English Literature MCQ

2011. 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel' is written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Walter Scott.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to identify the author of a specific literary work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Walter Scott with other Romantic poets like Byron or Shelley.

Explanations: Walter Scott is the author of 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel', a narrative poem set in the medieval period. The poem reflects Scott's interest in Scottish history and folklore.

Option Analysis:

Option A: William Blake was a Romantic poet known for works like 'Songs of Innocence', not 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel'.
Option B: Lord Byron was a leading Romantic poet, but he did not write this poem.
Option C: Alfred Lord Tennyson was a Victorian poet, and his works differ from Scott's Romantic style.
Option D: Walter Scott authored 'The Lay of the Last Minstrel', making this the correct answer.

Mnemonic: "Walter Scott wrote 'The Lay' about the last minstrel's lay."

2012. The word 'juggernaut' shows the influence of on English language.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Hindi.

Exam Relevance: GRE, TOEFL

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The term 'juggernaut' comes from the Hindi word 'jagannath,' reflecting the influence of Indian culture on the English language.

Common Mistakes: Some might confuse 'juggernaut' with other languages due to its dramatic connotations, not realizing its Indian origin.

Explanations: 'Juggernaut' derives from the Hindi term 'jagannath,' associated with a deity in Hinduism. This borrowing occurred through historical interactions, particularly during British colonial rule in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. 'Juggernaut' comes from the Hindi word 'jagannath.'
Option B: Incorrect. 'Juggernaut' has no connection to Chinese.
Option C: Incorrect. Swahili is unrelated to the term's origin.
Option D: Incorrect. Persian does not influence 'juggernaut.'

Mnemonic: Jagannath is Hindi, so Juggernaut is too.

2013. A feeling, state of mind, or emotion

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Mood.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Mood refers to the emotional atmosphere created in a literary work.

Common Mistakes: Confusing mood with other literary terms like purpose or context clues.

Explanations: Mood in literature is the feeling or emotion conveyed by the text, influencing the reader's experience. It is distinct from other concepts like purpose, context clues, or syllables.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mood correctly describes a feeling or emotional state in literature.
Option B: Purpose refers to the reason behind an action or text, not an emotional state.
Option C: Context clue refers to hints for word meaning, unrelated to emotions.
Option D: Syllable pertains to sound units, not emotional states.

Mnemonic: Remember: Mood is like being "Moody" in a story.

2014. Arthur Clarke is known as-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) A science fiction writer.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Arthur C. Clarke is a prominent figure in the science fiction genre, known for his influential works.

Common Mistakes: Misidentifying Arthur C. Clarke as a modern dramatist or novelist could lead to confusion with other authors.

Explanations: Arthur C. Clarke is primarily recognized for his contributions to science fiction literature. His works, such as "2001: A Space Odyssey," are iconic in the genre, solidifying his reputation as a leading science fiction writer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Arthur C. Clarke is a well-known science fiction writer.
Option B: Incorrect. Clarke is not known for modern drama.
Option C: Incorrect. While he wrote novels, he is not primarily known as a general English novelist.
Option D: Incorrect. Clarke is not primarily recognized as a short story writer.

Mnemonic: Clarke's name is synonymous with "space odyssey," a key science fiction theme.

2015. In the poem 'Tintern Abbey', 'dearest friend' refers to?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Dorothy.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, A-Level Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem reflects on personal relationships, particularly with Dorothy, who was a close companion and inspiration to Wordsworth.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the personal context of Wordsworth's references could lead to confusion with nature or other associates.

Explanations: In 'Tintern Abbey,' the speaker nostalgically recalls past visits to the Wye River and reflects on how nature has comforted him. The reference to "dearest friend" is a direct nod to Dorothy Wordsworth, his sister, who accompanied him on these trips and was a significant figure in his life. This personal touch highlights the emotional depth of their relationship.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Nature is a central theme but not the specific "dearest friend" mentioned.
Option B: Dorothy is the correct answer as she was Wordsworth's close companion and the subject of this affectionate reference.
Option C: Coleridge was a collaborator but not referred to as "dearest friend" in this context.
Option D: Wye refers to the river, not a person, making it incorrect.

Mnemonic: Dorothy, Dear Friend in Wordsworth's Heart

2016. Jane Austen is the writer of.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Emma

Exam Relevance: High school literature exams, introductory college English courses.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Jane Austen is a prominent English novelist known for her works of social realism.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Jane Austen's works with those of other authors like Charlotte Brontë or Daphne du Maurier.

