Question

Who among the following were known as the University Wits?
(A). John Lyly
(B). Ben Jonson
(C). Thomas Nashe
(D). Thomas Middleton
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A) and (C) only
• C. (B), (C) and (D) only
• D. (A) and (D) only

Hint:

To remember the University Wits, focus on the key figures who attended Oxford or Cambridge in the late 16th century. The main members are Christopher Marlowe, Robert Greene, Thomas Nashe, John Lyly, Thomas Lodge, and George Peele. Knowing this core list helps eliminate incorrect options like Ben Jonson.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The "University Wits" were late 16th-century English playwrights and pamphleteers with Oxford or Cambridge educations [3, 13, 24]. They significantly impacted the English stage by introducing classical themes and sophisticated literary styles, influencing playwrights like William Shakespeare.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Identify the University Wits from the following list:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) John Lyly: An Oxford-educated writer and prominent University Wit [3, 13]. Known for his influential prose style, euphuism.} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Ben Jonson: A major playwright of the era, but not a University Wit. He was largely self-educated and did not attend university.} \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Thomas Nashe: A Cambridge-educated, significant University Wit, recognized for his satirical prose and plays [3, 13, 24].} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Thomas Middleton: A significant Jacobean playwright, but not considered a University Wit, despite attending Oxford. He is not typically a core member.} \\ \end{array}\]Based on this, John Lyly (A) and Thomas Nashe (C) are the University Wits from the options provided.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct answer includes only (A) and (C), corresponding to option (2).