English Literature MCQ – Change your future

166. One of the potential disadvantages of this approach to literature is that it can reduce meaning to a certain time frame, rather than making it universal throughout the ages.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Historical.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The historical approach to literature emphasizes the context and time period in which a work was created. This can sometimes limit the interpretation to that specific timeframe, rather than allowing for universal meanings across ages.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the historical approach with other approaches like formalist or feminist, which focus on different aspects of literature.

Explanations: The historical approach examines how a text reflects the cultural, social, and political context of its time. While this provides valuable insights, it can also reduce the text's meaning to that specific period, potentially overlooking its broader, timeless relevance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Formalist approach focuses on the text's structure and language, not its historical context.
Option B: Historical approach considers the time period and context, which can limit the interpretation to that timeframe.
Option C: Feminist approach examines gender roles and inequalities, not time-specific meanings.
Option D: Mimetic approach deals with the representation of reality, not time frames.

Mnemonic: Historical = History-bound

167. What does the lawyer want the banker to do to signal to him that the writings he did in different languages have no errors?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Shoot off a gun shot

Exam Relevance: SAT Literature Subject Test

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests understanding of specific agreements and signals between characters in a literary context.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is choosing an option that doesn't align with the agreed-upon signal between the lawyer and the banker.

Explanations: In the story, the lawyer and banker have agreed that a gunshot will signal that the writings are error-free. This method is unconventional but effective for their secret communication.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Knocking at the door twice is not the agreed signal.
Option B: Slipping a letter under the door is not mentioned as their method.
Option C: Shooting off a gun shot is the correct signal they agreed upon.
Option D: Blowing a whistle is not part of their agreement.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

168. In words of more than one syllable, not all the syllables are equally

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Stressed.

Exam Relevance: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: In English, stress refers to the emphasis placed on certain syllables within a word. Not all syllables in multi-syllabic words are stressed equally.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing stress with syllable placement or usage rather than understanding it as the emphasis on certain syllables.

Explanations: Stress in English words is not uniformly distributed. Some syllables receive more emphasis than others, affecting pronunciation and meaning.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Stress varies among syllables in multi-syllabic words.
Option B: Incorrect. Placement refers to syllable order, not stress.
Option C: Incorrect. Usage is unrelated to stress distribution.
Option D: Incorrect. Arrangement refers to structure, not stress.

Mnemonic: "Stress is not equal; some syllables are stressed, others not."

169. Mysteries of Udolpho is a novel.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Gothic.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The novel "The Mysteries of Udolpho" by Ann Radcliffe is a prime example of Gothic literature, characterized by elements such as castles, secrets, supernatural events, and a sense of foreboding.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Gothic fiction with other genres like historical fiction or picaresque, which do not emphasize the same atmospheric and supernatural elements.

Explanations: Gothic literature focuses on creating a sense of mystery, horror, and suspense, often set in eerie locations like castles or monasteries. "The Mysteries of Udolpho" fits this genre perfectly with its dark, mysterious plot and atmospheric settings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Picaresque novels focus on episodic adventures, which does not align with the cohesive, suspenseful narrative of "The Mysteries of Udolpho."
Option B: The novel is fictional and does not draw from the author's life, ruling out autobiographical elements.
Option C: Gothic fiction emphasizes mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements, all of which are present in the novel.
Option D: While set in a historical context, the novel prioritizes Gothic elements over historical accuracy.

Mnemonic: Ghosts, Castles, and Terror—Gothic novels fit right in.

170. Fill in the blank. In the play, "Macbeth, " a number of characters refer to the Three Witches as .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The Weird Sisters

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The term "The Weird Sisters" is used in Shakespeare's "Macbeth" to describe the Three Witches, highlighting their supernatural and unsettling qualities.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the witches' names with other terms like "The Fatal Sisters" or "The Dead Sisters," which are not used in the play.