Explanations: Jane Austen authored "Emma," a novel that explores themes of marriage, social class, and individual growth. The other options are works by different authors.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Jane Eyre" is written by Charlotte Brontë, not Jane Austen.
Option B: "Ramona" is authored by Helen Hunt Jackson, unrelated to Jane Austen.
Option C: "Emma" is correctly attributed to Jane Austen.
Option D: "Rebecca" is written by Daphne du Maurier, not Jane Austen.

Mnemonic: Remember "Emma" as a classic Austen novel, often paired with her other heroines like Elizabeth Bennet.

2017. T. S. Eliot is .....poet.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Modern.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: T. S. Eliot is classified as a Modern poet due to his writing during the early 20th century and his association with Modernist literary movements.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Eliot with earlier poets like the Romantics or Victorians, or later Post-modernists.

Explanations: T. S. Eliot's work, such as "The Waste Land," reflects Modernist themes of alienation and fragmented consciousness, characteristic of early 20th-century literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Byron wrote in the late 18th to early 19th centuries, focusing on nature and emotion, unlike Eliot.
Option B: Victorian literature, prominent in the mid-19th century, addressed social issues and moral values, which Eliot's work does not primarily focus on.
Option C: Eliot's writing aligns with Modernism, emphasizing themes of alienation and fragmented consciousness, as seen in "The Waste Land."
Option D: Post-modernism emerged after World War II, focusing on deconstruction and skepticism towards grand narratives, which is beyond Eliot's era.

Mnemonic: Eliot's Modern: Early 20th Century, 'Waste Land'.

2018. Which one of the following rhyme scheme is the rhyme scheme Spenserian stanza?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Ab ab bc bc c.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, SAT Subject Test in Literature, University-level English literature courses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Spenserian stanza consists of nine lines with a specific rhyme scheme: ABABBCBCC. The first eight lines follow the ABABBCB pattern, and the ninth line is an alexandrine that rhymes with the fifth line.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Spenserian stanza with other poetic forms, such as the Shakespearean sonnet or the Petrarchan sonnet, which have different rhyme schemes.

Explanations: The Spenserian stanza is characterized by its nine-line structure and the ABABBCBCC rhyme scheme. The first eight lines follow the ABABBCB pattern, and the ninth line is an alexandrine that rhymes with the fifth line, completing the scheme.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The rhyme scheme does not match the Spenserian stanza. It lacks the alexandrine line and the correct rhyme pattern.
Option B: Incorrect. The rhyme scheme is different and does not include the alexandrine line required for the Spenserian stanza.
Option C: Incorrect. The rhyme scheme here is different, and it does not include the alexandrine line essential to the Spenserian stanza.
Option D: Correct. This matches the ABABBCBCC rhyme scheme of the Spenserian stanza, including the alexandrine line.

Mnemonic: "ABABBCBCC, with the last line long and free."

2019. What did Thomas Carlyle mean by "Close thy Byron; open thy Goethe"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Abandon the introspection of the Romantics and turn to the higher moral purpose found in Goethe.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The statement reflects Carlyle's critique of Romanticism and advocacy for moral and intellectual depth.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting the statement as a critique of British literature or a political allegory.

Explanations: Carlyle's advice calls for moving beyond Byron's introspective Romanticism to Goethe's works, which emphasize moral purpose and intellectual growth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; Carlyle's focus isn't on language mastery but literary focus.
Option B: Incorrect; the statement isn't a critique of homegrown talent.
Option C: Correct; it captures the shift from Romanticism to Goethe's moral purpose.
Option D: Incorrect; the statement doesn't symbolize historical figures.

Mnemonic: Close Byron, Open Goethe: Shift from Emotion to Enlightenment.

2020. The most notable characteristic of Keats' poetry is?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Sensuousness

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: John Keats' poetry is distinguished by its rich, evocative imagery and focus on sensory experiences, a trait known as sensuousness.

Common Mistakes: Confusing sensuousness with sensuality, which is more about physical pleasure rather than intellectual and emotional engagement with the senses.

Explanations: Keats' poetry emphasizes the beauty of the natural world and the intensity of human emotions through vivid, multisensory descriptions. His works often explore themes of art, beauty, and the transient nature of life, using language that appeals to the senses and imagination.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Satire is not a primary feature of Keats' poetry; his work focuses on beauty and emotion rather than critique or humor.
Option B: Sensuality refers to physical pleasure, which is less precise than sensuousness in describing Keats' style.
Option C: Sensuousness accurately captures Keats' use of vivid, multisensory imagery and emotional engagement with beauty.
Option D: Social reform is not a focus of Keats' poetry, which is more concerned with aesthetic and emotional themes.

