English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1. Which of the following statements does NOT characterize the poet e. e. cummings?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) A private and self-effacing person.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of e. e. cummings' personality and literary contributions.

Common Mistakes: Some may confuse cummings' unconventional style with a reclusive personality.

Explanations: e. e. cummings was known for his unconventional style, including free verse and playful use of language. He was educated at Harvard, a member of the Ivy League, so option A is correct. He was an active pacifist during both World Wars, opposing war and advocating for peace, making option B accurate. He popularized free verse, which is a defining characteristic of his work, so option C is correct. However, cummings was not a private and self-effacing person; he was quite the opposite, often seeking attention and fame, which makes option D incorrect.

Option Analysis:

Option A: cummings was educated at Harvard, an Ivy League university.
Option B: He was an active pacifist during both World Wars.
Option C: He popularized the use of free verse in poetry.
Option D: cummings was not private; he sought attention and fame.

Mnemonic: Cummings was a public figure, not shy or retiring.

2. Who wrote 'Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Thomas Gray

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in Literature, AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The quote is from Thomas Gray's "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College."

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other poets like Milton or Frost.

Explanations: Thomas Gray wrote the quote in his poem, reflecting on the innocence of youth. The other poets are not associated with this work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Robert Frost wrote nature-themed poetry, not this quote.
Option B: George Orwell wrote dystopian novels, unrelated to this quote.
Option C: Thomas Gray authored the quote in his poem.
Option D: John Milton wrote "Paradise Lost," not this quote.

Mnemonic: Gray's blissful ignorance.

3. How does a fairytale often begin and end?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Once Upon A time They Lived Happily Ever After.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, SAT Subject Test in English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Fairytales typically begin with "Once Upon a Time" and end with "They Lived Happily Ever After," establishing a clear narrative structure.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the traditional phrases used in fairytales can lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: Fairytales often start with "Once Upon a Time" to signal the beginning of a story and conclude with "They Lived Happily Ever After" to signify a satisfying resolution. These phrases are iconic and immediately recognizable as part of the fairytale genre.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. These are the traditional opening and closing phrases of fairytales.
Option B: Incorrect. These phrases are informal and not characteristic of fairytales.
Option C: Incorrect. While "It All Began When" is a narrative opener, it is not as commonly used in fairytales, and "The End" is too generic.
Option D: Incorrect. These phrases introduce a questioning tone, which is not typical of fairytales.

Mnemonic: "Once Upon a Time, Happily Ever After" – the classic fairy tale bookends.

4. The sons of Macbeth when they heard of their father's murder.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Fled from Scotland.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The sons of Macbeth, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee Scotland after their father's murder to avoid suspicion and danger.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking they took direct action like killing Macbeth or his wife, but they chose to flee instead.

Explanations: Upon hearing of Macbeth's murder, Malcolm and Donalbain feared for their lives and fled Scotland to protect themselves. This action reflects their political astuteness and the unstable power dynamics post-Macbeth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Macbeth was already dead.
Option B: Incorrect, as there is no evidence they killed Macbeth's wife.
Option C: Correct, as they fled Scotland to avoid danger.
Option D: Incorrect, as they did not surrender; they fled.

Mnemonic: "Flee for Fear" - Remember their reaction to danger.

5. To what does the phrase \ the stigma of print\ refer?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) The perception among court poets that printed verses were less exclusive.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The phrase "the stigma of print" refers to the belief that printed works were less prestigious than handwritten ones.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the historical context of print media's impact on literary prestige.

Explanations: The phrase reflects the early modern period's view that printed poetry was less exclusive than manuscript poetry, which was seen as more refined and prestigious.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lead poisoning is unrelated to the phrase's meaning.
Option B: Punishment for illegal printing is not the focus.
Option C: Ban on English Bible printing is a different historical context.
Option D: Correctly identifies the perception among court poets.

Mnemonic: Print loses prestige, poets prefer private pens.

