English Literature MCQ

1861. What was slung over the sniper's shoulders?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) His field glasses.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of a sniper's essential equipment.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the typical tools a sniper uses.

Explanations: Field glasses are essential for snipers to observe targets from a distance, making them the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rifles are not slung over shoulders.
Option B: Revolvers are sidearms, not slung.
Option C: Whiskey is unrelated to sniper equipment.
Option D: Field glasses are essential for observation.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1862. By -------- Shakespeare had established himself in London as an actor and dramatist:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) 1592.

Exam Relevance: This concept is tested in exams such as the AP English Literature and Composition exam and the Cambridge IGCSE English Literature exam.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Shakespeare's career timeline, specifically when he became prominent in London.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the dates around Shakespeare's early career, such as mistaking 1590 or 1591 as the year he gained prominence.

Explanations: Shakespeare arrived in London in the early 1580s but did not gain recognition until later. By 1592, he was well-known as both an actor and playwright, evidenced by Robert Greene's pamphlet attacking him that year. This marks the point of his established presence in the London theater scene.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. While Shakespeare was active in London by this time, he hadn't yet achieved prominence.
Option B: Incorrect. Although close, 1591 still precedes the documented recognition of his work.
Option C: Correct. This is the year Robert Greene's pamphlet mentions Shakespeare, indicating his established status.
Option D: Incorrect. By 1593, Shakespeare was already established and had published his first poem.

Mnemonic: "By '92, Will was in the spotlight."

1863. How did the term "Gothic" become associated with the literary phenomenon known as the Gothic novel?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The use of the word in the subtitle of Walpole's novel.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The term "Gothic" in Gothic novels is derived from Horace Walpole's use of the subtitle in his novel "The Castle of Otranto."

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the origin of the term "Gothic" as related to architecture or violence rather than its literary roots.

Explanations: The term "Gothic" became associated with Gothic novels through Horace Walpole's 1764 novel "The Castle of Otranto," which he subtitled "A Gothic Story." This subtitle was the first use of "Gothic" in this context, linking the genre to medieval settings, supernatural elements, and a sense of mystery. The term gained popularity and became synonymous with the literary movement characterized by these features.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Excessive violence is a common element in Gothic novels but is not the origin of the term "Gothic."
Option B: Barbarians are not a defining feature of Gothic novels, and the term "Gothic" does not refer to them.
Option C: Correct. The subtitle of Walpole's novel introduced the term "Gothic" to describe the genre.
Option D: While Gothic architecture is often featured in Gothic novels, the term "Gothic" in the genre's name comes from Walpole's subtitle, not the architecture itself.

Mnemonic: Walpole's subtitle started the Gothic style.

1864. The Irish Dramatic Movement was heralded by such figures as

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) W. B. Yeats, Lady Gregory and Edward Martyn.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, CIE A Level English Literature, GCSE English Literature.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Irish Dramatic Movement was a cultural revival in Ireland focused on theater, led by W. B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, and Edward Martyn.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Oscar Wilde's contributions to English literature and the specific Irish Dramatic Movement.

Explanations: The Irish Dramatic Movement aimed to revive Irish culture through theater. W. B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, and Edward Martyn were central to this movement, establishing the Abbey Theatre. Their work was pivotal in fostering Irish national identity through dramatic arts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: H. Drummond, Edward Irving, and John Ervine were not associated with the Irish Dramatic Movement. They were from different regions and periods.
Option B: Correct. These figures were key in founding the Abbey Theatre and promoting Irish drama.
Option C: Oscar Wilde was part of the Aesthetic Movement, not the Irish Dramatic Movement.
Option D: Jonathan Swift was an 18th-century writer, unrelated to the late 19th-century movement.

Mnemonic: "Yellows, Greens, and Marts" - referencing Yeats, Gregory, and Martyn.

1865. What is the name of the sequel to Paradise Lost?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Paradise Regained

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary sequels, specifically within John Milton's works.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse "Paradise Regained" with other works or think it's a direct continuation rather than a sequel.

Explanations: "Paradise Regained" is the sequel to "Paradise Lost," focusing on Christ's temptation in the wilderness. The other options are either incorrect titles or do not follow the correct sequence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Paradise Found" is unrelated and not a sequel.
Option B: "Paradise Lost Twice" is a fictional title.
Option C: "Paradise Regained" is the correct sequel.
Option D: "Paradise Lost Again" is not a real work.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1866. Let me for a few moments turn your attention to the reservations in the different states of New England, and, with but few exceptions, we shall find them as follows: the most mean, abject, miserable race of beings in the world - a complete place of prodigality and prostitution. What does "prodigality" mean?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Wasteful extravagance.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT, GRE

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: "Prodigality" refers to the quality of being wasteful or extravagant.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term as related to promiscuity or other unrelated concepts.

