English Literature MCQ

1756. Which of the following is not a characteristic of literary criticism?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Destruction.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Literary criticism involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating literary works. It does not aim to destroy them.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing literary criticism with destructive criticism, which is not its purpose.

Explanations: Literary criticism focuses on understanding and evaluating texts through analysis and interpretation. It does not involve destruction, which is unrelated to its goals.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Interpretation is a key aspect of literary criticism.
Option B: Analysis is central to literary criticism.
Option C: Destruction is not a characteristic of literary criticism.
Option D: Judgement is part of literary criticism.

Mnemonic: ICAJ, not destruction

1757. The Photographer was a 'drooping man' means he was.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) A man bending down.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Understanding the meaning of "drooping" in context.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting "drooping" as repeatedly falling or searching.

Explanations: "Drooping" means bending or stooping, not repeatedly falling or searching.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; implies repeated falling.
Option B: Correct; means bending down.
Option C: Incorrect; suggests searching, not the meaning of "drooping."
Option D: Incorrect; correct answer is provided.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1758. Who has called Othello as 'most romantic of all of Shakespeare's heroes'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) A. C. Bradley.

Exam Relevance: GRE Literature Subject Test, Cambridge English Literature exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary criticism, specifically identifying which critic referred to Othello as the most romantic of Shakespeare's heroes.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse A. C. Bradley with other critics like William Hazlitt or F. R. Leavis, who have different focuses in their literary analyses.

Explanations: A. C. Bradley, in his work "Shakespearean Tragedy," praises Othello for his tragic depth and romantic qualities, making him stand out among Shakespeare's heroes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Alfred de Vigny is a French poet, not known for Shakespeare criticism.
Option B: William Hazlitt was an English critic, but he did not make this specific comment about Othello.
Option C: A. C. Bradley is correct, as he made the statement in his literary analysis.
Option D: F. R. Leavis focused more on modern literature, not Shakespeare.

Mnemonic: Bradley's Bold Othello Praise

1759. Marlowe's poem 'The Passionate Shepherd to His Love' begins with the line "Come live with me and be my love"; which other English author wrote a famous poem beginning with this line?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) John Donne.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English poets and their works, specifically identifying authors by the opening lines of their poems.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing John Donne with other poets like Shakespeare or Marlowe, who are also associated with romantic themes.

Explanations: John Donne wrote "The Bait," which begins with "Come live with me and be my love." This line is also used by Christopher Marlowe in "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," but the question asks for another author, making Donne the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: William Shakespeare did not write a poem starting with this line.
Option B: Thomas Kyd is known for plays, not this poem.
Option C: John Dryden was a Restoration poet, unrelated to this poem.
Option D: John Donne wrote "The Bait," which starts with the given line.

Mnemonic: Donne's Dive: Deep Love

1760. "The Jacobean Era" refers to a period of time in the early 17th century in which of the following countries?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) England.

Exam Relevance: None.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Jacobean Era refers to the reign of King James I in England, spanning from 1603 to 1625.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term "Jacobean" as related to other countries or periods.

Explanations: The Jacobean Era is named after King James I, who ruled England during this time. It is a key period in English literature, marked by works from authors such as Shakespeare and John Donne.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jordan is unrelated to the Jacobean Era.
Option B: England is correct as it refers to the reign of King James I.
Option C: Malaysia is unrelated to the Jacobean Era.
Option D: Tunisia is unrelated to the Jacobean Era.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1761. "The Scarlet Letter" perfectly reflected transcendentalist themes of mystery, fright, and the occult.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) False.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: "The Scarlet Letter" primarily explores themes of sin, guilt, and societal judgment, which are more aligned with Romanticism rather than Transcendentalism.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the themes of "The Scarlet Letter" with those of Transcendentalism, which emphasizes nature, self-reliance, and the inherent goodness of humanity.