Explanations: In "Macbeth," the Three Witches are explicitly called "The Weird Sisters." This term underscores their otherworldly and disturbing presence, which is crucial to their role in the narrative.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "The violent trio" is incorrect because the witches are not primarily characterized by violence.
Option B: "The Fatal Sisters" is incorrect as this term does not appear in the play.
Option C: "The Weird Sisters" is correct, as this is the term used in the play to describe the witches.
Option D: "The Dead Sisters" is incorrect because the witches are not dead; they are supernatural beings.

Mnemonic: Weird Sisters: Witches with Weirdness

171. Who wrote: "I would prefer not to."?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Herman Melville.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The phrase "I would prefer not to." is from Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener," highlighting themes of resistance and melancholy.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other authors like Poe or Thoreau, who have distinct literary styles and works.

Explanations: Herman Melville wrote the phrase in his story "Bartleby, the Scrivener," where the character Bartleby uses it to refuse tasks, symbolizing passive resistance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Edgar Allan Poe wrote gothic and macabre works, not this phrase.
Option B: Herman Melville authored the phrase in "Bartleby, the Scrivener."
Option C: Thomas Gray wrote elegiac poetry, unrelated to this phrase.
Option D: Henry David Thoreau focused on transcendentalist essays, not this context.

Mnemonic: "Melville's Bartleby prefers not to comply."

172. What is the name of the sister of William Wordsworth, who is also a poet and diarist?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Dorothy Wordsworth

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary siblings and their contributions to English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Dorothy Wordsworth with other female poets of the Romantic era, such as Mary Shelley or Jane Austen.

Explanations: Dorothy Wordsworth was the sister of William Wordsworth and is recognized for her own literary contributions, including her journals and poetry. The other options do not refer to her.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Anna Wordsworth is not a known poet or diarist associated with William Wordsworth.
Option B: Agnes Wordsworth is not a recognized figure in English literature.
Option C: Shirley Wordsworth is not a known sibling of William Wordsworth.
Option D: Dorothy Wordsworth is the correct answer as she is the sister of William Wordsworth and a known poet and diarist.

Mnemonic: Dorothy and William: D for Diarist, W for Wordsworth.

173. How would you describe the invisible man's social life?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) He has no friends.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The novel explores themes of isolation and the consequences of scientific obsession.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the protagonist's psychological state and social circumstances.

Explanations: Griffin's invisibility leads to social isolation and paranoia, resulting in no friends.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; Griffin's life is not filled with social events.
Option B: Incorrect; Griffin has no close friends.
Option C: Incorrect; Griffin's social life is nonexistent.
Option D: Correct; Griffin has no friends due to his isolation.

Mnemonic: Invisible Griffin, no friends, just invisibility.

174. 'Earth is the right place for Love and I do not know where it is likely to go better.' These lines are from:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Birches

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of specific lines from Robert Frost's poetry.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the poem title associated with the lines.

Explanations: The lines are from Robert Frost's poem "Birches," which reflects on themes of love and the beauty of Earth. The other options are Frost's poems but do not contain these lines.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "The Road Not Taken" is about making life choices, not about love on Earth.
Option B: "Fire and Ice" discusses the end of the world, unrelated to the given lines.
Option C: "Birches" contains the lines, focusing on love and Earth's beauty.
Option D: Incorrect, as the lines are from "Birches."

Mnemonic: "Birches" for "Better" Earth love.

175. Miniver Cheevy's name satirically hints at his

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) A minimalist achievements in life.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The name "Miniver Cheevy" is a satirical reference to a character with modest aspirations.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the satirical meaning behind the name.

Explanations: The name "Miniver Cheevy" combines "miniver," a type of fur, and "cheevy," suggesting triviality. This reflects the character's minimalist achievements and unambitious nature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as it aligns with the satirical meaning of the name.
Option B: Incorrect, as Cheevy is not magnanimous.
Option C: Incorrect, as Cheevy is not brave.
Option D: Incorrect, as Cheevy is not hardworking or socially sensitive.

