English Literature MCQ

1981. How often did the periodical The Rambler appear in week?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Twice.

Exam Relevance: None.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Rambler was a periodical published twice a week.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the publication frequency of The Rambler.

Explanations: The Rambler was published twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Fridays. This is a well-documented fact about the periodical.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Rambler was not a daily publication.
Option B: The Rambler was not published once a week.
Option C: The Rambler was published twice a week.
Option D: The Rambler was not published thrice a week.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1982. Who is the writer of The Middle English Period?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) William Langland.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Middle English Period in English literature spans roughly from the late 12th to the late 15th century. William Langland is a key figure from this period, known for his poem "Piers Plowman."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing William Langland with later poets like Shakespeare or Wordsworth, who belong to different literary periods.

Explanations: William Langland is associated with the Middle English Period through his significant work "Piers Plowman." This poem is a major literary piece from that era, making Langland a central figure in Middle English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. William Langland is a key writer of the Middle English Period, known for "Piers Plowman."
Option B: Incorrect. William Shakespeare is a playwright from the Renaissance period, not the Middle English Period.
Option C: Incorrect. William Wordsworth is a Romantic poet, active much later than the Middle English Period.
Option D: Incorrect. Lord Tennyson is a Victorian poet, far removed from the Middle English Period.

Mnemonic: Langland for Middle English.

1983. Flecknoe, all English priest at Rome, Richard flecknoe was satirized for his hideous verse by which author ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Andrew Marvell.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English literary satire and specific authors associated with it.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the satirists of the 17th century or confusing poets with satirists.

Explanations: Andrew Marvell satirized Richard Flecknoe in "The Character of the Present Time," highlighting the decline in literary quality. This poem is a key example of Marvell's satirical work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Donne was a metaphysical poet, not known for satirizing Flecknoe.
Option B: George Herbert was a religious poet, not associated with satirizing Flecknoe.
Option C: Andrew Marvell is correct as he satirized Flecknoe in his poem.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct answer is provided.

Mnemonic: "Marvel at Marvell's satire on Flecknoe's verse."

1984. In Shakespeare "Character is not Destiny" but "character and Destiny". Whose comment is this?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Bradley.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The concept tested is the understanding of literary criticism regarding Shakespeare's portrayal of character and destiny.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the scholars associated with specific literary critiques.

Explanations: A.C. Bradley's comment emphasizes that in Shakespeare's works, a character's traits and their fate are interconnected, rather than being separate entities.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bradley made the comment about character and destiny in Shakespeare.
Option B: Incorrect. Dr. Johnson did not make this specific comment.
Option C: Incorrect. Nicoll is not associated with this statement.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is Bradley.

Mnemonic: Bradley's Blend: Character and Destiny.

1985. He was an influential force in archetypal criticism.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Jung.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, Undergraduate English courses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Archetypal criticism examines universal symbols and themes in literature, influenced by Carl Jung's theories on archetypes.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Jung with Freud, as both are key figures in psychology, but Jung's work specifically relates to archetypes in literature.

Explanations: Carl Jung developed the concept of archetypes, which are universal symbols in the collective unconscious. His theories directly influenced archetypal criticism in literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Freud focused on psychoanalytic theory, not archetypal criticism.
Option B: Allen Tate was a poet and critic, not associated with archetypal criticism.
Option C: I.A. Richards is known for practical criticism, not archetypal theory.
Option D: Jung's archetypes are foundational to archetypal criticism.

Mnemonic: Jung's Archetypes are Universal, Just like the Sun.

1986. Which of the following lists represents novel forms ALL present during the Victorian period?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Detective novel, new woman novel, gothic Novel

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary forms during the Victorian period.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the time periods associated with each literary form can lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: The Victorian period saw the rise of the detective novel, the new woman novel, and the continued popularity of the gothic novel. These forms reflect the social and cultural changes of the time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Anti-bellum novel is not Victorian.
Option B: Superhero novel is a modern genre.
Option C: All forms are Victorian.
Option D: Empty-center and magical realism are contemporary.

Mnemonic: Detective, New Woman, Gothic – Victorian Trio

1987. What is the main function of literary theory?

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

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition Exam, Cambridge A Level English Literature.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Literary theory provides frameworks for understanding and interpreting literary works by examining various relationships and contexts.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking literary theory focuses only on one aspect, like historical context or reader relationships, rather than recognizing its comprehensive nature.

Explanations: Literary theory examines relationships between authors, readers, and texts (Option A), the role of identity factors (Option B), and historical context (Option C). All these aspects are integral to its main function.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as it involves analyzing relationships between authors, readers, and texts.
Option B: Correct, as it deals with identity factors in literary study.
Option C: Correct, as it examines historical context's influence on interpretation.
Option D: Correct, as it encompasses all aspects of literary theory.

Mnemonic: ARC-HIST: Analyze Relationships, Contexts, and Histories in Interpretation and Study of Texts.

1988. Which of the following poems was authored by Shakespeare?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) A Loverâ€™s Complaint.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of Shakespeare's works.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the authorship of the poems listed.

Explanations: William Shakespeare authored "A Lover's Complaint." The other options are works by different authors.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Tintern Abbey" is a poem by William Wordsworth.
Option B: "A Loverâ€™s Complaint" is a poem by William Shakespeare.
Option C: "El Cid" is a poem by Robert Southey.
Option D: "The Wasteland" is a poem by T.S. Eliot.

Mnemonic: Shakespeare's romantic works often include complaints or sonnets, like "A Lover's Complaint."