Explanations: "The Scarlet Letter" does not focus on transcendentalist themes like mystery, fright, or the occult. Instead, it critiques Puritan society and explores psychological and moral complexities.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the novel does not reflect transcendentalist themes.
Option B: Correct because the novel's themes are more aligned with Romanticism than Transcendentalism.

1762. First English Tragedy?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Gorboduc.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The first English tragedy is identified by its adherence to classical tragic structure and themes.

Common Mistakes: Confusion with classical Greek tragedies like "Oedipus Rex" or mistaking the playwrights for the play itself.

Explanations: Gorboduc is recognized as the first English tragedy due to its use of classical tragic elements, such as a noble protagonist, a tragic flaw, and a downfall, written in 1561 by Thomas Sackville and Thomas Norton.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Oedipus refers to the Greek tragedy "Oedipus Rex," not an English play.
Option B: Gorboduc is the correct first English tragedy.
Option C: Aeschylus is a Greek tragedian, not related to English literature.
Option D: Incorrect, as Gorboduc is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Gorboduc: First English Tragedy, Norton and Sackville.

1763. 'The Revolt of Islam' is a work by-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Shelley

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a literary work and its author, specifically within the context of Romantic poetry.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Percy Bysshe Shelley with other Romantic poets like Lord Byron or modern authors like Salman Rushdie.

Explanations: "The Revolt of Islam" is a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley, written in 1818. It is an epic work that explores themes of revolution and freedom. The other options are incorrect because they refer to different authors and works unrelated to this poem.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Byron did not write "The Revolt of Islam." He wrote works like "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage."
Option B: Salman Rushdie is a modern author known for "Midnight's Children," not "The Revolt of Islam."
Option C: Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote "The Revolt of Islam," making this the correct answer.
Option D: George Bernard Shaw was a playwright, not the author of this poem.

Mnemonic: Shelley's 'Revolt' is a poetic revolt, not Byron's or Shaw's.

1764. And planned to kill Alonso and Gonzalo.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Antonio and Sebastian.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of character roles and motivations in *The Tempest*, specifically the conspiracy led by Antonio and Sebastian.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the roles of other characters like Caliban or Ferdinand, who are not involved in the plot against Alonso and Gonzalo.

Explanations: Antonio and Sebastian conspire to kill Alonso and Gonzalo to seize power. This reflects their ambition and betrayal of their king and friend.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Antonio and Sebastian are the main conspirators against Alonso and Gonzalo.
Option B: Sycorax is deceased, and Caliban is Prospero's slave, not involved in the plot.
Option C: Ferdinand and Miranda are in a romantic relationship and not involved in any conspiracy.
Option D: Prospero seeks reconciliation, not harm, and Ariel is his loyal spirit.

Mnemonic: "Antonio and Sebastian's plan is a dangerous plan."

1765. New Criticism is the term applied to the criticism of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Anglo- American.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: New Criticism is a literary theory emphasizing close reading of texts, developed by scholars from the UK and the US.

Common Mistakes: Confusing New Criticism with other literary movements or traditions, such as Afro-American or Latin American literature.

Explanations: New Criticism focuses on the intrinsic elements of a text, such as language and structure, and is associated with scholars from the UK and the US. This makes it an Anglo-American literary theory.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as New Criticism is not associated with African literary traditions.
Option B: Correct, as New Criticism is linked to scholars from the UK and the US.
Option C: Incorrect, as it pertains to African-American literature, a separate field.
Option D: Incorrect, as it refers to Latin American literary movements, unrelated to New Criticism.

Mnemonic: "New Criticism is Anglo-American, focusing on the text's own features."

1766. He was not a Renaissance writer.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Sir Thomas Malory

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary periods, specifically distinguishing between medieval and Renaissance writers.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Sir Thomas Malory with Renaissance authors like Shakespeare or Marlowe.

