English Literature MCQ

1516. Elizabeth's reign was longer than that of any other Tudor. When she died at the age of 69 in 1603, how many years had she reigned?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) 45.

Exam Relevance: GCSE History, A-Level History

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to calculate the duration of a historical reign by subtracting the start year from the end year.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is miscounting the years, especially if the student forgets that the reign includes the entire year of death.

Explanations: Elizabeth I became queen in 1558 and ruled until her death in 1603. To find the number of years she reigned, subtract 1558 from 1603: 1603 - 1558 = 45 years.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 35 years is incorrect because it does not account for the full duration of her reign.
Option B: 40 years is incorrect as it is five years short of the actual reign length.
Option C: 45 years is correct, as it accurately reflects the number of years Elizabeth I reigned.
Option D: 50 years is incorrect because it overestimates the reign by five years.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1517. What is common amongst Cardinal Newman, John Keble, Henry Newman and Stanley?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) They were all associated with the Oxford Movement.

Exam Relevance: Cambridge English Literature exams, Oxford University English Literature exams.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Oxford Movement was a 19th-century Anglican religious movement centered at the University of Oxford, aiming to revive early Christian doctrines and practices within the Church of England.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the nature of the Oxford Movement as a literary or artistic movement rather than a religious one.

Explanations: Cardinal Newman, John Keble, Henry Newman, and Stanley were all key figures in the Oxford Movement, contributing to its religious and doctrinal aims.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Not all were poets; the movement was religious, not literary.
Option B: The Pre-Raphaelite School was an art movement, unrelated to the Oxford Movement.
Option C: The movement was religious, not atheist.
Option D: All were associated with the Oxford Movement.

Mnemonic: Oxford Movement: Newman, Keble, Stanley, and Froude.

1518. Which best describes the imagist movement, exemplified in the work of T. E. Hulme and Ezra Pound?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) An effort to rid poetry of romantic fuzziness and facile emotionalism, replacing it with a precision and clarity of imagery.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Imagist movement sought to replace vague and overly emotional Romantic poetry with precise, clear imagery.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Imagism with other movements like Surrealism or Symbolism, which focus on different poetic techniques.

Explanations: Imagism, exemplified by T. E. Hulme and Ezra Pound, aimed to eliminate the imprecision and emotional excess of Romantic poetry. It emphasized the use of clear, precise imagery to convey meaning, aligning with the broader modernist movement's focus on innovation and clarity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Imagism was not focused on the visual appearance of words but on precise imagery and meaning.
Option B: Correct. It accurately describes the movement's goal of replacing Romantic emotionalism with clarity and precision.
Option C: Incorrect. This describes Surrealism or Symbolism, not Imagism.
Option D: Incorrect. Imagism opposed Romanticism, not revived it.

Mnemonic: "Imagine precise images, not romantic ramblings."

1519. Fill in the blank. Renaissance thinkers strongly associated themselves with the values of .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Classical antiquity.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Renaissance was a period marked by the revival of interest in classical antiquity, particularly the cultural and intellectual achievements of ancient Greece and Rome.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Renaissance with the Protestant Reformation or the medieval period, which are distinct historical movements.

Explanations: Renaissance thinkers sought to revive and adapt the values and knowledge of classical antiquity, emphasizing humanism, art, and learning. This period was characterized by a break from the medieval focus on religious dogma and a return to classical texts and ideas.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Renaissance thinkers were not exclusively associated with Catholicism, as the period also saw a revival of secular and classical ideas.
Option B: The Renaissance marked a departure from medieval Europe, which was characterized by a different set of values and practices.
Option C: Correct. Renaissance thinkers were strongly influenced by the values and knowledge of classical antiquity.
Option D: Protestantism emerged later, during the Reformation, and was not a central focus of Renaissance thought.

Mnemonic: Renaissance = Rebirth of Ancient Values

1520. According to Randy Hofbauer, what is/are the purpose(s) of the epiphany?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) It prepares Stephen to accept his artistic rebirth.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The epiphany in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" is a crucial moment of realization for Stephen Dedalus, marking his transition towards embracing his artistic identity.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the epiphany with a moment of religious awakening or a decision to leave Ireland, rather than recognizing it as a catalyst for artistic growth.