6. Who is the author of 'Endgame'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Samuel Beckett.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in Literature, GRE Subject Test in Literature in English.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Samuel Beckett is recognized as the author of 'Endgame', a significant work in absurdist theater.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Samuel Beckett and other modernist writers.

Explanations: Samuel Beckett authored 'Endgame', a play that exemplifies his absurdist style, focusing on themes of existentialism and the human condition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: G. B. Shaw is known for plays like 'Pygmalion', not 'Endgame'.
Option B: Samuel Beckett wrote 'Endgame', a key work in absurdist literature.
Option C: R. K. Narayan is an Indian novelist, unrelated to 'Endgame'.
Option D: Ernest Hemingway wrote 'The Old Man and the Sea', not 'Endgame'.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

7. In sonnet 116, what is the antecedent of " his" in the line " Within his bending sickle's compass come" ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Time

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem discusses the passage of time and its effects on love, making Time the correct antecedent.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the poem's focus on time and its impact on love could lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: The line refers to Time, as the poem explores how time affects love. The sickle symbolizes the passage of time, and "his" refers to Time's influence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Nature is not the subject of the line.
Option B: Love is the subject of the poem but not the antecedent here.
Option C: The North Star is unrelated to the context.
Option D: Time is the correct antecedent, as the poem discusses its effects.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

8. 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud' is a poem written by -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) William Wordsworth.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, A-Level English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The poem 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud' is a famous work by William Wordsworth, a key figure in the Romantic movement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing it with other Romantic poets like Coleridge or Byron.

Explanations: William Wordsworth wrote 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,' which is a central text in Romantic poetry, focusing on nature and personal emotion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. William Wordsworth authored the poem.
Option B: Incorrect. Blake's works differ in theme and style.
Option C: Incorrect. Lord Byron is known for different poetic styles.
Option D: Incorrect. Coleridge's works are more fantastical.

Mnemonic: "Wordsworth wandered with daffodils."

9. Who is the heroine of 'Hamlet'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Ophelia.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in Literature, AP English Literature and Composition.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The heroine of 'Hamlet' is Ophelia, a key character in the play.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Ophelia with other Shakespearean heroines like Cordelia or Portia.

Explanations: In 'Hamlet', Ophelia is the daughter of Polonius and the love interest of Hamlet. She is central to the play's tragic events, making her the heroine.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Cordelia is from 'King Lear', not 'Hamlet'.
Option B: Portia is from 'The Merchant of Venice'.
Option C: Ophelia is the correct heroine of 'Hamlet'.
Option D: Incorrect, as Ophelia is the heroine.

Mnemonic: Ophelia is the only 'Elia' in 'Hamlet'.

10. Where did Edmund Spenser born?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) East Smithfield.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Edmund Spenser's birthplace.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Spenser's birthplace with other locations associated with his work or life.

Explanations: Edmund Spenser was born in East Smithfield, a district in London. This fact is well-documented in historical records and biographies of the poet.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kent is incorrect; Spenser was not born there.
Option B: Worcester is incorrect; Spenser was not born there.
Option C: Chester is incorrect; Spenser was not born there.
Option D: East Smithfield is correct; Spenser was born there.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

11. What was most frequently considered a source of pleasure and an object of inquiry by Augustan poets?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Nature

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Augustan poets often focused on nature as a source of pleasure and inquiry, reflecting neoclassical ideals.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the primary focus of Augustan poets, which was nature rather than civilization, woman, or god.

Explanations: Augustan poets, influenced by classical Roman literature, frequently explored nature as a theme. Nature symbolized order and beauty, central to their neoclassical approach. Civilization, woman, and god were less emphasized.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Civilization was a theme but not the primary focus.
Option B: Woman was sometimes a subject but not central.
Option C: God was less emphasized compared to nature.
Option D: Nature was a central theme, reflecting neoclassical ideals.

Mnemonic: Nature's Augustan Delight

12. Which of the following is not a kind of tone?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) A running tone.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English, Standardized English exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Tone in English literature refers to the pitch movement in speech or writing, which can be falling, rising, or falling-rising. A running tone is not a recognized type.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing "running tone" with other established tone types.

