English Literature MCQ

1891. Why does Dee want the quilt in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) She wants to display it for her friends to see.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The story explores themes of cultural heritage and the clash between traditional and modern values. Dee's desire for the quilt reflects her superficial appreciation of her heritage, using it as a decorative item rather than valuing its practical and emotional significance.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming Dee respects her heritage, when in fact, she objectifies it for display.

Explanations: Dee wants the quilt to display it as a symbol of her African heritage, not to use it practically. This shows her shallow understanding of her roots compared to Maggie, who would use the quilt as intended.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dee does not genuinely value her heritage; she wants the quilt for display.
Option B: Dee's motivation is not about depriving Maggie but about displaying the quilt.
Option C: Correct. Dee wants the quilt to show off her heritage to her friends.
Option D: While the quilt is beautiful, Dee's main reason is its display value, not its beauty.

Mnemonic: Dee's Display Desire

1892. Sue and Johnsy were by profession.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Painters

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of character professions in O. Henry's "The Last Leaf."

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the characters' professions or confusing them with other literary figures.

Explanations: In "The Last Leaf," Sue and Johnsy are artists who live together in a studio apartment, focusing on their painting careers. This detail is central to understanding their motivations and the story's themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sue and Johnsy are not poets; they are painters.
Option B: Correct. The story identifies them as painters.
Option C: Software engineering is unrelated to the story's context.
Option D: Piloting is not mentioned or relevant to the characters.

Mnemonic: Sue and Johnsy paint with all their might, not write or fly through the night.

1893. What is the book of Job about?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) God testing a man

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The book of Job explores themes of faith, suffering, and divine justice through the story of Job, who faces severe trials as God tests his faith.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the nature of Job's trials as a result of disobedience rather than a test of faith.

Explanations: The book of Job is about God testing a man's faith and integrity through immense suffering. Job remains faithful despite losing everything, demonstrating the theme of unwavering trust in God.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The book does not depict Job as someone who disobeys God. Job is a righteous man who maintains his faith despite adversity.
Option B: Correct. The narrative centers on God testing Job's faith through trials, ultimately rewarding his steadfastness.

Mnemonic: "Job's Trials Test Faith"

1894. Which of the following statements accurately compares Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier" and Siegfried Sassoon's "The Rear Guard"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Both poems seek to respond to the harsh political and military realities of their day.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The core concept is understanding how war poets respond to the political and military realities of their time through their poetry.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming both poets have the same tone or perspective towards war, when in fact they differ significantly.

Explanations: Rupert Brooke's "The Soldier" and Siegfried Sassoon's "The Rear Guard" both address the harsh realities of World War I. While Brooke's poem romanticizes the soldier's sacrifice, Sassoon's poem presents a grim and realistic portrayal of trench warfare. Both poets sought to respond to the political and military realities of their time, even if their approaches differ.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Neither poem focuses on Britain's military power or imperial ambitions.
Option B: Incorrect. Neither poem discusses Britain's civilizing mission.
Option C: Correct. Both poets address the harsh realities of war.
Option D: Incorrect. While Brooke's poem romanticizes war, Sassoon's does not.

Mnemonic: CRASH - Both poets respond to the harsh realities of war.

1895. The play 'Tara', according to Dattani had been inspired by Tennessee William's play, based on his life story.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) The Glass Menagerie.

Exam Relevance: GRE, SAT Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary influences and the connection between specific plays and authors' life stories.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Tennessee Williams' plays with those of other authors or not recognizing the biographical basis of 'The Glass Menagerie'.

Explanations: 'The Glass Menagerie' is a semi-autobiographical play by Tennessee Williams, reflecting his own life experiences. Dattani's 'Tara' draws inspiration from this work, making it the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 'The Troublesome' is not a play by Tennessee Williams and is unrelated to the context.
Option B: 'Beyond the Horizon' is a play by Eugene O'Neill, not Williams, and unrelated to the question.
Option C: 'Hold These Truths' is a play by Jeanne Sakata, not Williams, and not relevant here.
Option D: 'The Glass Menagerie' is correct as it is Williams' semi-autobiographical play that inspired 'Tara'.

Mnemonic: Glass Menagerie mirrors real life, just like Tara.

1896. In the closing line of the story what does the author call Della and her husband?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Magi

Exam Relevance: SAT Literature Subject Test, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry compares Della and her husband to the Magi, emphasizing their selfless love and generosity.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the symbolic reference to the Magi as wise gift-givers rather than fools or selfish individuals.

Explanations: The author calls Della and her husband "the magi" because their selfless acts of love mirror the generous spirit of the Magi, who gave gifts to the Christ child.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; the author does not label them as fools.
Option B: Incorrect; they are not called foolish children.
Option C: Correct; they are referred to as "the magi."
Option D: Incorrect; they are selfless, not selfish.

Mnemonic: Magi = Wise Gift-Givers

1897. The Eighteenth century saw the rise of a new type of tragedy called the tragedy.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Domestic

Exam Relevance: This concept is tested in exams like the GRE Subject Test in Literature, A Level English Literature, and similar university entrance exams.

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Eighteenth century introduced a new form of tragedy known as the domestic tragedy, which focused on everyday life and common people rather than the grand themes of classical tragedy.

Common Mistakes: Some might confuse domestic tragedy with other forms like Senecan tragedy, which is more associated with classical and revenge themes.

Explanations: Domestic tragedy emerged in the 18th century as a reaction against the grandiose themes of earlier tragedies. It focused on ordinary people and their struggles, making it more relatable to the audience. This shift reflected the changing social and cultural values of the time, emphasizing the domestic sphere and personal emotions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: International tragedy is not a recognized form of tragedy from this period.
Option B: Senecan tragedy refers to a style influenced by Seneca, typically involving revenge and was more prominent in earlier periods.
Option C: Domestic tragedy is correct as it refers to the focus on everyday life and common people.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect because domestic tragedy is a valid and recognized form.

