English Literature MCQ - Change your future

1486. " Twelfth Night" is..... by William Shakespeare

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) A comedy.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "Twelfth Night" is a Shakespearean comedy known for its themes of love, disguise, and mistaken identities.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the genre classification of Shakespearean plays.

Explanations: "Twelfth Night" is classified as a comedy because it features elements such as mistaken identities, witty dialogue, and a happy resolution with multiple marriages.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Twelfth Night" is a comedy.
Option B: Incorrect. An elegy is a poem expressing grief, not applicable here.
Option C: Incorrect. It is a play, not a novel.
Option D: Incorrect. It is not a tragedy; it ends happily.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1487. Which of the following descriptions best describes the character of Hamlet?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Hamlet is depressed yet highly intelligent.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests the understanding of Hamlet's character, focusing on his emotional and intellectual traits.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is misinterpreting Hamlet's actions as naive or manipulative rather than a reflection of his intelligence and depression.

Explanations: Hamlet's soliloquies and actions show his deep depression and existential crisis, while his strategic planning and rhetorical skills demonstrate his high intelligence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Hamlet's depression is evident in his soliloquies, and his intelligence is shown through his strategic planning and rhetorical skills.
Option B: Incorrect. Hamlet is not naive; he is aware of the political dynamics and calculates his actions.
Option C: Incorrect. Hamlet is not manipulative; his actions stem from internal conflict rather than a desire to control others.
Option D: Incorrect. While Hamlet is initially frightened, he is not intellectually passive; he actively seeks to understand the truth.

Mnemonic: Depressed but Bright

1488. This is type of story explains something about the world such as mysterious natural forces, how things came to be, or what gods and goddesses have done.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Myth.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Myths are traditional stories that explain the world, natural phenomena, and the actions of gods.

Common Mistakes: Confusing myths with legends, fables, or tall tales, which have different purposes and structures.

Explanations: Myths are stories that explain natural forces, origins, or divine actions. They are cultural narratives that provide meaning and understanding of the world.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Myths explain natural forces, origins, or divine actions.
Option B: Incorrect. Legends are stories about historical figures or events, often exaggerated.
Option C: Incorrect. Fables are stories with animal characters that teach a moral lesson.
Option D: Incorrect. Tall tales are exaggerated stories meant for humor or entertainment.

Mnemonic: Myths are Myths, not Lies.

1489. 'Wuthering Heights' is -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) A novel by Emily Bronte.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "Wuthering Heights" is a well-known novel in English literature, authored by Emily Brontë.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Emily Brontë with her sisters Charlotte or Anne, who also wrote famous novels.

Explanations: Emily Brontë wrote "Wuthering Heights," published in 1847. It is a gothic novel exploring themes of love, revenge, and class. The other options are incorrect because Charlotte Brontë wrote "Jane Eyre," Anne Brontë wrote "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," and Thomas Hardy wrote "Tess of the d'Urbervilles."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Charlotte Brontë wrote "Jane Eyre," not "Wuthering Heights."
Option B: Incorrect. Anne Brontë wrote "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," not "Wuthering Heights."
Option C: Incorrect. Thomas Hardy wrote "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," not "Wuthering Heights."
Option D: Correct. Emily Brontë wrote "Wuthering Heights."

Mnemonic: Emily Brontë: "E" for Emily, "E" for "Wuthering Heights" (E = Emily, E = novel).

1490. Which of the following would a Romantic Poet be most likely to use?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) An "airy fairy".

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Romantic poets often used whimsical and imaginative language to evoke emotions and connect with nature.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the Romantic style as being overly literal or not recognizing the need for imaginative language.

Explanations: Romantic poets favored imaginative and evocative language to convey emotions and a sense of wonder. "Airy fairy" captures this style with its whimsical and magical connotations, aligning with Romantic themes of nature and the supernatural.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Too literal and lacks the imaginative flair typical of Romanticism.
Option B: Too generic and plain, not evocative.
Option C: Focuses on habitat rather than the magical essence.
Option D: Embodies the Romantic style with its whimsical and imaginative language.

