English Literature MCQ

1606. Who calls Francis Bacon 'the wisest brightest and meanest of mankind'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Alexander Pope.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English literary figures and their works.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Alexander Pope with other poets like Donne or philosophers like Aristotle and Plato.

Explanations: Alexander Pope wrote the line "the wisest, brightest, and meanest of mankind" in his poem "An Essay on Man." This line is a well-known critique of human nature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Alexander Pope wrote the line in question.
Option B: Incorrect. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher, not associated with this line.
Option C: Incorrect. Plato was a Greek philosopher, not associated with this line.
Option D: Incorrect. John Donne was a metaphysical poet, not associated with this line.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1607. Which of the following women is widely considered the first feminist?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Christine de Pizan.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, Cambridge A Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of early feminist thought in literature, focusing on historical figures who challenged gender norms.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Christine de Pizan with other medieval women writers who focused on religion rather than feminist ideas.

Explanations: Christine de Pizan is considered the first feminist for her advocacy of women's rights and education in her writings, which directly addressed gender inequality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Margery Kempe was a mystic writer, not a feminist.
Option B: Catherine of Siena focused on religious reform, not women's rights.
Option C: Thecla is a legendary figure without feminist advocacy.
Option D: Christine de Pizan wrote extensively on women's rights, making her the first feminist.

Mnemonic: Christine de Pizan Paved the Way for Feminism

1608. Gulliver's Travels is written by

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Jonathan Swift.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the identification of the author of a major literary work.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Jonathan Swift with other 18th-century authors like Henry Fielding or Richardson.

Explanations: Gulliver's Travels is a satirical novel written by Jonathan Swift, published in 1726. It is a seminal work in English literature, known for its critique of human nature and society.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Richardson is known for writing "Pamela," not "Gulliver's Travels."
Option B: Henry Fielding wrote "Tom Jones," a notable work, but not "Gulliver's Travels."
Option C: Jonathan Swift is the correct author of "Gulliver's Travels."
Option D: Bunyan wrote "The Pilgrim's Progress," a religious allegory, not "Gulliver's Travels."

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1609. What is a Fantasy?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) An imaginary story.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Fantasy is a genre of imaginative fiction that typically involves magic, mythical creatures, and otherworldly settings.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding fantasy as only being funny or related to real events.

Explanations: Fantasy literature is characterized by its imaginative and fictional elements, often involving magic and otherworldly settings. It is distinct from history records and real-life events.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Fantasy involves imaginary elements.
Option B: Incorrect. Fantasy is not necessarily funny.
Option C: Incorrect. Fantasy is not a history record.
Option D: Incorrect. Fantasy is not a real-life event.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1610. What profession did Hughie's friend Alan Trevor belong to ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Painter

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of character details in James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."

Common Mistakes: Misremembering Alan Trevor's profession or confusing it with another character's role.

Explanations: Alan Trevor is a friend of Stephen Dedalus and is portrayed as an artist who paints. This is explicitly mentioned in the novel, confirming his profession as a painter.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Alan is not a singer; this is incorrect.
Option B: There is no indication that Alan is a dancer; this is wrong.
Option C: Correct, as Alan is described as an artist who paints.
Option D: Alan is not a photographer; this is incorrect.

Mnemonic: Alan the Artist Paints Pretty Pictures.

1611. Wilfred Owen's "Anthem for Doomed Youth" begins with the following lines: "What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?/ Only the monstrous anger of the guns./ Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle/Can patter out their hasty orisons." Which of the following statements best describes these lines?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) These lines equate humans with animals, and they anthropomorphize weapons to show a world where there is no place for human values.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem uses metaphors to critique the dehumanization of war.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the focus on human values over patriotism or war duration.

Explanations: The lines compare soldiers to cattle, showing their dehumanization. Weapons are given human traits, highlighting the absence of humanity in war.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The poem doesn't address patriotism.
Option B: The duration of the war isn't discussed.
Option C: Correctly identifies the use of metaphor and anthropomorphism.
Option D: The poem's rhythm doesn't mimic ancient Greek dirges.

Mnemonic: Cattle and cannons: war's harsh reality.

1612. Who is the author of "India Wins Freedom"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Abul Kalam Azad

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services Exam, SSC CGL, Railway Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of authors and their literary contributions, specifically focusing on historical and political figures in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Abul Kalam Azad with other freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi or Jawaharlal Nehru, who are also prominent but did not author this specific book.

Explanations: Abul Kalam Azad authored "India Wins Freedom," which details the events and struggles during India's independence movement. This book is a significant literary work in the context of India's freedom struggle.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mahatma Gandhi did not author "India Wins Freedom." His writings are more philosophical and autobiographical.
Option B: Jawaharlal Nehru is known for works like "The Discovery of India," not "India Wins Freedom."
Option C: Abul Kalam Azad authored "India Wins Freedom," making this the correct answer.
Option D: Moulana Akram Khan did not author this book, making this option incorrect.

Mnemonic: Azad Authored 'India Wins Freedom'

1613. When did Romeo see Juliet the first time?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) At the party.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The first meeting of Romeo and Juliet occurs at the Capulet's masquerade party.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the setting of their first encounter.

