The 18th century in Britain witnessed a flourishing of poetic expression alongside a dramatic expansion of its global trade and nascent advancements in domestic technology. Romantic poets like William Blake and William Wordsworth captured the spirit of their age, reflecting both the dynamism of the Industrial Revolution and the anxieties it engendered. Their works often explored themes of nature, industry, and the human condition in the face of rapid social and economic change. Simultaneously, Britain's mercantilist policies fueled an unprecedented expansion of its overseas trade. The East India Company, a powerful force in global commerce, profited immensely, importing vast quantities of tea, spices, and other commodities. This influx of wealth, however, was not evenly distributed, leading to social inequalities and sparking debates about economic justice. The rise of merchant class and the burgeoning middle class created new markets and fuelled demand for consumer goods. In the realm of domestic technology, early experiments with electrical storage were underway. While not yet commercially viable, these rudimentary batteries hinted at the potential for transforming everyday life. The development of more efficient methods for producing and storing energy remained a significant challenge. Yet, these early forays into electrical engineering foreshadowed the technological advancements that would shape the 19th and 20th centuries. The interplay between these seemingly disparate spheres—poetry, trade, and technology—reveals a complex picture of 18th-century Britain, characterized by both remarkable progress and profound social contradictions.
1. Which of the following BEST encapsulates the central theme of the passage?
2. According to the passage, what was a major consequence of Britain's expanding overseas trade?
3. The passage suggests that early experiments with electrical storage in the 18th century were:
4. The author uses the example of Romantic poets like Blake and Wordsworth primarily to illustrate: