English Literature MCQ

1921. Who was Mr.Shuckleforth?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) The Magistrate.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of characters from Charles Dickens' "The Pickwick Papers."

Common Mistakes: Misremembering Mr. Shuckleforth's role or confusing it with other characters' professions.

Explanations: Mr. Shuckleforth is a character in "The Pickwick Papers" who serves as a Magistrate, a judicial figure. This is a direct fact about his character in the novel.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Mr. Shuckleforth is the Magistrate in the novel.
Option B: Incorrect. There is no indication that Mr. Shuckleforth is a Scientist.
Option C: Incorrect. Mr. Shuckleforth is not a Naturalist.
Option D: Incorrect. He is not a Blacksmith.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1922. Which of the following is NOT one of the general themes of concern in Derek Walcott's poem"Becune Point"

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) World War II.

Exam Relevance: Cambridge IGCSE English Literature, AQA GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "Becune Point" by Derek Walcott focuses on themes of nature, Christianity, and pastoral landscapes.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming that historical events like World War II are central to the poem's themes.

Explanations: The poem does not address World War II. It instead explores the beauty of nature and its spiritual significance, along with pastoral imagery.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Nature is a central theme in the poem.
Option B: Christianity is referenced in the poem's spiritual elements.
Option C: Pastoral landscapes are vividly depicted throughout the poem.
Option D: World War II is not mentioned or implied in the poem.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1923. Which of the following would be considered postcolonial novelists, defined as coming historically after the era of England's large-scale imperialism?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Salman Rushdie.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Postcolonial novelists are those who write after the era of large-scale British imperialism, often exploring themes of colonialism and its effects.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing postcolonial authors with those active during the colonial period.

Explanations: Salman Rushdie is a postcolonial novelist as his works address the aftermath of colonialism. Other options are associated with the colonial or pre-colonial periods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Salman Rushdie is a postcolonial novelist, writing after the era of British imperialism.
Option B: Joseph Conrad wrote during the imperial period, not after it.
Option C: Rabindranath Tagore was active during British colonial rule in India.
Option D: John Ruskin was a Victorian writer, active before the height of British imperialism.

Mnemonic: "Rushdie comes after Tagore, postcolonial follows colonial."

1924. Which of the following human behaviors is important to a Freudian psychoanalytic study of William Shakespeare's Hamlet?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) All of the above.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Freudian psychoanalysis examines unconscious desires, defense mechanisms, and slips of the tongue. In "Hamlet," these behaviors are crucial for understanding the protagonist's psyche.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the breadth of Freudian analysis, thinking only one behavior is relevant.

Explanations: Freudian psychoanalysis in literature involves analyzing emotional changes, obsessions, and slips of the tongue to uncover unconscious thoughts and conflicts. In "Hamlet," these behaviors are central to understanding the protagonist's psychological struggles.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Changes in emotional states are important as they reflect inner psychological conflicts.
Option B: Obsessions are key Freudian concepts, representing repressed desires or fixations.
Option C: Slips of the tongue reveal unconscious thoughts, crucial in psychoanalysis.
Option D: All of the above are correct because each behavior is significant in Freudian analysis.

Mnemonic: COAST: Changes, Obsessions, Slips, All, Tongue.

1925. What language did the clerics, the religious people, speak?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Latin.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in World History, AP European History

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Latin was the language of the Christian Church and was used by clerics for religious and scholarly purposes.

Common Mistakes: Mistakenly thinking that clerics spoke the vernacular language of the region they were in, rather than the universal language of the Church.

Explanations: Clerics, as religious figures, primarily used Latin for liturgical purposes, religious texts, and communication within the Church. This was because Latin was the lingua franca of the Christian Church, ensuring uniformity and continuity across different regions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Latin was the language of the Church and used by clerics.
Option B: Incorrect. German was not the primary language of clerics.
Option C: Incorrect. French was not the language of the Church.
Option D: Incorrect. Old English was not used by clerics for religious purposes.

Mnemonic: "Latin Links to the Church"

1926. Which of the following novels does not belong to the 19th century?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Jonathan Wild

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the publication dates of classic novels and their placement within the 19th century.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the publication date of Jonathan Wild with that of other 19th-century novels.

Explanations: Jonathan Wild was published in 1726, making it an 18th-century work. The other options were all published in the 19th century.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jane Eyre was published in 1847, part of the 19th century.
Option B: Emma was published in 1815, also in the 19th century.
Option C: Jonathan Wild was published in 1726, an 18th-century work.
Option D: Wuthering Heights was published in 1847, part of the 19th century.

1927. What was the cause of William's death in Sons and Lovers?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Pneumonia.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The cause of William's death in Sons and Lovers is directly linked to his health and emotional state.

Common Mistakes: Some may confuse the cause with other health issues or misunderstand the narrative's progression.

Explanations: William's death is attributed to pneumonia, which is a result of his declining health and the stress from his relationships and personal struggles.

Option Analysis:

Option A: There is no accident described in the novel that leads to William's death.
Option B: An overdose of morphia is not mentioned as the cause of his death.
Option C: Suicide is not indicated as the cause of William's death in the text.
Option D: Pneumonia is explicitly stated as the cause of William's death in the novel.

Mnemonic: Pneumonia Plagues William.

1928. Milton's 'Comus' is

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

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: 'Comus' is a masque, a dramatic form that includes dialogue, song, and dance, often with a moral or allegorical theme.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the genre of 'Comus' as a play, short story, or elegy.

