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How Well Do You Know Desolation Row Lyrics Quiz

15 Characters Mentioned in Desolation Row by Bob Dylan

How Well Do You Know Desolation Row Lyrics Quiz

Question 1
Which character is described as putting her hands in her back pockets "Bette Davis style"?
A
Ophelia
B
Lady
C
Cinderella
D
The Fortune-Telling Lady
E
Romeo
Question 1 Explanation: 
Cinderella is described with her hands in her back pockets, which the lyrics liken to the style of actress Bette Davis.
Question 2
What are the "superhuman crew" doing in the lyrics?
A
Preparing for a carnival
B
Rounding up knowledgeable people
C
Playing instruments
D
Sailing away
E
Burning a factory
Question 2 Explanation: 
The superhuman crew is rounding up people who “know more than they do,” symbolizing a suppression of knowledge.
Question 3
Who appears "disguised as Robin Hood"?
A
Romeo
B
Cain
C
Casanova
D
Einstein
E
Nero
Question 3 Explanation: 
Einstein, a historical figure with a reputation for intellect, is described in an unusual guise as Robin Hood.
Question 4
Who fights in the "captain's tower"?
A
Romeo and Cinderella
B
The Phantom and Casanova
C
Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot
D
Cain and Abel
E
Dr. Filth and the Nurse
Question 4 Explanation: 
Poets Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot, both modernist writers, are fighting, possibly symbolizing intellectual struggle.
Question 5
What does "the Good Samaritan" do in the lyrics?
A
Plays a violin
B
Goes to the carnival
C
Puts on a leather cup
D
Paints passports
E
Kills Casanova
Question 5 Explanation: 
The Good Samaritan is “getting ready for the show” and is said to be going to the carnival.
Question 6
How is "Dr. Filth's" world described?
A
As a carnival
B
On a sinking ship
C
Hidden behind curtains
D
Inside a leather cup
E
As a circus
Question 6 Explanation: 
Dr. Filth keeps his world inside a leather cup, representing control or entrapment.
Question 7
What is being sold in the first line of the song?
A
Paintings
B
Flowers
C
Postcards
D
Souvenirs
E
Newspapers
Question 7 Explanation: 
The first line of "Desolation Row" mentions, "They're selling postcards of the hanging," which sets a dark tone reflecting the surreal and somber nature of the song.
Question 8
Which famous literary pair appears in the third verse?
A
Romeo and Juliet
B
Cain and Abel
C
Holmes and Watson
D
Samson and Delilah
E
Dante and Virgil
Question 8 Explanation: 
Cain and Abel are referenced, reflecting themes of conflict and human nature on Desolation Row.
Question 9
What does the narrator say about the people mentioned in the letter?
A
They're remarkable
B
He doesn't know them
C
They are lame
D
They are friends
E
They are dead
Question 9 Explanation: 
The narrator says, "Yes, I know them, they're quite lame," underscoring his disillusionment.
Question 10
What does the Good Samaritan represent as he "gets ready for the show"?
A
Charity
B
A religious figure
C
Resignation
D
Hope
E
Cynicism
Question 10 Explanation: 
The Good Samaritan, normally a symbol of kindness, here becomes a jaded character merely preparing for "the show," signaling disillusionment in this strange world.
Question 11
What object does Dr. Filth’s nurse control?
A
A needle
B
A leather cup
C
A cyanide hole
D
A candle
E
A scalpel
Question 11 Explanation: 
The nurse is in charge of the "cyanide hole," adding a morbid, unsettling element to her role in this surreal environment.
Question 12
Who does the narrator say is “just being punished”?
A
The Good Samaritan
B
Casanova
C
Romeo
D
Cinderella
E
Ophelia
Question 12 Explanation: 
Casanova is described as "just being punished," possibly symbolizing a critique of romantic idealism on Desolation Row.
Question 13
Why might the song reference famous characters like Ophelia and Einstein?
A
To illustrate modern icons
B
To build familiarity
C
To emphasize chaos and disillusionment
D
To add humor
E
To show nostalgia
Question 13 Explanation: 
These famous figures are distorted or disillusioned versions of themselves, emphasizing the absurdity and despair of Desolation Row.
Question 14
What do Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot symbolize in their “captain’s tower”?
A
Literary elitism
B
Strength and courage
C
Solidarity
D
Compassion
E
Modernity
Question 14 Explanation: 
Pound and Eliot, modernist poets, symbolize intellectual isolation in a lofty “tower,” contrasting with the chaotic, desolate world below.
Question 15
What is the general tone of "Desolation Row"?
A
Lighthearted
B
Melancholic and surreal
C
Aggressive
D
Uplifting
E
Humorous
Question 15 Explanation: 
The song's tone combines melancholy with surreal imagery, creating a vision of despair and disillusionment.
There are 15 questions to complete.

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