Explanations: "Prodigality" describes excessive spending or indulgence, fitting the context of a place characterized by wastefulness.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as it matches the definition of "prodigality."
Option B: Incorrect, as it refers to sexual behavior, not financial excess.
Option C: Incorrect, as it relates to returning from the dead, unrelated to the term.
Option D: Incorrect, as it refers to being saved or forgiven, not relevant here.

Mnemonic: Prodi-gal-ity: Prodigal means wasteful, so prodigality is the state of being wasteful.

1867. Which of Uncle Tom's personal characteristics guided his interactions with others and his responses to his circumstances?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) His honesty and deep devotion to God.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Uncle Tom's honesty and religious devotion are central to his character, shaping his interactions and responses.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding may focus on surface traits like gentleness rather than deeper guiding principles.

Explanations: Uncle Tom's honesty and deep devotion to God are the primary characteristics that guide his interactions and responses. His honesty ensures he remains true to his principles, while his devotion to God provides him with moral strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: While Uncle Tom is gentle and soft-spoken, these traits are not the primary guiding characteristics behind his actions and responses.
Option B: His honesty and deep devotion to God are the key traits that guide his interactions and responses, making this the correct answer.
Option C: Uncle Tom's fear of violence is a reaction to his circumstances, not a guiding characteristic.
Option D: There is no evidence in the text to suggest that Uncle Tom hides a rebellious nature.

Mnemonic: Honesty and God Guide Tom (HAGG T)

1868. 'Butted in' means.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 'interrupted'.

Exam Relevance: TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Understanding idiomatic expressions and their figurative meanings in English.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting "butted" as a literal action rather than a metaphor for interrupting.

Explanations: The phrase "butted in" is an informal way to describe interrupting someone. While "butted" comes from the verb "to butt," in this context, it is used metaphorically to mean inserting oneself into a conversation without invitation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Interrupted" matches the figurative meaning of "butted in."
Option B: Incorrect. "Ran into" refers to physical collision, not interruption.
Option C: Incorrect. "Pushed with the head" is a literal interpretation, not the intended meaning.
Option D: Incorrect. Option A is correct, so "None of the above" is wrong.

Mnemonic: Butting in is like interrupting, not head-butting.

1869. Which is the first extant poem of John Keats, which is written in the year 1814 when when was 19 years of age?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) An Imitation of Spenser.

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of John Keats' early poetic works and their chronology.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing "An Imitation of Spenser" with Keats' more famous later works like "La Belle Dame Sans Mercy" or the odes.

Explanations: John Keats wrote "An Imitation of Spenser" in 1814 at the age of 19, making it his first extant poem. This poem demonstrates his early experimentation with Spenserian diction and style, which was a significant influence on his early work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "La Belle Dame Sans Mercy" was written in 1819, later than "An Imitation of Spenser."
Option B: "Ode on a Grecian Urn" was written in 1819, also later than Keats' early work.
Option C: "Ode to a Skylark" was written in 1819, again after his initial poetic efforts.
Option D: "An Imitation of Spenser" is correctly identified as Keats' first extant poem, written in 1814.

Mnemonic: An Imitation of Spenser starts Keats' poetic journey.

1870. Which of the following statements best explains Mikhail Bakhtin's philosophy of language?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Language exhibits and is bound up in the social lives and historical context of the people who speak it.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mikhail Bakhtin's philosophy of language emphasizes the dynamic interplay between language and the social-historical context of its users.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Bakhtin's focus on broader social and historical contexts rather than just dialects or intentions.

Explanations: Bakhtin's theory highlights that language is not static but shaped by the social, cultural, and historical experiences of its speakers. This means language reflects and is influenced by the power dynamics, ideologies, and collective experiences within a society. For example, the use of formal vs. informal language can reflect social hierarchies and historical shifts in communication norms.