Explanations: Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur" is a medieval work, while the others are Renaissance writers. This distinction is based on the historical periods in which they wrote and the literary styles associated with those periods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: William Shakespeare was a prominent Renaissance playwright and poet.
Option B: Sir Philip Sidney was a key figure in Renaissance literature, known for his poetry and prose.
Option C: Christopher Marlowe was a contemporary of Shakespeare and a significant Renaissance dramatist.
Option D: Sir Thomas Malory's work is medieval, not Renaissance.

Mnemonic: Malory's Arthurian tales are medieval, not Renaissance.

1767. The Faire Queen is written by -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Spenser.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Faire Queen is a poem by Edmund Spenser, part of his larger work "The Faerie Queene."

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other poets like Tennyson or Browning.

Explanations: Edmund Spenser wrote "The Faerie Queene," which includes "The Faire Queen." This poem praises Queen Elizabeth I.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tennyson wrote "In Memoriam," not "The Faire Queen."
Option B: Chaucer wrote "The Canterbury Tales," unrelated to "The Faire Queen."
Option C: Browning wrote dramatic monologues, not "The Faire Queen."
Option D: Spenser wrote "The Faerie Queene," which includes "The Faire Queen."

Mnemonic: Spenser's Queen is Faire, not Tennyson or Browning.

1768. Complete the following famous line from Hamlet: Something is rotten in the state of...

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Denmark

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The line "Something is rotten in the state of..." is a well-known quote from Shakespeare's play *Hamlet*.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the state with other locations mentioned in Shakespeare's works.

Explanations: In *Hamlet*, the phrase is spoken by Marcellus, highlighting corruption in Denmark. This is a key line reflecting the play's themes of decay and moral corruption within the kingdom.

Option Analysis:

Option A: England is not mentioned in this context.
Option B: Venice is unrelated to this quote.
Option C: Denmark is the correct state referred to in the quote.
Option D: Maine is not relevant to the play.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1769. " My own great religion is a belief in the blood, the flesh as being wiser than the intellect." Who wrote this?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Lawrence.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The quote reflects D.H. Lawrence's belief in the primacy of physical and emotional experience over intellect.

Common Mistakes: Mistakenly associating the quote with other authors like Graham Greene or Charles Dickens.

Explanations: D.H. Lawrence is known for his exploration of human emotions and physicality. The quote aligns with his philosophical views, emphasizing the wisdom of the body over the mind.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Graham Greene focused on themes of faith and moral conflict, not this quote.
Option B: Correct, as the quote is from D.H. Lawrence.
Option C: Charles Dickens wrote about social issues, unrelated to this quote.
Option D: Jane Austen focused on social manners, not this philosophical statement.

Mnemonic: Lawrence loves life's raw essence, not just the mind's pretense.

1770. John Milton's "Samson Agonistes" is best described by which of the following genres?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Blank verse tragedy.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: "Samson Agonistes" is a tragedy written in blank verse, a form of unrhymed iambic pentameter, which is characteristic of many of John Milton's works.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing "Samson Agonistes" with Milton's other works, such as his masques or polemical writings, rather than recognizing it as a tragedy.

Explanations: "Samson Agonistes" is a tragedy that follows the biblical figure Samson as he deals with his loss of strength and eventual death. The play is written in blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter, a form commonly used in dramatic works to convey a serious and dramatic tone.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Pastoral elegy is a genre that involves a lament for a lost figure or way of life, often set in an idealized rural landscape. "Samson Agonistes" does not fit this genre as it is not a lament but a tragedy focused on Samson's struggles.
Option B: Prose polemic refers to a persuasive or polemical written work. While Milton wrote polemical works, "Samson Agonistes" is not a prose polemic but a dramatic tragedy.
Option C: Blank verse tragedy is the correct genre for "Samson Agonistes" as it is a tragedy written in blank verse, which aligns with the characteristics of the play.
Option D: Masque is a form of courtly entertainment combining music, dance, and drama. While Milton wrote masques, "Samson Agonistes" is not a masque but a tragedy.

Mnemonic: "Blank verse tragedy, Milton's Samson's agony."

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 118”

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 118”

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