Explanations: The epiphany in Joyce's novel is a moment of profound insight for Stephen Dedalus, where he realizes his artistic mission. This realization is a rebirth of his artistic self, guiding him towards his future as an artist. The other options incorrectly attribute the epiphany to unrelated decisions or outcomes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The epiphany does not enable Stephen to stay in Ireland; instead, it leads him towards leaving Ireland to pursue his artistic goals.
Option B: Correct. The epiphany prepares Stephen to embrace his artistic identity, marking a rebirth in his artistic journey.
Option C: Incorrect. The epiphany does not end Stephen's period of enlightenment; rather, it marks the beginning of a new phase of self-discovery and artistic purpose.
Option D: Incorrect. The epiphany is not about joining the Catholic Church but about Stephen's realization of his artistic mission, which is separate from his religious struggles.

Mnemonic: Epiphany = Artistic Rebirth

1521. Which of the following literary devices is most prominent in Gertrude Stein's poem "New"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Assonance and word repetition.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Gertrude Stein's "New" prominently uses assonance and word repetition to create rhythm and emphasize themes.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the poem's structure or confusing it with other literary devices like metaphor or simile.

Explanations: Stein's "New" employs assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, and word repetition to establish a musical and rhythmic quality. These devices are central to the poem's style and thematic emphasis.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The poem uses assonance and word repetition extensively.
Option B: Incorrect. Similes are not a prominent feature.
Option C: Incorrect. Metaphors and allusions are not central to the poem.
Option D: Incorrect. Circumlocution is not used in the poem.

Mnemonic: ASSONANCE and REPEAT for Stein's New.

1522. Who is the main protagonist of Paradise Lost?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Satan.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The concept tested is the identification of the main protagonist in a literary work, specifically "Paradise Lost" by John Milton.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the protagonist with other significant characters like Adam or Eve, who are central to the story but not the main focus of Milton's narrative.

Explanations: In "Paradise Lost," Satan is the main protagonist as he is the central figure whose actions and motivations drive the plot. Milton presents Satan as a complex character, focusing on his defiance, leadership, and the consequences of his rebellion against God. While Adam and Eve are important, their roles are secondary to Satan's in the overall narrative structure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Satan is the main protagonist as he is the central character whose actions and motivations drive the narrative.
Option B: Adam is a significant character but not the main protagonist.
Option C: Eve is also significant but not the main protagonist.
Option D: God is a major figure but not the protagonist.

Mnemonic: Satan's Story: "Satan" starts with an "S," just like "Story," hinting he's the main character.

1523. What is a plot?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Arrangement of the incidents

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: A plot is the sequence of events in a story, structured to convey a narrative.

Common Mistakes: Confusing plot with theme, style, or genre.

Explanations: A plot involves the arrangement of incidents to create a narrative. It is the backbone of a story, outlining what happens and in what order.

Option Analysis:

Option A: An idea about writing refers to themes or concepts, not the plot structure.
Option B: The choice of words relates to style or diction, not the sequence of events.
Option C: The choice of poem pertains to genre selection, not plot arrangement.
Option D: Arrangement of incidents correctly defines the plot.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

1524. Dejection was written by Coleridge in?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1802.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote "Dejection" in 1802.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the year with other works by Coleridge.

Explanations: "Dejection" was written by Coleridge in 1802. This is a specific fact about the timeline of his works.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as "Dejection" was written in 1802.
Option B: Incorrect, 1806 is not the year "Dejection" was written.
Option C: Incorrect, 1805 is not the year "Dejection" was written.
Option D: Incorrect, 1798 is not the year "Dejection" was written.

1525. Cenci was a verse tragedy by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Shelley.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English Romantic poets and their specific works.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Shelley with other Romantic poets or mistaking the genre of the work.

Explanations: Cenci is a verse tragedy by Percy Bysshe Shelley, focusing on themes of justice and oppression. It is based on the historical account of Beatrice Cenci.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Shelley wrote Cenci as a verse tragedy.
Option B: Incorrect. Milton wrote "Paradise Lost," not a verse tragedy about Cenci.
Option C: Incorrect. Shaw wrote plays like "Pygmalion," not verse tragedies.
Option D: Incorrect. Keats is known for his odes, not verse tragedies.

