Sonnets from the Portuguese

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. How many poems make up the collection 'Sonnets from the Portuguese'? 10 40 44 24

2. When was the volume first published? 1846 1850 1855 1848

3. The Sonnets were written during 1845 and 1846 and the manuscript, together with all but one of 574 letters the Brownings wrote to each other still survive. They married in 1846 and left England to live where? Portugal Ireland America Italy

4. The most recognisable poem in the collection, "Sonnet number 43", starts with a line familiar to most people, 'How do I love thee'. How does this first line finish? Let me count the ways. I love thee always. Let me count the days. Let me give thee praise.

5. Elizabeth was initially reluctant to publish the sonnets due to their personal nature and it was Robert who suggested they be presented as though they were translated from another language, to preserve anonymity. What was the original suggestion for the volume title? Sonnets from the Japanese Sonnets from the Bosnian Sonnets from the Russian Sonnets from the Spanish

6. At the time of the first contact with Robert, Elizabeth was suffering both physically and spiritually, and was stricken with grief over the untimely death of her brother. It is reported she had lost the will to live, and was a recluse, until Robert came into her life. The first sonnet, nowadays known as 'I thought once how Theocritis had sung..' was originally titled? The sympathy of a poet All for the best Death or Love In the Spring we shall see

7. One of my favourites of the sonnets is 'Number 14', which begins with 'If thou must love me, let it be for nought'. What is the next line of this sonnet? Except for my sake only. Love me for who I am. Except for love's sake only. Except for what I can bring you.

8. 'Sonnet 33' begins "Yes, call me by my pet name!" What was the pet name that Elizabeth's family had used for her? Bee Bro Ba Betty

9. 'Sonnet 38' is dedicated to the first time Robert kissed Elizabeth. Which part of Elizabeth was kissed? Her cheek Her hand Her hair Her lips

10. The last sonnet, 'Number 44', was written two days before Elizabeth and Robert's secret marriage. How does this Sonnet begin? Here's ivy! - take them as I used to do From my heart's ground Beloved, my beloved, when I think Beloved, thou hast brought me many flowers