English Literature MCQ

2041. Where is Duncan killed?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) In his bedchamber at Macbeth's castle.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The death of King Duncan is a pivotal event in Shakespeare's "Macbeth," marking the beginning of Macbeth's tragic descent into tyranny.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the location of Duncan's death with other events in the play, such as the battle with Norway or the final confrontation at Birnam Wood.

Explanations: In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," King Duncan is assassinated in his bedchamber at Macbeth's castle. This event is central to the play's plot, as it sets off the chain of events leading to Macbeth's downfall. The murder is orchestrated by Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, who seek to seize the throne.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The battle with Norway occurs earlier in the play and does not involve Duncan's death. Macbeth distinguishes himself in this battle, but it is unrelated to Duncan's assassination.
Option B: This is correct. Duncan is killed in his bedchamber at Macbeth's castle, as part of the conspiracy between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.
Option C: While Duncan is killed in his bedchamber, the specific location is Macbeth's castle, not Forres. Forres is another location in the play but not where the murder takes place.
Option D: Birnam Wood is the site of the final battle between Macbeth and the forces opposing him, but it is not where Duncan is killed.

Mnemonic: Macbeth's Castle, Duncan's fate.

2042. Who performs Romeo and Juliet's marriage?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Friar Laurence.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Friar Laurence performs the secret marriage of the two lovers.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Friar Laurence with other friars mentioned in the play, such as Friar John.

Explanations: Friar Laurence is a key character who agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet in secret to help them overcome their families' feud. This action is central to the plot's development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Friar Laurence performs the marriage.
Option B: Incorrect. Friar John is not involved in the marriage.
Option C: Incorrect. Friar Vincent is not mentioned in this context.
Option D: Incorrect. Friar Laurence is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Laurence marries, others don't.

2043. One of the elements of Gothic literature is ..... settings like decaying castles, haunted houses, and trapdoors or cellars.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Gloomy.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Gothic literature often features gloomy settings to create a mysterious and eerie atmosphere.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the focus on settings rather than themes or emotions.

Explanations: Gothic literature emphasizes gloomy settings to enhance the atmosphere of mystery and horror. These settings, such as decaying castles and haunted houses, contribute to the overall eerie and foreboding tone of the genre.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Supernatural elements are common in Gothic literature but are not the primary focus of the question, which is about settings.
Option B: Gloomy settings are a defining feature of Gothic literature, creating an eerie and mysterious atmosphere.
Option C: Isolation can be a part of the setting but is not the primary characteristic being described.
Option D: Fear is an emotion evoked by the setting, not the setting itself.

Mnemonic: "Gloomy Gothic Graves" - Remember the gloomy settings often associated with graves and dark elements in Gothic literature.

2044. What do you mean by Epilogue?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) A poem or speech at the end of a play.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: An epilogue is a concluding section of a play, often in the form of a poem or speech, that provides closure or reflection.

Common Mistakes: Confusing epilogue with prologue, which is at the beginning, or with other poetic forms like elegies or parables.

Explanations: Epilogue is specifically a concluding element in a play, distinguishing it from other literary devices. It often serves to wrap up the narrative or offer insights after the main action.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; a prologue is at the beginning, not the end.
Option B: Incorrect; an elegy is a lament, not a play conclusion.
Option C: Correct; accurately describes the epilogue's role.
Option D: Incorrect; a parable is a figurative story, unrelated to play endings.

Mnemonic: End Play, Epilogue Stay.

2045. Why didn't Alexander Pope attend an English university?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) He was a Catholic, and therefore forbidden from attending.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: English universities in the 18th century excluded Catholics due to religious laws.

Common Mistakes: Believing health issues or lack of intelligence were the main reasons.

Explanations: In 18th-century England, Catholics were legally barred from attending universities. This restriction was part of broader anti-Catholic legislation, making it impossible for Pope to attend an English university despite his intellectual capabilities.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Pope did not live in Italy until age 27; he visited but was not a permanent resident.
Option B: While Pope had health issues, they were not severe enough to prevent university attendance.
Option C: Correct. Catholicism barred him from English universities.
Option D: Pope was highly intelligent and accomplished, disproving this claim.