Explanations: In English literature, tone types are categorized as falling, rising, or falling-rising. These describe how pitch changes in speech or writing. A running tone is not an established category.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A falling tone is correct as it describes a pitch decrease.
Option B: A rising tone is correct as it describes a pitch increase.
Option C: A falling-rising tone is correct as it combines both pitch changes.
Option D: A running tone is incorrect as it is not a recognized tone type.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic provided.

13. Victor Frankenstein's project to create life in Mary Shelley's novel can be linked to romanticism through which of the following?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Both A and B.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, A-Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Romanticism emphasizes the sublime, the power of nature, and the individual's struggle against societal norms. Frankenstein's project reflects these themes through his ambition and the consequences of defying natural laws.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is focusing solely on the Promethean aspect without considering the natural order theme.

Explanations: Victor Frankenstein's ambition to create life mirrors the romantic ideal of transcending human limits, as seen in works by Byron and Shelley. Additionally, the novel highlights the dangers of ignoring natural laws, a key romantic theme. Option C is unrelated as it pertains to political revolution, not romanticism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Frankenstein's ambition reflects romantic themes of striving beyond human limits.
Option B: Correct. The novel underscores the natural order's power beyond human control.
Option C: Incorrect. Political revolution is not a romantic theme in this context.
Option D: Correct. Both A and B are valid romantic elements.

Mnemonic: Remember: "Prometheus and Nature" for options A and B.

14. The albastross appears in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The Rime of Ancient Mariner.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The albatross is a central symbol in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," representing guilt and the consequences of one's actions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing it with other Coleridge poems like "Kubla Khan" or "Christabel," which do not feature the albatross.

Explanations: In "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," the albatross is shot by the mariner, leading to a series of tragic events. The bird's presence around the mariner's neck symbolizes his guilt and the burden of his sin.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Kubla Khan" is a poem about a pleasure dome and does not include an albatross.
Option B: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" features the albatross as a central symbol of guilt.
Option C: "Christabel" is a narrative poem about themes of innocence and betrayal, without an albatross.
Option D: "Dejection Ode" is a reflective poem about depression and creativity, not involving an albatross.

Mnemonic: "The albatross is in 'The Rime,' not in 'Kubla Khan' or 'Christabel.'"

15. Between what time period did William Shakespeare begin a successful career in London as an actor?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Between1585 and 1592.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in English Literature, AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: William Shakespeare's career in London as an actor began during the late 1580s and early 1590s.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the timeline of Shakespeare's early career in London.

Explanations: Shakespeare's successful career in London as an actor began between 1585 and 1592. This period is when he started gaining recognition in the theater scene, transitioning from Stratford-upon-Avon to London.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. This period is too early and does not align with Shakespeare's known career timeline in London.
Option B: Correct. This is the accurate timeframe when Shakespeare began his successful career in London.
Option C: Incorrect. While partially overlapping with the correct period, it extends too far into the 1590s, which is beyond the initial phase of his career.
Option D: Incorrect. This period is too early and does not reflect when Shakespeare was active in London.

Mnemonic: "Shakespeare's rise in the 80s and 90s" (referring to the 1580s and 1590s).

Set 1Next Set ➡

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 1”

Mani January 4, 2020

You’re might me mistaken For this which poet called himself ” I awake one morning and found myself famous” The Answer is Shelley.

I think u might me mistaken
Anwar Ahmad January 4, 2020

Nice efforts
Anwar Ahmad January 6, 2020

Good practice method
Narinder Singh March 26, 2020

I need objective type questions
Anonymous June 3, 2020

Good practise method
Anonymous September 19, 2020

Lord Byron
Susil October 17, 2020

Great information. I like it.
Anonymous February 2, 2021

Byron
Anonymous September 12, 2021

Lord byron
Lucky November 19, 2022

very nice . its very usefull for us

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 1”

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