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E212: British Literature since 1760 John Ruskin Study Questions Alfred J. Drake. Office: 423 University Hall "The Nature of Gothic" from The Stones of Venice 1. What are the three kinds of architectural ornament (1434)? How do those three kinds of ornament encapsulate Ruskin's interpretation of history? 2. Why is Gothic (i.e. "constitutional") ornament best suited to the human spirit? What is the value of imperfection in the products of workers' labor? 3. What responsibility does the Victorian consumer bear towards workers? How, in other words, does the consumer fit into Ruskin's moral framework, his scheme for improving life for British workers? 4. How is Ruskin's analysis of British labor relations similar to Carlyle's? How is it different? 5. On 1440, Ruskin mentions Venetian glass production as an example of the kind of work he wants English workers to engage in. How does Ruskin's description of Venetian glass help him explain what is wrong with the British economy, in moral terms? 6. Explain Ruskin's reference to the foxglove plant -- how does this plant serve as a "type" or symbol of human life? Edition: Abrams, M.H. et al. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Volume 2. Seventh edition. New York: Norton, 2000.
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