Mnemonic: "Romantics love the 'airy fairy' way."

1491. What was the "white man's burden" that Kipling speaks of in his poem of the same title?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The Eurocentric idea that the colonizer has a social responsibility to civilize other nations.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "The White Man's Burden" by Rudyard Kipling reflects the imperialist attitudes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, promoting the idea that it was the duty of white Europeans to civilize and govern other nations.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the poem's imperialist message or confusing it with other themes like personal pressure or individual duty.

Explanations: The poem explicitly states that the "white man's burden" is the responsibility to civilize others, reflecting a Eurocentric view of superiority and the civilizing mission. This aligns with the concept of imperialism and the belief in the colonizer's duty to bring enlightenment to colonized peoples.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The poem does not discuss conforming to social conventions but focuses on the civilizing mission of colonizers.
Option B: Incorrect. While colonizers did face challenges, the poem emphasizes their duty to civilize others, not the burden of adapting to new lands.
Option C: Correct. The poem promotes the idea that colonizers have a social responsibility to civilize other nations, reflecting a Eurocentric perspective.
Option D: Incorrect. The poem does not address the variation of imperial duties among white men but rather presents a universal civilizing mission.

Mnemonic: "White Man's Burden" = Civilizing Mission

1492. Which of the following is not the title of one of the parts of A Passage to India?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Festival

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The novel "A Passage to India" is divided into three parts titled "Mosque," "Temple," and "Cave."

Common Mistakes: Forgetting the exact titles of the parts.

Explanations: The novel is divided into three parts titled "Mosque," "Temple," and "Cave." "Festival" is not one of these parts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Mosque" is the title of the first part.
Option B: "Temple" is the title of the second part.
Option C: "Cave" is the title of the third part.
Option D: "Festival" is not a part title.

1493. The chief writer of the sentimental comedy was.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Richard Steele

Exam Relevance: GRE Subject Test in Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Sentimental comedy, a genre that emphasizes emotional and moral themes, was significantly contributed to by Richard Steele.

Common Mistakes: Mistakenly associating Ben Jonson or Christopher Marlowe with sentimental comedy due to their prominence in other genres.

Explanations: Richard Steele is recognized for his work in sentimental comedy, which contrasts with the more satirical or tragic styles of other playwrights. His plays often focused on emotional depth and moral lessons, aligning with the characteristics of sentimental comedy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ben Jonson was a leading figure in Jacobean comedy and satire, not sentimental comedy.
Option B: Christopher Marlowe was known for his tragic plays and blank verse, not sentimental comedy.
Option C: Richard Steele is correctly identified as a key writer in the sentimental comedy genre.
Option D: Incorrect, as Richard Steele is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Steele Sentimental, Others Not

1494. Who said this " Poetry is the Criticism of life" :

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Arnold.

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The concept tested is the identification of literary figures and their contributions to literary theory.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Matthew Arnold with other poets like Byron or Eliot, who are also known for their critical perspectives but not for this specific statement.

Explanations: Matthew Arnold, a 19th-century poet and critic, emphasized the role of poetry in critically examining life. His works often reflect this belief, making him the correct attribution for the statement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Byron was a Romantic poet known for his dramatic works, not for this critical statement about poetry.
Option B: T.S. Eliot was a modernist poet whose focus was more on themes of alienation and modernity, not this specific critique.
Option C: Arnold's assertion aligns with his literary criticism, making this the correct answer.
Option D: Incorrect because Arnold is the correct attribution.

Mnemonic: Arnold's Artful Assessment

1495. Loved Nature and the freshness of gardens in his work.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Andrew Marvell

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of poets associated with nature and gardens in their work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Andrew Marvell with other poets like Milton or Herbert, who have different thematic focuses.