Explanations: In William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo Montague attends the Capulet's party in disguise. There, he first sees Juliet Capulet, leading to their immediate attraction. This event is pivotal as it sets the course for their tragic love story.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The city center is not where Romeo first sees Juliet. Their meeting is specifically at the Capulet's party.
Option B: The market is not mentioned in the play as the location of their first encounter.
Option C: At the party is correct, as this is where Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time.
Option D: At his home is incorrect because Romeo does not meet Juliet at his home initially.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1614. Which type is used to explain a mystery of nature or how things came to be?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Myths.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Myths are traditional stories that explain natural phenomena or the origins of things.

Common Mistakes: Confusing myths with other types of stories like fairy tales or fables.

Explanations: Myths are used to explain mysteries of nature or how things came to be. They often involve gods, supernatural elements, and moral lessons. For example, Greek myths explain the creation of the world and natural phenomena like seasons.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tall tales are exaggerated stories about real or fictional people, not explanations of natural phenomena. Example: Paul Bunyan.
Option B: Fairy tales are magical stories for children, often with happy endings, not explanations of origins. Example: Cinderella.
Option C: Fables are stories with animal characters that teach a moral lesson, not explain natural mysteries. Example: The Tortoise and the Hare.
Option D: Myths explain natural phenomena or origins. Example: Greek myths about the creation of the world.

Mnemonic: Myths explain Mysteries.

1615. Lucy cray tells a..... story.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Tragical.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The story of Lucy Cray is part of the tragic themes in "The Picture of Dorian Gray."

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the tone of the novel or confusing it with other genres.

Explanations: Lucy Cray's story is tragic as it involves her death due to Dorian's influence, reflecting the novel's exploration of corruption and consequences.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The story is not humorous; it deals with serious themes.
Option B: Lucy's story is marked by sorrow and misfortune.
Option C: The story is set in the Victorian era, not ancient times.
Option D: The correct answer is provided in the options.

Mnemonic: Lucy's life leads to tragedy, not comedy or ancient tales.

1616. ..... In Act V, who says " I'll fight until the flesh has been hacked from my bones." ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Young Siward.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of specific lines and characters in Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Young Siward with Macduff or Macbeth, who are more prominent characters.

Explanations: In Act V, Young Siward, the son of Macduff, declares his resolve to fight courageously, showcasing his youthful determination.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Young Siward makes the statement in Act V.
Option B: Incorrect. Macbeth's focus is on ambition and despair, not this declaration.
Option C: Incorrect. Macduff is Young Siward's father and does not make this statement.
Option D: Incorrect. Banquo is dead by Act V and does not participate in the battle.

Mnemonic: Young Siward's bold fight till bones are bare.

1617. What nick name was Shelley given?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Mad Shelley.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Percy Bysshe Shelley's nickname and its historical context.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Shelley's nickname with other poets or fictional characters.

Explanations: Percy Bysshe Shelley was known as "Mad Shelley" due to his radical ideas and unconventional lifestyle, which set him apart from his contemporaries.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Percy the Perilous" is incorrect as it does not reflect Shelley's nickname.
Option B: "Mad Shelley" is correct as it accurately represents his nickname.
Option C: "Bonkers Byshe" is incorrect and fictional.
Option D: "Nutso" is incorrect and not historically accurate.

Mnemonic: Mad Shelley, the Poet of the Free Mind.

1618. Mr. Hardcastle hates..... the most of all.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Town Manners.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The concept tested is the characterization of Mr. Hardcastle in *The School for Scandal*, focusing on his aversion to town manners.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Mr. Hardcastle's dislike with other themes like wealth or love marriages, which are not central to his character.

Explanations: Mr. Hardcastle despises town manners because he finds them hypocritical and insincere. He values the genuine and straightforward nature of country manners, which he believes are more authentic.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The play does not focus on Mr. Hardcastle's opinion on love marriages.
Option B: While wealth is a theme, Mr. Hardcastle's dislike is not centered on wealth itself.
Option C: Mr. Hardcastle approves of country manners, so this is incorrect.
Option D: Correct, as Mr. Hardcastle despises the insincere nature of town manners.

Mnemonic: Hardcastle hates hypocrisies of the town.

1619. A fable teaches a ..... which is stated at the ..... of the work.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Moral, end.

Exam Relevance: SAT, GCSE English

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A fable is a literary genre that imparts a moral lesson, typically stated at the conclusion.

Common Mistakes: Confusing "moral" with "theme" or misplacing the moral at the beginning.

Explanations: Fables conclude with a moral, which is the primary lesson. The moral is explicitly stated at the end to reinforce the message.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because a fable's primary focus is a moral, not a theme, and it is placed at the end.
Option B: Incorrect because while a fable does have a moral, it is not stated at the beginning.
Option C: Incorrect because the moral is not stated at the beginning.
Option D: Correct because a fable teaches a moral that is explicitly stated at the end.

Mnemonic: Fables End with Morals (F.E.M.)

1620. 'The Origin of Species' is written by-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Charles Darwin

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the author of a key work in English literature.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between historical figures in different scientific fields.

Explanations: Charles Darwin wrote 'The Origin of Species', a foundational text in biology. The other options are incorrect as they refer to individuals in unrelated fields.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Newton was a physicist, not the author of 'The Origin of Species'.
Option B: Charles Darwin wrote 'The Origin of Species', making this the correct answer.
Option C: Galileo was an astronomer, unrelated to this work.
Option D: Mary Curie was a chemist, not associated with this text.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

⬅ Previous SetSet 108Next Set ➡

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 108”

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 108”

Leave a Reply