A Game of Chess Quiz : 20 MCQs

A Game of Chess Quiz : Brief Summary of Section II: “A Game of Chess”

This section of The Waste Land contrasts two different scenes to show the emptiness and lack of connection in modern life.

The Rich Woman’s Room – The first part describes a wealthy woman sitting in a grand room filled with expensive decorations. The setting is luxurious, but the woman feels lonely and restless. She talks to a silent man, expressing anxiety and frustration. This scene highlights the lack of true communication and emotional connection in modern relationships.
The Pub Scene – The second part shifts to a conversation between two women in a pub. One of them gossips about a woman named Lil, whose husband has returned from war. Lil looks older than her age because of multiple childbirths and an unsafe abortion. The women talk in a casual, gossiping manner, showing a different but still empty side of relationships.

Table of Contents

Literary References in “A Game of Chess”

Reference	Source/Writer	Significance
Antony and Cleopatra	William Shakespeare	The rich woman’s luxurious room is inspired by Cleopatra’s palace.
Hamlet	William Shakespeare	Themes of madness and betrayal are echoed in the woman’s anxious monologue.
The Tempest	William Shakespeare	“*Those are pearls that were his eyes*” is a direct quote, symbolizing transformation and loss.
Metamorphoses	Ovid	The story of Philomela (a woman silenced after being raped) reflects the theme of suffering.
Women Beware Women	Thomas Middleton	The title A Game of Chess comes from this play, which explores deceit and betrayal.
To His Coy Mistress	Andrew Marvell	The idea of urgency in love and the fleeting nature of time connects to the failed relationships in the poem.
World War I	Historical Reference	The pub conversation about Lil reflects the struggles of women after the war.

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