Explanations: Andrew Marvell's poetry often reflects a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty of gardens. His works, such as "To His Coy Mistress," include vivid imagery of gardens and natural settings, which underscores his love for nature. This makes him the correct choice for the question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Milton is known for epic poems like "Paradise Lost" and religious themes, not specifically for gardens or nature.
Option B: George Herbert's poetry focuses on religious and spiritual themes rather than nature or gardens.
Option C: Andrew Marvell's work frequently includes imagery of gardens and nature, making him the correct answer.
Option D: This is incorrect because Andrew Marvell is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Marvel at gardens, Marvell wrote.

1496. As Act is to Drama; so Canto is to -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Epic.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: In English literature, a canto is a division of an epic poem, similar to how an act is a division of a drama.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing canto with other poetic forms like sonnet or tragedy.

Explanations: A canto is a section within an epic poem, just as an act is a section within a drama. This makes the relationship between canto and epic analogous to act and drama.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. A canto is a part of an epic poem.
Option B: Incorrect. Tragedy refers to a type of drama, not related to cantos.
Option C: Incorrect. Comedy is a genre of drama, not related to cantos.
Option D: Incorrect. A sonnet is a type of poem, not divided into cantos.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1497. The unique traditions or ways of life of a particular group.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Local Customs

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Local customs refer to the unique traditions, practices, and ways of life specific to a particular community or group.

Common Mistakes: Confusing local customs with broader themes or literary devices like irony or universal themes.

Explanations: Local customs are the specific traditions and practices that define a community's way of life. They are distinct from broader themes or literary devices.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Irony is a literary device, not related to traditions.
Option B: Oral Tradition refers to storytelling methods, not specific customs.
Option C: Local Customs directly describe group-specific traditions.
Option D: Universal Theme refers to general ideas, not specific practices.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1498. In which way Elizabethan theater promoted the development of the English Language?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) By popularizing stories from historical sources and creating engaging comedies, tragedies and romances.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Elizabethan theater enriched the English language by using historical narratives and diverse dramatic genres, which expanded vocabulary and storytelling techniques.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the primary contribution as being from imitative or foreign influences rather than original works.

Explanations: Elizabethan theater contributed to language development by using historical sources and creating various dramatic genres. Playwrights like Shakespeare introduced new words and phrases, enhancing the English language's richness and versatility.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Writing unconventional plays was not the main way theater contributed to language development.
Option B: Correct. Popularizing stories and creating diverse genres expanded language use.
Option C: Influence from Greek and Latin was secondary to original English works.
Option D: Copying French works was not the focus; original English plays were emphasized.

Mnemonic: B for Books and Plays

1499. What was a favorite entertainment in Elizabeth's court?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Jousting

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, A-Level History

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Jousting was a popular and significant form of entertainment in Elizabethan courtly life, reflecting the era's emphasis on chivalric values and skill.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing jousting with other forms of entertainment like gambling or backgammon, which were less prominent in courtly settings.

Explanations: Jousting was favored in Elizabeth's court as it combined physical skill, pageantry, and the ideals of chivalry, making it a central and elaborate form of entertainment.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Swimming was not a prominent or favored entertainment in the courtly context.
Option B: Gambling, while present, was not as central or elaborate as jousting.
Option C: Jousting was a favored entertainment due to its association with chivalry and courtly display.
Option D: Backgammon was a game but not as prominent as jousting in courtly entertainment.

Mnemonic: Jousting was a Jolly event in the Jacobean era.

1500. Who served as an Irish senator for two terms? A... Wilde

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Yeats.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge Literature exams.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet and senator who served two terms in the Irish Senate.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the roles of other literary figures like Shaw or Ibsen.

Explanations: William Butler Yeats was a notable Irish senator who served two terms. His literary contributions include poetry and plays, earning him a Nobel Prize in Literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: George Bernard Shaw was a British playwright, not an Irish senator.
Option B: Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright, unrelated to Irish politics.
Option C: William Butler Yeats was an Irish senator and literary figure.
Option D: Incorrect, as Yeats is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Yeats the Senator, Nobel in Literature.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 100”

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 100”

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