Mnemonic: Miniver Cheevy: Minimalist Achievements, Cheery but Small.

176. The play " Romeo and Juliet" is based on

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The story of Pyramus and Thisbe.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" draws from the ancient story of Pyramus and Thisbe, which shares themes of forbidden love and tragic death.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other tragic love stories like Antony and Cleopatra or historical events.

Explanations: "Romeo and Juliet" is based on the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, which involves young lovers facing parental opposition and a tragic end. Shakespeare adapted this narrative into his play, incorporating elements such as feuding families, secret marriage, and double suicide.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Antony and Cleopatra is a historical tragedy, not the basis for Romeo and Juliet.
Option B: Atreus and Thyeste is a Greek myth about sibling rivalry, unrelated to the play.
Option C: Pyramus and Thisbe is the correct source, sharing themes of forbidden love and tragedy.
Option D: Incorrect, as the story of Pyramus and Thisbe is the basis.

Mnemonic: Pyramus and Thisbe: Romeo and Juliet's decree.

177. The language that seeks to arouse feelings is called language.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Emotive.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Emotive language is used to evoke feelings and emotions in the audience.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the purpose of emotive language or confusing it with other types of language.

Explanations: Emotive language uses emotionally charged words to connect with the audience's feelings, making it effective in persuasive contexts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Emotive language is designed to arouse feelings.
Option B: Incorrect. Destructive language aims to harm or criticize.
Option C: Incorrect. Useful is too vague and unrelated.
Option D: Incorrect. Useless implies no value, which is not true for emotive language.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

178. How will the speaker remember the young girl of 'The Solitary Reaper'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) He will carry her song in his heart.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "The Solitary Reaper" by William Wordsworth focuses on the emotional and lasting impact of a young girl's song on the speaker.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the emotional depth of the poem and the significance of the song in the speaker's memory.

Explanations: The speaker is deeply moved by the girl's song, which he carries in his heart as a cherished memory. This reflects the poem's theme of the enduring power of nature and human emotion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The speaker remembers the girl through her song, which he carries in his heart.
Option B: Incorrect. The poem does not mention carrying a physical token of her.
Option C: Incorrect. There is no indication of correspondence in the poem.
Option D: Incorrect. The speaker's memory of the girl is lasting, not fleeting.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

179. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding was first published in -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The 1st half of 18th Century.

Exam Relevance: None.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The publication date of *Tom Jones* is a key fact in 18th-century English literature.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the publication date with other 18th-century novels or mix up the century entirely.

Explanations: *Tom Jones* by Henry Fielding was published in 1749, which is in the first half of the 18th century (1701-1750). This places it firmly in the early part of the century, making option C correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The 1st half of the 19th century is 1801-1850, which is too late for *Tom Jones*.
Option B: Incorrect. The 2nd half of the 19th century is 1851-1900, which is far after the novel's publication.
Option C: Correct. The 1st half of the 18th century is 1701-1750, and *Tom Jones* was published in 1749.
Option D: Incorrect. The 2nd half of the 18th century is 1751-1800, which is after the novel's publication.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

180. Which of the following was a key element or aspect of Romantic poetry?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Engagement with the natural world.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Romantic poetry emphasizes nature, emotion, and individualism.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Romanticism as a continuation of Enlightenment rationality.

Explanations: Romantic poets often depicted nature as a source of inspiration and personal reflection. This engagement with the natural world was central to their work, contrasting with the industrialized and urbanized settings of the time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge focused on nature's beauty and its impact on the human spirit.
Option B: Incorrect. Romanticism rejected Enlightenment rationality in favor of emotion and intuition.
Option C: Incorrect. Romantic poetry is marked by emotional expressiveness, not restraint.
Option D: Incorrect. Many Romantic poets were associated with liberal or radical political views, not conservatism.

Mnemonic: Nature Nurtures Romanticism

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 12”

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 12”

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