   c) Because it contains difficult language
   d) Because it is often too expensive
   Answer: b

4. What does Ruskin say is the most important aspect of a "true" book?
   a) That it is entertaining
   b) That it is written to last and convey wisdom
   c) That it is cheap and accessible
   d) That it has a colorful cover
   Answer: b

5. What does Ruskin mean by "company of the Dead"?
   a) An assembly of ghosts
   b) The great authors of the past
   c) Readers who no longer live
   d) Writers who failed to achieve success
   Answer: b

MCQs on Critical Points:

6. According to Ruskin, what should readers do to make themselves fit for the company of the Dead?
   a) Memorize the books they read
   b) Rise to the level of understanding of great authors
   c) Write their own books
   d) Read as many books as possible
   Answer: b

7. Why does Ruskin compare reading to digging for gold?
   a) Both are easy and quick
   b) Both require skill and patience to find something valuable
   c) Both can be done without tools
   d) Both are purely for entertainment
   Answer: b

8. What does Ruskin emphasize about a good author’s deeper thoughts?
   a) They are easily understood
   b) They are always clearly stated
   c) They are often hidden and must be uncovered with effort
   d) They are irrelevant to the main text
   Answer: c

9. According to Ruskin, what does an educated person have that an uneducated person lacks?
   a) Knowledge of many languages
   b) The ability to pronounce words and understand their precise meaning
   c) A large collection of books
   d) The ability to write perfectly
   Answer: b

10. Why does Ruskin argue that accuracy in language is crucial?
    a) It prevents arguments
    b) It ensures that a reader understands the true meaning of the text
    c) It makes the text easier to read
    d) It improves the appearance of a book
    Answer: b

MCQs on Specific Details:

11. What does Ruskin say is the primary function of “books of talk”?
    a) To entertain the reader
    b) To replace newspapers
    c) To convey information that the author cannot speak aloud to everyone
    d) To encourage debates
    Answer: c

12. What does Ruskin believe distinguishes a "book" from other forms of communication?
    a) It is printed on paper
    b) It is written for permanence, not just communication
    c) It contains images as well as text
    d) It is sold in a bookstore
    Answer: b

13. Why does Ruskin believe some wisdom is hidden in books?
    a) To make the book more exciting
    b) To ensure only deserving readers find it
    c) To increase the length of the book
    d) To create a mystery
    Answer: b

14. Which of the following statements would Ruskin most likely agree with?
    a) Reading a book quickly is a sign of intelligence
    b) Only books written recently are worth reading
    c) A reader should put in effort to fully understand an author’s meaning
    d) It is better to read many books than to read one thoroughly
    Answer: c

15. What does Ruskin mean by “the aristocracy of companionship”?
    a) That only the wealthy can access good books
    b) That companionship with great authors is earned through understanding
    c) That readers should avoid common books
    d) That readers should become authors
    Answer: b

MCQs on Interpretation and Analysis:

16. Why does Ruskin believe it is essential to “look intensely at words”?
    a) To memorize them
    b) To ensure accurate understanding and interpretation
    c) To increase vocabulary
    d) To make reading easier
    Answer: b

17. What is Ruskin's attitude toward ambition when it comes to reading?
    a) Ambition is necessary to finish a book
    b) Ambition is irrelevant; what matters is a love for learning from the text
    c) Ambition is the key to understanding difficult texts
    d) Ambition is a sign of arrogance
    Answer: b

18. According to Ruskin, what is the result of reading without accuracy?
    a) The reader becomes more knowledgeable
    b) The reader may misunderstand the text and distort its meaning
    c) The reader becomes faster at reading
    d) The reader enjoys the book more
    Answer: b

19. What does Ruskin suggest about a reader who only seeks confirmation of their own thoughts in a book?
    a) They are reading properly
    b) They are missing the true value of the book
    c) They will never finish the book
    d) They are smarter than the author
    Answer: b

20. What role does Ruskin believe patience plays in reading a good book?
    a) It is unnecessary for modern readers
    b) It is essential because wisdom is often hidden and requires effort to uncover
    c) It makes the reading process boring
    d) It is only needed for difficult books
    Answer: b

These questions cover various aspects of comprehension, from the general ideas in the chapter to specific details and critical interpretation.