Option Analysis:

Option A: While Bakhtin acknowledges multiple dialects, this doesn't fully capture his emphasis on broader social and historical contexts.
Option B: Socio-ideological contradictions are part of Bakhtin's thought but not the central focus.
Option C: Accurately reflects Bakhtin's view that language is deeply intertwined with social and historical contexts.
Option D: Focuses on intentions, which is more aligned with speech act theory than Bakhtin's philosophy.

Mnemonic: CHaSe (Context, History, Society, Experience)

1871. Who discovers Duncan's corpse?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Macduff.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to recall specific plot details from Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Macduff with Macbeth, as Macbeth is the murderer, not the discoverer.

Explanations: In "Macbeth," Macduff discovers King Duncan's corpse after the murder. This is a key plot point that sets the subsequent events in motion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Macduff is the one who finds Duncan's body.
Option B: Incorrect. Macbeth killed Duncan but did not discover the body.
Option C: Incorrect. Duncan's sons were not present when the body was found.
Option D: Incorrect. Banquo is not involved in discovering the corpse.

Mnemonic: Macduff Discovers Duncan's Death.

1872. Chaucer became a page to which king's daughter-in-law?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Edward III.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Geoffrey Chaucer served as a page to the daughter-in-law of King Edward III.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the kings of England and their relationships with Chaucer.

Explanations: Geoffrey Chaucer was a page to the daughter-in-law of Edward III, which is a key historical fact about his early career.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Chaucer served as a page to the daughter-in-law of Edward III.
Option B: Incorrect. Richard II was a later king and unrelated to Chaucer's early service.
Option C: Incorrect. Henry IV succeeded Richard II and is not connected to Chaucer's role as a page.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in option A.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1873. The children of the village, too, would shout with joy whenever he approached. He assisted at their sports, made their playthings, taught them to fly kites and shoot marbles, and told them long stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians. This work draws upon:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) A European fairy tale.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The passage describes a figure who interacts with children, telling them stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians. This aligns with European fairy tales, which often include such elements.

Common Mistakes: One might mistake the stories for local ghost stories or Indian legends, but the presence of witches and the overall tone suggest a European fairy tale influence.

Explanations: The passage describes a figure who interacts with children, telling them stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians. This aligns with European fairy tales, which often include such elements. The other options don't fit as well because they focus on local or Indian themes, which aren't the primary source here.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The stories of ghosts, witches, and Indians are typical of European fairy tales.
Option B: Incorrect. Local ghost stories would focus more on regional folklore without the broader European elements.
Option C: Incorrect. Indian legends would center on cultural and mythological themes specific to India, not the mix described.
Option D: Incorrect. European ghost stories are a subset but don't encompass the fairy tale elements like witches and marbles.

1874. The rise of the governess novel was:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Connected with the 19th-century anxiety concerning middle-class female employment in general, and governess work in particular.

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature, Cambridge A Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The governess novel genre reflects the societal anxieties of 19th-century England regarding women's roles and employment, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by governesses.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the historical context of the governess novel and its connection to women's employment issues.

Explanations: The governess novel emerged in the 19th century, addressing the anxieties surrounding middle-class women's employment, especially the precarious position of governesses. These novels often depicted the social and economic challenges faced by governesses, highlighting their lack of financial independence and societal marginalization. This genre served as a critique of the limited opportunities available to educated women during this period.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The governess novel was popular during the 19th century, not just at the end, and governesses were still commonly employed during that period.
Option B: Incorrect. The genre was not limited to pre-1840 works, and many authors had personal experience or knowledge of governess life.
Option C: Incorrect. The genre was predominantly written by women, reflecting their experiences and perspectives.
Option D: Correct. The genre reflects the societal anxieties of 19th-century England regarding women's roles and employment, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by governesses.

Mnemonic: Governess Novels: Anxiety in Employment

1875. Eric Hugh Blair is known as -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) George Orwell.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of an author's pen name.

Common Mistakes: Confusing George Orwell with other authors like E.M. Forster or T.S. Eliot.

Explanations: Eric Hugh Blair used the pen name George Orwell. His works include "1984" and "Animal Farm," which are significant in English literature for their critique of totalitarianism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: E.M. Forster is a different author known for works like "A Passage to India."
Option B: T.S. Eliot is a poet known for works like "The Waste Land."
Option C: George Orwell is the correct pen name for Eric Hugh Blair.
Option D: William Golding is known for "Lord of the Flies."

Mnemonic: Eric Blair became George Orwell, writing about Big Brother and farm animals.

⬅ Previous SetSet 125Next Set ➡

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 125”

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 125”

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