English Literature MCQ

1546. The Gothic novel was intended to have which of the following effects on the reader?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) To create a sense of mystery, gloom, and suspense.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Gothic novels are characterized by their ability to evoke feelings of mystery, gloom, and suspense through elements such as dark settings, supernatural occurrences, and psychological tension.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the primary purpose of Gothic literature with social critique or a rejection of supernatural themes.

Explanations: Gothic novels aim to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, often using dark settings and supernatural elements to evoke fear and wonder. This is evident in works like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula," where the eerie atmosphere and suspenseful plot are central to the genre's effect.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Gothic novels are designed to create a sense of mystery, gloom, and suspense through their settings and plot elements.
Option B: Incorrect. While some Gothic works critique society, this is not their primary purpose.
Option C: Incorrect. Supernatural themes are central to Gothic literature, not something to be disliked.
Option D: Incorrect. The primary effect is not pleasure but a mix of fear, suspense, and wonder.

Mnemonic: "Ghosts and Gloom, Suspense in Bloom."

1547. " My love is like a red, red rose" is an example of.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Simile.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English, SAT Subject Tests in Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: A simile is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."

Common Mistakes: Confusing simile with metaphor, which does not use "like" or "as."

Explanations: The phrase uses "like" to compare love to a rose, making it a simile.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The use of "like" identifies it as a simile.
Option B: Incorrect. A metaphor does not use "like" or "as."
Option C: Incorrect. There is no exaggeration present.
Option D: Incorrect. No contradictory terms are used.

Mnemonic: "Like or As? That's a Simile!"

1548. What do you mean by Canto?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) A section or division of a long poem.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A canto is a structural division within a long poem, often used in epic or narrative poetry.

Common Mistakes: Confusing canto with stanza, which refers to a group of lines in a poem.

Explanations: A canto is a section or division of a long poem, such as in Dante's "The Divine Comedy." It is not a stanza, which is a group of lines, nor is it specific to short poems or sonnets.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; a stanza is a group of lines, not a division of a long poem.
Option B: Incorrect; a stanza is not specific to short poems.
Option C: Correct; a canto is a section of a long poem.
Option D: Incorrect; a sonnet is a specific poem type, unrelated to cantos.

Mnemonic: Canto: Chunk of a Long Tale

1549. 'The Medal' by John Dryden is a/an -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Satire.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Satire is a literary genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize human vices or follies, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and society.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the genre of satire or confusing it with other forms like prose or plays.

Explanations: 'The Medal' by John Dryden is a satire that critiques the political and social conditions of the time, particularly the reign of King Charles II. It uses irony and exaggeration to highlight the king's flaws and the negative impact of his policies.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 'The Medal' is not a play; it does not follow the structure or format of a dramatic work.
Option B: 'The Medal' is a satire, using humor and irony to critique societal and political issues.
Option C: 'The Medal' is not prose; it is a poem.
Option D: 'The Medal' is not a translation; it was written in English by John Dryden.

Mnemonic: Satire Sharpens Society's Scars

1550. Ï»¿John Milton's "Comus" is best described by which of the following genres?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Masque.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, SAT Subject Test in English Literature, University English courses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: "Comus" is a masque, a form of courtly entertainment combining drama, music, and dance, often with moral or allegorical themes.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing "Comus" with a tragedy or elegy, not recognizing its genre as a masque.

Explanations: "Comus" is a masque, a dramatic form with music and dance, focusing on moral themes. It is not a tragedy, elegy, or polemic.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Comus" is not a pastoral elegy; it is a masque.
Option B: "Comus" is not a prose polemic; it is a dramatic work.
Option C: "Comus" is not a blank verse tragedy; it is a masque with a moral resolution.
Option D: "Comus" is a masque, combining drama, music, and dance with moral themes.

Mnemonic: Masques are masked, and Milton's 'Comus' is masked entertainment.

1551. ..... writings is one of the most interesting developments in fiction of the post -war years.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Feminist.

Exam Relevance: GRE Subject Test in Literature, A-Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Feminist writings became prominent in post-war fiction, addressing gender roles and inequalities.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the specific literary movements of the post-war era.

Explanations: Feminist literature in the post-war years focused on exploring and challenging traditional gender roles, making it a significant development in fiction.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Experimental writings were present but not the most notable development.
Option B: Feminist writings were a significant and notable development in post-war fiction.
Option C: Philosophical writings were not as prominent in this context.
Option D: Intellectual writings are too broad and not specific to the development.

Mnemonic: Feminist Fiction Flourished in the Post-War Years.

1552. Which of the following sentiments would be LEAST likely in a poem by Lord Byron?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) An expression of love for common man.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Byron's poetry often focuses on themes of individualism, doubt, and dark humor, rather than expressions of affection for the common man.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Byron's themes as more aligned with Wordsworth's romanticism could lead to this error.

Explanations: Lord Byron's work typically expresses doubt, angst, and uses dark humor, often critiquing society and other poets like Wordsworth. He does not commonly express love for the common man.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Byron's poetry does not typically express love for the common man; instead, it often critiques societal norms.
Option B: Byron did mock Wordsworth, as seen in his critiques of Wordsworth's idealistic views.
Option C: Doubt and angst are common themes in Byron's work, such as in "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage."
Option D: Dark humor is present in some of Byron's poems, adding a satirical element to his critique of society.

Mnemonic: Byron's Blues: Doubt, Dark Humor, and Critique

1553. Who established the first English printing press?

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

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: William Caxton introduced the first English printing press, a pivotal development in English literature.

Common Mistakes: Confusing William Caxton with other literary figures like George Eliot or Thomas Hardy.