Mnemonic: Domestic tragedy: "Home is where the heart is, and the drama."

1898. To whom was Joyce married?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Nora Barnacle.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of James Joyce's personal life, specifically his marriage.

Common Mistakes: Confusion between Joyce's personal life and his fictional characters or professional associates.

Explanations: James Joyce, a prominent modernist writer, was married to Nora Barnacle. This is a straightforward fact about his personal life.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Nora Barnacle was Joyce's wife.
Option B: Incorrect. Sylvia Beach was Joyce's publisher and friend, not his wife.
Option C: Incorrect. Molly Bloom is a character from Joyce's novel "Ulysses."
Option D: Incorrect. Augusta Gregory was a friend and supporter of Joyce, not his wife.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic needed.

1899. What do you mean by Beast Fable?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) A fictional story of animal characters.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Beast Fable is a literary genre where animals are the main characters, often with human traits, to convey moral lessons.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term as a general story or confusing it with other genres like epics or short stories.

Explanations: Beast Fables use animal characters to tell stories, often with a moral or lesson. This is distinct from other genres like short stories or epics.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as it defines Beast Fable accurately.
Option B: Incorrect, as a short story is a broader category.
Option C: Incorrect, as it refers to longer narratives like novels.
Option D: Incorrect, as it describes a different genre.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1900. In Octavia Butler's "Bloodchild, " The Tlick keep the humans happy by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Supplying them with narcotic eggs.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The story explores themes of power, survival, and the complexities of interspecies relationships.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the Tlic's methods of control and the humans' dependency on the narcotic eggs.

Explanations: The Tlic provide narcotic eggs to the humans, which serve as a form of control and ensure their cooperation. This method is central to the story's depiction of the symbiotic yet exploitative relationship between the two species.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The narcotic eggs are a key element in the Tlic's strategy to keep humans complacent and dependent.
Option B: Incorrect. The Tlic do not allow humans to choose their own mates; they control mating to ensure the survival of their species.
Option C: Incorrect. The males are not freed after being hosts; they remain under the Tlic's control.
Option D: Incorrect. The humans are not paid; they are kept in a state of dependency through the narcotic eggs.

Mnemonic: Tlic Eggs Keep Humans Happy

1901. In literature, some of Shakespeare's most powerful plays were written in that period (for example The Tempest, King Lear, and Macbeth), as well as powerful works by John Webster and .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Ben Jonson.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English Renaissance playwrights and their contemporaries.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Ben Jonson with other playwrights or focusing on Shakespeare's name repetition.

Explanations: Ben Jonson was a significant playwright during the same period as Shakespeare, known for his contributions to English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as it repeats Shakespeare's name, already mentioned in the question.
Option B: Correct, as Ben Jonson was a contemporary playwright.
Option C: Incorrect, as it refers to collections of Jonson's works, not the playwright himself.
Option D: Incorrect, as it refers to the broader theatre movement, not a specific playwright.

Mnemonic: Ben Jonson and Shakespeare were contemporaries, both contributing to the English Renaissance.

1902. Behind every book is a.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Man

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature exam

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The phrase emphasizes the role of the author in creating a book.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the common saying about authors and books.

Explanations: The phrase "Behind every book is a man" highlights that every book has an author, typically a man, who creates it.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A painting is unrelated to book creation.
Option B: A bird is an animal, not related to books.
Option C: A song is a musical composition, not directly related to books.
Option D: A man refers to the author, who creates the book.

1903. Which of the following factors, according to Browning's " Love among the Ruins" , can conquer all and surpass everything in life?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Love.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "Love among the Ruins" by Robert Browning emphasizes the enduring and conquering nature of love.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the theme with other emotions like hatred or focusing on external forces like death or power.

Explanations: The poem reflects on the ruins of a civilization, highlighting that love remains as a lasting force. Love is portrayed as timeless and resilient, capable of enduring beyond the decay of material things.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Death is not the focus; the poem emphasizes love's endurance beyond death.
Option B: Hatred is not presented as a dominant force; the focus is on love.
Option C: Love is the central theme, shown as enduring and conquering.
Option D: Power is not highlighted; the focus is on love's emotional resilience.

Mnemonic: "Love conquers all, even in ruins."

1904. Renaissance Period was dominated by?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Tragedy.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Renaissance period in English literature was marked by a strong emphasis on tragedy, particularly in dramatic works.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the dominance of tragedy with other genres like comedy or forms like prose or translation.

Explanations: The Renaissance period saw a flourishing of tragedy in English literature, with playwrights like Shakespeare producing numerous tragic plays that explored complex human emotions and moral issues. While other genres and forms existed, tragedy was the dominant force.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tragedy was the dominant form in Renaissance English literature, particularly in drama.
Option B: Comedy was present but not dominant.
Option C: Translation was significant but not the main focus.
Option D: Prose was less prominent compared to drama.

Mnemonic: Renaissance Tragedy Triumphs

1905. The perspective or position in which a story is told

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Point of view.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is told, such as first-person, second-person, or third-person.

Common Mistakes: Confusing point of view with plot, summary, or conflict.

Explanations: Point of view is the narrative perspective that conveys the story's events from a specific angle. It determines how the reader experiences the story.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Point of view is the narrative perspective.
Option B: Incorrect. Plot refers to the sequence of events.
Option C: Incorrect. Summary is a brief account of the story.
Option D: Incorrect. Conflict refers to the struggle within the story.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 127”

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 127”

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