Mnemonic: Shelley's Cenci: Tragedy in Verse

1526. At what age of did William Shakespeare marry Anne Hathaway?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 18.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway at the age of 18.

Common Mistakes: Some may confuse the age with other significant events in Shakespeare's life, such as his career start or the birth of his children.

Explanations: William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582 when he was 18 years old. This is a well-documented fact in historical records.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Shakespeare was 18 when he married Anne Hathaway.
Option B: Incorrect. 22 is too old; he married at 18.
Option C: Incorrect. 19 is close but not accurate; he was 18.
Option D: Incorrect. 23 is far too old; he married much earlier.

Mnemonic: 18 and Hathaway, a match made in literary play.

1527. Historical events often influence literature. Which of the following did NOT occur during the Restoration period?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The French Revolution.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Restoration period in English history spans from 1660 to 1688, marked by the return of Charles II to the throne. Understanding the timeline of historical events is crucial to identifying which events fall within this period.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Restoration period with later historical events, such as the French Revolution, which occurred much later in the 18th century.

Explanations: The Restoration period began in 1660 with Charles II's restoration to the throne and ended in 1688 with the Glorious Revolution. The French Revolution occurred from 1789 to 1799, far outside the Restoration period.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Charles II's restoration in 1660 marks the start of the Restoration period.
Option B: The French Revolution occurred in the late 18th century, outside the Restoration period.
Option C: The Great Fire of London in 1666 occurred during the Restoration period.
Option D: The Exclusion Bill Crisis in the 1670s and 1680s was part of the Restoration period.

Mnemonic: "Restoration is Charles II's return, not France's revolution."

1528. Which period is known as 'The golden age of English literature'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The Elizabethan age.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Elizabethan age is recognized as the golden age of English literature due to its literary achievements.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between the Elizabethan age and other literary periods, such as the Victorian or Restoration ages.

Explanations: The Elizabethan age, spanning the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558–1603), is celebrated for its dramatic works, including those by William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson. This period also saw the rise of the sonnet form and the works of poets like Edmund Spenser. The flourishing of literature during this time earned it the title of the golden age of English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Victorian age (1837–1901) is known for its social realism and the works of authors like Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters, but it is not considered the golden age.
Option B: The Elizabethan age is the correct answer because it is the period most associated with the golden age of English literature.
Option C: The Restoration age (1660–1700) is known for its theater and Restoration comedies, but it does not hold the same literary distinction as the Elizabethan age.
Option D: The Eighteenth century is associated with the rise of the novel and Enlightenment thought, but it is not referred to as the golden age.

Mnemonic: E for Elizabethan, the golden age.

1529. Who wrote 'The Spanish Tragedy'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Thomas Kyd.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "The Spanish Tragedy" is a revenge tragedy attributed to Thomas Kyd, a significant work in early English drama.

Common Mistakes: Misattributing the play to Christopher Marlowe, who wrote in a similar period but different style.

Explanations: "The Spanish Tragedy" is a revenge tragedy, a genre Thomas Kyd helped popularize. Its themes and structure align with Kyd's known works, making him the correct author.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Lyly is known for prose and romantic plays, not revenge tragedies.
Option B: Thomas Kyd authored "The Spanish Tragedy," a key example of revenge tragedy.
Option C: Robert Greene wrote pamphlets and moral tales, not this play.
Option D: Christopher Marlowe wrote different plays, not "The Spanish Tragedy."

Mnemonic: "Kyd's Tragedy, Spain's Revenge"

1530. In Saul Bellow's novel Herzog (1964), Moses Herzog is a

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Jew.

Exam Relevance: None.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the protagonist's religious and cultural identity in Saul Bellow's novel Herzog.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Moses Herzog's identity with other literary characters from different cultural backgrounds.

Explanations: Moses Herzog is explicitly portrayed as a Jewish man in the novel, dealing with themes of faith, identity, and existential crisis within a Jewish context.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Moses Herzog is not Christian; the novel focuses on his Jewish identity.
Option B: There is no indication in the novel that Herzog is Hindu.
Option C: Correct. Moses Herzog is Jewish, central to the novel's themes.
Option D: Moses Herzog is not Afro-American; the novel does not suggest this.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 102”

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 102”

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