Mnemonic: Catholic Constraints Closed Doors for Pope

2046. Wordsworth's theory of poetry appears in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Preface to the Lyrical Ballads.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Wordsworth's poetic theory is detailed in the "Preface to the Lyrical Ballads," which outlines his views on language, emotion, and the role of poetry.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the Preface with other works by Wordsworth, such as "Tintern Abbey" or "The Excursion," which are poems rather than theoretical texts.

Explanations: The "Preface to the Lyrical Ballads" is where Wordsworth articulates his theory of poetry, emphasizing the use of simple language and the importance of emotion and common life experiences. This work is foundational to understanding Romantic poetry and its principles.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Excursion" is a long narrative poem, not a theoretical work.
Option B: "Tintern Abbey Lines" is a reflective poem about nature and memory, not a discussion of poetic theory.
Option C: "Preface to the Lyrical Ballads" is where Wordsworth outlines his poetic theory.
Option D: "Immortality Ode" is a philosophical poem about the soul, not a theoretical text.

Mnemonic: "Preface for Poetry" - link the preface to poetic theory.

2047. Which of the following novelists is known for his Satire in the Victorian literature?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Thackeray.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: William Makepeace Thackeray is recognized for his satirical works in Victorian literature, particularly in "Vanity Fair."

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the literary styles of Victorian authors.

Explanations: Thackeray's works, such as "Vanity Fair," use satire to critique societal norms and hypocrisies, making him a key figure in satirical Victorian literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Charlotte Brontë focused on romantic and psychological themes, not satire.
Option B: Thackeray is known for his satirical works, such as "Vanity Fair."
Option C: Thomas Hardy explored tragic and deterministic themes, not satire.
Option D: George Meredith focused on psychological and social realism without satirical elements.

Mnemonic: Thackeray's Tales Target the Trivial.

2048. 'The Merchant of Venice' is a drama by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) William Shakespeare.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, SAT Subject Test in Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of the author of a specific play in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the author with other playwrights from the same era.

Explanations: 'The Merchant of Venice' is a play by William Shakespeare, known for its exploration of themes like love, money, and justice.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Webster wrote tragedies, not this play.
Option B: Ben Jonson was a different playwright.
Option C: William Shakespeare is the correct author.
Option D: Christopher Marlowe wrote other plays, not this one.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

2049. All literature has an.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Artistic quality

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: All literature possesses artistic quality as it is a creative expression through language.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding that all literature must have an opening, ending, or be allegorical.

Explanations: Literature is inherently artistic, involving creativity and style. While some works may lack traditional openings, endings, or allegorical elements, artistic quality is universal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; literature doesn't always have a traditional opening.
Option B: Incorrect; literature doesn't always have a traditional ending.
Option C: Incorrect; not all literature is allegorical.
Option D: Correct; artistic quality is inherent in all literature.

Mnemonic: ALAA: All Literature Artistic, Always

2050. What event resulted from the premature death of Henry V?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) The War of the Roses.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The War of the Roses was a series of civil wars in England fought between the houses of Lancaster and York, which began after the death of Henry V.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Battle of Agincourt with the War of the Roses, as both involve Henry V but are unrelated events.

Explanations: Henry V's death led to the accession of his infant son, Henry VI, who struggled to maintain power. This instability among the nobility eventually resulted in the War of the Roses, a conflict over the throne between the Lancastrians and Yorkists.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Battle of Agincourt was a significant victory for Henry V during the Hundred Years' War, not related to his death.
Option B: The Battle of Hastings occurred in 1066, long before Henry V's reign.
Option C: The Norman Conquest was the invasion and subsequent rule of England by the Normans, unrelated to Henry V.
Option D: The War of the Roses was a direct consequence of the political instability following Henry V's death.

Mnemonic: Henry's death sowed the rose of war.

2051. 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' is a.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Poem

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The poem is characterized by its lyrical quality, consistent rhyme scheme, and meter.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the difference between a poem and other literary forms like plays or novels.