Explanations: 'Comus' is a masque, a form of entertainment with dramatic elements, music, and dance. It is not an absurd play, a short story, or an elegy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 'Comus' is not an absurd play; it is a masque with a moral theme.
Option B: 'Comus' is not a short story; it is a dramatic work.
Option C: 'Comus' is a masque, a form of courtly entertainment.
Option D: 'Comus' is not an elegy; it is a masque with a moral message.

Mnemonic: M for Masque in Milton's 'Comus'.

1929. The development of the novel is associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) The continuing importance of mythological stories.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The novel's development was influenced by scientific observation, political individualism, and emotional philosophy, not mythological narratives.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the shift from mythological epics to realistic novels in literary history.

Explanations: The novel emerged during periods emphasizing realism and individualism, focusing on human emotions and societal issues rather than mythological stories. Scientific observation, political focus on rights, and emotional theories were central to its development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Scientific observation influenced realistic portrayals in novels. Correct association.
Option B: Political focus on individual rights aligned with novel's exploration of personal experiences. Correct association.
Option C: Philosophical theories of emotions shaped the novel's exploration of human psychology. Correct association.
Option D: Mythological stories were not central to the novel's development, which focused on realism. Incorrect association.

Mnemonic: "Novels focus on 'Now,' not 'Myths'—so D is out."

1930. The true origins of English Comedy however is to be found in the mystery and miracle plays of the

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Middle ages.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The origins of English Comedy are rooted in the mystery and miracle plays of the Middle Ages.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the historical context of English comedy's development.

Explanations: English Comedy originated in the Middle Ages through mystery and miracle plays, which included humorous elements to engage audiences. These plays were religious but incorporated comedy, which later evolved into secular forms.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Augustan age is unrelated to English comedy's origins.
Option B: The Elizabethan age came later and focused on playwrights like Shakespeare.
Option C: The Middle Ages is correct as mystery and miracle plays were the foundation.
Option D: Incorrect because the Middle Ages is the correct period.

Mnemonic: Middle Ages Comedy Roots

1931. " The Crown of Wild Olive" , is written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Ruskin.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "The Crown of Wild Olive" is a work by John Ruskin.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Ruskin and other Victorian writers.

Explanations: John Ruskin authored "The Crown of Wild Olive," a collection of essays on art and society.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as Ruskin wrote the essays.
Option B: Incorrect, J.S. Mill was a philosopher.
Option C: Incorrect, C. Lamb wrote essays and letters.
Option D: Incorrect, Russell was a philosopher.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1932. The following is not concerned as a theme to Shakespeare's 'Othello':

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Religion

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The themes of 'Othello' include jealousy, love, and revenge, but not religion.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the central themes of 'Othello' could lead to selecting religion as a theme.

Explanations: 'Othello' focuses on jealousy, love, and revenge. Jealousy drives the tragic events, love is central to the characters' relationships, and revenge motivates Iago's actions. Religion is not a significant theme in the play.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jealousy is a central theme, as it leads to the tragic events.
Option B: Love is a key theme, particularly between Othello and Desdemona.
Option C: Religion is not a significant theme in 'Othello'.
Option D: Revenge is a major theme, as Iago's actions are motivated by it.

Mnemonic: JLR: Jealousy, Love, Revenge

1933. The theory of the Objective Correlative was given by

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) T. S. Eliot.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Objective Correlative is a literary theory that posits the use of objects or events to convey emotion.

Common Mistakes: Confusing it with other literary theories or critics.

Explanations: T. S. Eliot introduced the Objective Correlative in his essay "Hamlet and His Problems," emphasizing the use of external elements to express emotion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as Eliot developed the theory.
Option B: Incorrect, Arnold was a poet, not associated with this theory.
Option C: Incorrect, Leavis was a critic but not linked to this concept.
Option D: Incorrect, Derrida focused on deconstruction.

Mnemonic: Eliot's Objective Correlative: Emotions through Objects.

1934. Who wrote The Vicar of Wake Field?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Goldsmith.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in Literature, GRE Subject Test in Literature in English, high school and university-level English literature exams.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of authors and their works, a fundamental aspect of English literature.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Goldsmith with other 18th-century authors like Fielding or Defoe.

Explanations: Oliver Goldsmith wrote "The Vicar of Wakefield," a picaresque novel published in 1766. The novel follows the Reverend Mr. Primrose and his family through various misadventures.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Samuel Richardson wrote "Pamela" and "Clarissa," not "The Vicar of Wakefield."
Option B: Henry Fielding wrote "Tom Jones" and "Joseph Andrews," not "The Vicar of Wakefield."
Option C: Daniel Defoe wrote "Robinson Crusoe" and "Moll Flanders," not "The Vicar of Wakefield."
Option D: Oliver Goldsmith wrote "The Vicar of Wakefield," making this the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Goldsmith wrote about the Vicar, not Fielding or Defoe.

1935. The Monk is a novel.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Gothic.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Monk is classified as a Gothic novel due to its use of supernatural elements, gloomy settings, and exploration of psychological themes.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Gothic literature with other genres like science fiction or picaresque, which have distinct characteristics.

Explanations: The Monk incorporates elements typical of Gothic literature, such as a remote, eerie setting, supernatural occurrences, and a focus on psychological horror. These features align it with the Gothic genre.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Monk is not autobiographical; it is a work of fiction.
Option B: The picaresque genre involves episodic adventures, which is not the case here.
Option C: The novel lacks futuristic or technological elements, so it is not science fiction.
Option D: The Monk fits the Gothic genre with its supernatural elements and gloomy setting.

Mnemonic: Gothic novels often feature Ghoulish settings, Omnipresent darkness, and Terrifying events.

⬅ Previous SetSet 129Next Set ➡

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 129”

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 129”

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