Explanations: William Caxton established the first English printing press in the late 15th century, significantly impacting the spread of literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. William Caxton established the first English printing press.
Option B: Incorrect. George Eliot was a novelist, not involved in printing technology.
Option C: Incorrect. Thomas Hardy was a novelist, unrelated to printing presses.
Option D: Incorrect. William Caxton is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Caxton's C for the first press.

1554. Which of the following would probably NOT be the topic of a Romantic poem?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) A celebration of the aristocratic.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Romantic poetry typically emphasizes themes such as nature, the common person, and revolutionary ideas, rather than celebrating the aristocracy.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming that Romantic poets supported the existing social hierarchy, when in fact they often critiqued it.

Explanations: Romanticism focused on individualism, emotion, and a connection to nature. It often celebrated the lives of common people and revolutionary ideals, rather than the aristocracy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The French Revolution was a significant influence on Romantic poets, who often wrote about its ideals and impact.
Option B: Man's relationship to nature was a central theme in Romantic poetry, emphasizing the beauty and power of the natural world.
Option C: The experience of common people was another key focus, as Romantics sought to elevate the lives and stories of ordinary individuals.
Option D: A celebration of the aristocratic was not typical, as Romantic poets often critiqued the social inequalities and the power of the aristocracy.

Mnemonic: Noble Not in Romantic

1555. 'Apologie for Poetrie' is written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Philip Sidney.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a key literary text and its author.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Philip Sidney with other poets like Arnold, Pope, or Dryden.

Explanations: 'Apologie for Poetrie' is a famous essay by Philip Sidney defending poetry. It is a foundational text in English literary criticism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Thomas Arnold was a Victorian poet, not the author of 'Apologie for Poetrie'.
Option B: Philip Sidney wrote 'Apologie for Poetrie', a defense of poetry.
Option C: Alexander Pope was an 18th-century poet, unrelated to this work.
Option D: John Dryden was a Restoration poet, not the author of this essay.

Mnemonic: Sidney's Apologie, not Arnold, Pope, or Dryden.

1556. The hairy wild-bee that murmurs and hankers up and down, that gripes the full-grown lady-flower, curves upon her with amorous firm legs, takes his will of her, and holds himself tremulous and tight till he is satisfiedâ€¦ What does tremulous mean?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Trembling and timid.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The term "tremulous" refers to trembling or being timid.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term as "stiff" or "afraid" can lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: "Tremulous" means trembling or showing timidity. In the context, the bee's legs tremble as it holds itself tightly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as "tremulous" means trembling and timid.
Option B: Incorrect, "stiff" does not mean trembling.
Option C: Incorrect, "afraid" is too specific.
Option D: Incorrect, "contemplating" is unrelated.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1557. What is meant by 'Wessex'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The region in which Hardy's novels are set.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Wessex is a fictional region used by Thomas Hardy in his novels, representing parts of southwest England.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Wessex and other regions associated with different authors, such as the Brontës' Yorkshire or George Eliot's Warwickshire.

Explanations: Wessex is a fictional region created by Thomas Hardy, serving as the setting for many of his novels. It is based on the real county of Dorset and surrounding areas in southwest England. Hardy's portrayal of Wessex is rich in local color and folklore, making it a significant element in his works.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Brontë sisters lived in Yorkshire, not Wessex.
Option B: Correct. Wessex is Hardy's fictional setting.
Option C: George Eliot's hometown was Nuneaton, not Wessex.
Option D: Wessex is not a county in Ireland; it is a fictional region in England.

Mnemonic: Wessex = Hardy's Heartland

1558. When did T. S. Eliot win noble prize?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1948.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the knowledge of the year T. S. Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other Nobel laureates or events.

Explanations: T. S. Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948 for his contributions to modern poetry and literary criticism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Eliot won the Nobel Prize in 1948.
Option B: Incorrect. 1923 was the year Jane Addams won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Option C: Incorrect. 1953 was the year Sir Winston Churchill won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Option D: Incorrect. 1935 was the year Sir Arthur Henry Blundell won the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Mnemonic: Remember "48 for Eliot" to recall the year.

1559. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales are stories put into the mouth of travelling.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Pilgrims

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Canterbury Tales are structured around a group of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury, each sharing a story.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the role of monks as the sole narrators instead of a diverse group of pilgrims.

Explanations: The Canterbury Tales are framed as a collection of stories told by pilgrims on a journey. Chaucer uses this narrative device to present a variety of characters and their tales, reflecting the social diversity of medieval England.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The tales are not told by teachers but by pilgrims.
Option B: While some pilgrims are monks, the term is too narrow as it excludes other characters.
Option C: The correct answer, as the tales are told by a group of pilgrims.
Option D: The pilgrims are adults, not children.

Mnemonic: Pilgrims on a pilgrimage, telling tales in Chaucer's page.

1560. According to Paradise Lost, which of the following does God not create?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) He creates everything.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, University-level English Literature courses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The core concept is the understanding of God's role as the creator in John Milton's *Paradise Lost*.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the creation narrative with modern concepts or misinterpreting the scope of God's creation.

Explanations: In *Paradise Lost*, God is depicted as the creator of all things, including the universe, angels, and humans. The poem emphasizes God's omnipotence and His role as the ultimate creator.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Son is explicitly created by God in *Paradise Lost*.
Option B: Adam and Eve are created by God from the dust of the earth.
Option C: Computers are not part of the creation narrative in *Paradise Lost*.
Option D: This is correct because God creates everything in the poem.

Mnemonic: "God in Paradise Lost creates all, including the Son, Adam, and Eve, but not modern inventions like computers."

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 104”

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 104”

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