Explanations: 'She Walks in Beauty' is a poem by Lord Byron, known for its lyrical quality and celebration of female beauty. It follows a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, typical of poetic forms.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the text is not a dramatic work with dialogue or characters.
Option B: Incorrect because it lacks the narrative structure and length typical of short stories.
Option C: Incorrect because it is not a long narrative prose work.
Option D: Correct because it is a literary work characterized by rhythm, meter, and poetic devices.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

2052. Which of the following criticism was pioneered by Dryden ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Descriptive criticism.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Descriptive criticism involves detailed analysis of literary works, focusing on their structure, themes, and language.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the types of literary criticism and their pioneers can lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: Dryden is recognized for pioneering descriptive criticism, which emphasizes detailed analysis of literary works. This approach contrasts with other forms of criticism that focus on evaluation or comparison.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Historical criticism focuses on the historical context of works, not their detailed analysis.
Option B: Comparative criticism involves comparing works across different periods or cultures, which is not Dryden's contribution.
Option C: Descriptive criticism, as developed by Dryden, focuses on detailed analysis of literary works.
Option D: Incorrect as the correct answer is provided in the options.

Mnemonic: Dryden Describes Details

2053. "Beauty is truth, truth is beauty" is stated by-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Keats.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The phrase "Beauty is truth, truth is beauty" is from John Keats' *Ode on a Grecian Urn*.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Romantic poets like Keats and Shelley.

Explanations: The line is directly from Keats' poem, reflecting his belief in the unity of beauty and truth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as the line is from Keats' poem.
Option B: Incorrect, Shelley did not write this line.
Option C: Incorrect, Jane Austen was a novelist, not the author of this line.
Option D: Incorrect, Charles Lamb wrote prose, not this poetic line.

Mnemonic: "Keats' urn holds beauty and truth within."

2054. A story from the past that is believed by many people and passed down orally through a culture, but cannot be proven to be true

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Legend

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Legends are traditional stories that are often historical in nature and are passed down through generations. They are typically rooted in some historical event or person but have been exaggerated or embellished over time.

Common Mistakes: Confusing legends with myths, folk tales, or tall tales, which have different characteristics and purposes.

Explanations: Legends are traditional stories that are often historical in nature and are passed down through generations. They are typically rooted in some historical event or person but have been exaggerated or embellished over time. Unlike myths, which are sacred stories explaining the world, legends are more secular and often involve real or semi-real characters. Folk tales, on the other hand, are traditional stories that may not be tied to a specific historical event and are often more fantastical. Tall tales are exaggerated stories meant to amuse or impress, often with a humorous twist.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Legends are traditional stories that are often historical in nature and are passed down through generations. They are typically rooted in some historical event or person but have been exaggerated or embellished over time.
Option B: Incorrect. Myths are sacred stories that explain the world and are often tied to religious beliefs, whereas legends are more secular and often involve real or semi-real characters.
Option C: Incorrect. Folk tales are traditional stories that may not be tied to a specific historical event and are often more fantastical.
Option D: Incorrect. Tall tales are exaggerated stories meant to amuse or impress, often with a humorous twist.

Mnemonic: Legends are Legendary, Myths are Mythical.

2055. Which term is most closely affiliated with the female Gothic?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Terror.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The female Gothic is characterized by themes of entrapment, psychological tension, and the exploration of women's experiences. It emphasizes internalized fear, known as terror, rather than external shocks associated with horror.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing terror with horror, as both involve fear but in different forms. Another mistake is thinking that ghosts or sentimentalism are central to the female Gothic, when they are not.

Explanations: The female Gothic focuses on psychological tension and dread, which is best described by the term "terror." This distinguishes it from other Gothic elements like horror, which relies on external shocks.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Terror captures the psychological tension central to the female Gothic.
Option B: Incorrect. Sentimentalism is not a defining feature.
Option C: Incorrect. Horror focuses on external fear, not the internalized tension of the female Gothic.
Option D: Incorrect. Ghosts are not specific to the female Gothic.

Mnemonic: Terror in the Female Gothic: T for Tension, E for Emotion, R for Restrictions.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 137”

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 137”

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