1989. Referring to poets as "unacknowledged legislators of the world" suggests that:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Poets actually help the world grow and develop.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The phrase highlights the influential role of poets in shaping society and culture.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting the metaphor as a literal political role or denying poets' impact.

Explanations: The metaphor suggests poets influence society and culture, contributing to its growth and development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; the metaphor does not imply poets are politicians.
Option B: Incorrect; it denies the significant impact poets have.
Option C: Correct; it aligns with the metaphor's meaning.
Option D: Incorrect; the metaphor does not address readership.

Mnemonic: Legislator without a vote, poets shape the world's thought.

1990. English Bards and Scotch Reviewers is a satire by Byron published in?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) 1809.

Exam Relevance: None.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to recall the publication date of a specific literary work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the publication date with other significant dates in Byron's life or career.

Explanations: English Bards and Scotch Reviewers was published in 1809. This is a key fact in the study of Byron's early works and his satirical contributions to English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1806 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the publication year of this work.
Option B: 1809 is correct as it is the year the satire was published.
Option C: 1812 is incorrect as it is not the publication year of this work.
Option D: 1815 is incorrect as it is not the publication year of this work.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1991. As Shakespeare's style developed, he started to experiment with

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Iambic pentameter.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Iambic pentameter is a poetic meter with five iambs per line, commonly used in Shakespeare's plays and sonnets.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the primary meter Shakespeare experimented with, confusing it with other metrical feet.

Explanations: Shakespeare's experimentation with iambic pentameter was central to his dramatic and poetic style, providing a rhythmic structure that enhanced the flow and emotional impact of his works.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Trochees are a different metrical foot (stressed followed by unstressed) and not the focus of Shakespeare's experimentation.
Option B: Spondees consist of two stressed syllables and were not a primary focus in Shakespeare's development.
Option C: Iambic pentameter is correct, as it was the rhythm Shakespeare extensively used and developed in his works.
Option D: Anapests are a metrical foot with two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed one, not central to Shakespeare's style.

Mnemonic: Iambic Pentameter: Shakespeare's Signature Rhythm

1992. John Dryden's poem "Annus Mirabilis" emphasizes the solution to which of the following important Restoration problems or events?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) England's power to overcome the recent plague and the great fire of London.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "Annus Mirabilis" by John Dryden focuses on England's resilience during the events of 1666, specifically the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the poem's focus with other Restoration issues like political resistance or church unification, rather than the natural disasters it addresses.

Explanations: "Annus Mirabilis" celebrates England's ability to recover from the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London in 1666, highlighting national resilience and unity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The poem emphasizes England's recovery from the plague and fire.
Option B: Incorrect. The poem does not focus on squelching Puritan resistance.
Option C: Incorrect. The poem does not address the church's role in unifying the populace.
Option D: Incorrect. The poem does not discuss Parliament restraining the King's power.

Mnemonic: "Dryden's 'Annus Mirabilis' mirrors England's miracle against plague and fire."

1993. " The Mark of Vishnu" is a mild satire on.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Blind belief and superstition.

Exam Relevance: CBSE, ICSE

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The play satirizes the lack of critical thinking in religious practices.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the play's focus on belief rather than rituals or festivals.

Explanations: The play uses satire to critique how individuals blindly follow religious practices without understanding their significance, highlighting the theme of superstition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The play does not focus on fashion or manners.
Option B: Rituals are mentioned but not the main target.
Option C: Correct, as the play critiques blind belief.
Option D: Festivals are not the central theme.

Mnemonic: Vishnu's Mark targets blind belief, not rituals or festivals.

1994. Which of the following does Professor Hammer identify as one of the most important goals of Imagist poetry?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The privileging of individual detail over the larger pattern.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Imagist poetry emphasizes clarity, precision, and the use of vivid imagery. It focuses on presenting individual details in a way that allows the reader to experience the moment directly, without relying on abstract ideas or generalizations.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Imagism with other poetic movements that prioritize sound or rhythm over meaning.

Explanations: Imagist poetry values the presentation of individual details that create a vivid image, rather than focusing on larger patterns or themes. This approach ensures that each image is clear and precise, allowing the reader to experience the moment directly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Imagism does not prioritize image over sound; both are important but in a balanced way.
Option B: Incorrect. Rhythm is important but not at the expense of meaning.
Option C: Correct. Imagism focuses on individual details to create vivid imagery.
Option D: Incorrect. Colors and textures are elements within images, not the primary focus.

Mnemonic: Detail over Design

1995. Realistic fiction is opposed to fiction.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Romantic.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Realistic fiction and Romantic fiction represent contrasting approaches to storytelling, with realistic fiction focusing on real-life depictions and Romantic fiction emphasizing emotion and the supernatural.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Romantic fiction with other movements like Neo-classical or Naturalistic, which share some thematic elements with realistic fiction.

Explanations: Realistic fiction emphasizes accurate portrayals of life, often focusing on social issues and psychological depth. Romantic fiction, in contrast, prioritizes emotion, nature, and the supernatural, often idealizing human experiences. These differences make Romantic fiction the correct opposition to realistic fiction.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Classical fiction does not oppose realistic fiction as it often deals with similar themes of human nature and social issues.
Option B: Neo-classical fiction, which emphasizes order and rationality, does not inherently oppose realistic fiction.
Option C: Naturalistic fiction is closely related to realistic fiction, focusing on detailed, accurate portrayals of life.
Option D: Romantic fiction contrasts with realistic fiction due to its focus on emotion, nature, and the supernatural.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 133”

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 133”

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