Mnemonic: Keats' Sensuousness: Savoring Sensory Splendor

2021. Dr. Johnson used the term to describe Dryden.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Augustan.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The term "Augustan" refers to a literary period characterized by rationality, order, and classical influence, associated with the reign of Emperor Augustus. John Dryden's work fits this description.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Augustan Age with other periods like the Romantic or Elizabethan eras, which have different characteristics.

Explanations: Dr. Johnson described Dryden as Augustan because Dryden's poetry reflects the rational and ordered style typical of the Augustan Age, emphasizing clarity and classical themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Puritan" refers to a religious movement, not relevant to Dryden's literary style.
Option B: "Romantic" describes a later period emphasizing emotion and nature, opposite to Dryden's rational approach.
Option C: "Elizabethan" refers to the earlier Renaissance period, known for drama and less structured poetry, unlike Dryden's work.
Option D: "Augustan" correctly identifies the period of rationality and order in literature, fitting Dryden's style.

Mnemonic: Augustan Age: Order and Reason

2022. For inspiration in writing the poem, Milton says he depends on:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The Holy Spirit

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: John Milton, a prominent English poet, relied on divine inspiration for his work, particularly referencing the Holy Spirit.

Common Mistakes: Some may confuse Milton's reliance on the Holy Spirit with other sources like wine or material tools, which are not supported by his writings.

Explanations: Milton's dependence on the Holy Spirit is evident in his works, reflecting his deep religious faith and the themes of divine guidance in his poetry.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; Milton was a Puritan and did not use wine for inspiration.
Option B: Correct; Milton explicitly mentions the Holy Spirit as his source of inspiration.
Option C: Incorrect; Milton's focus was on divine inspiration, not material tools like a pen.
Option D: Incorrect; While the Son is a Christian figure, Milton refers specifically to the Holy Spirit.

Mnemonic: Milton's Muse: Holy Spirit's Influence

2023. What Pope poem begins, "In these deep solitudes and awful cells, / Where heavnly-pensive contemplation dwells, / And ever-musing melancholy reigns; / What means this tumult in a vestal's veins?"

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Eloisa to Abelard

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Alexander Pope's poetry and the ability to identify the correct poem based on its opening lines.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing "Eloisa to Abelard" with "The Rape of the Lock" or "The Dunciad," which are also Pope's works but have different themes and openings.

Explanations: The lines provided are the opening of "Eloisa to Abelard," a poem that explores themes of love, loss, and religious devotion. The other options are incorrect because they are different poems by Pope with distinct content and themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "The Rape of the Lock" is a mock-epic poem and does not begin with the given lines. It focuses on a trivial event elevated to epic proportions.
Option B: "Solitude: An Ode" is a reflective poem but does not start with the provided lines. It discusses themes of isolation and contemplation.
Option C: "The Dunciad" satirizes literary pretension and does not begin with the given lines. It is a mock-epic poem as well.
Option D: "Eloisa to Abelard" is a tragic love poem that begins with the provided lines, focusing on the emotional state of the speaker.

Mnemonic: Eloisa = Emotional turmoil

2024. What angel often speaks to Adam in Paradise?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Raphael

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of angels in John Milton's "Paradise Lost."

Common Mistakes: Confusion between literary characters and historical figures.

Explanations: In "Paradise Lost," Raphael is the angel who visits Adam and Eve in Paradise. He warns them about Satan's intentions and provides guidance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Michelangelo is an artist, not an angel in "Paradise Lost."
Option B: Raphael is the angel who speaks to Adam in Paradise.
Option C: Pandosto is a character from "The Winter's Tale," unrelated to Paradise.
Option D: Baal is a Canaanite deity, not an angel in Paradise.

Mnemonic: Raphael in Paradise, Raphael in Milton's tale.

2025. Who kills Macbeth in the play " Macbeth" ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Macduff.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play "Macbeth" by William Shakespeare depicts Macduff as the character who kills Macbeth in the final act.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Macduff with other characters like Duncan or Bonquo, who are killed by Macbeth earlier in the play.

Explanations: Macduff confronts Macbeth in the final battle and kills him, avenging the deaths of Duncan and others. This is a key event in the play's resolution.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Duncan is the king killed by Macbeth, not the one who kills Macbeth.
Option B: Bonquo is another victim of Macbeth, not his killer.
Option C: Macduff is the character who ultimately kills Macbeth in the final act.
Option D: Incorrect because Macduff does kill Macbeth.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 135”

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 135”

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