English Literature MCQ – Change your future

226. In the title of Marlowe's play, of where was Dido the Queen?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Carthage

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play "Dido, Queen of Carthage" by Christopher Marlowe is centered around the legendary queen Dido, who is the founder and queen of Carthage.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Dido with other mythological figures or historical queens from different regions.

Explanations: Dido is the queen of Carthage in Marlowe's play. The title directly indicates her reign over Carthage, making it a straightforward fact to recall.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Troy is the setting of Homer's "Iliad," not related to Dido.
Option B: Carthage is the correct location as per the play's title and plot.
Option C: Sparta is a city-state in ancient Greece, unrelated to Dido.
Option D: Persia is an ancient empire, not connected to Dido's story.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

227. This is a type of literature where realistic events and magical or unreal events mix to create a believable story.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Magical realism.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Magical realism is a literary genre that combines realistic settings and events with magical or supernatural elements, creating a believable yet fantastical narrative.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term "realistic literature" as including magical elements.

Explanations: Magical realism merges the ordinary with the extraordinary, making the magical elements appear natural within the story's context. This blend allows readers to accept the supernatural as part of the everyday world.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Realistic literature focuses solely on real-life events without fantastical elements.
Option B: Magical realism combines realistic settings with magical elements.
Option C: Symbolism is a literary device, not a genre blending realism and magic.
Option D: Protagonism refers to the main character's role, unrelated to genre blending.

Mnemonic: Magical realism mixes magic with reality.

228. Which of the following is not one of the 4 part of Puritan Sermon?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Bibliography

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Puritan sermon structure consists of four parts: Text, Doctrine, Application, and Exhortation.

Common Mistakes: Confusing the sermon structure with other literary forms that include bibliographies.

Explanations: Puritan sermons focus on interpreting a biblical text, deriving doctrine from it, applying it to the congregation, and exhorting them to live accordingly. Bibliography is not part of this structure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Text is the biblical passage used as the sermon's foundation.
Option B: Doctrine refers to the theological principles derived from the text.
Option C: Bibliography is unrelated to the sermon's structure.
Option D: Incorrect, as Bibliography is the right answer.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic needed.

229. Mr. Collins marries

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Charlotte Lucas.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of character marriages in "Pride and Prejudice."

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Mr. Collins's wife with Elizabeth or another character.

Explanations: In "Pride and Prejudice," Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, who refuses him. He then marries Charlotte Lucas, who accepts to secure her future. This marriage is a significant plot point highlighting themes of marriage for convenience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jane marries Mr. Bingley, not Mr. Collins.
Option B: Miss Bingley is Mr. Bingley's sister and does not marry Mr. Collins.
Option C: Lydia marries Wickham, not Mr. Collins.
Option D: Charlotte Lucas marries Mr. Collins, as she accepts his proposal after Elizabeth refuses him.

Mnemonic: Collins and Charlotte: a match of calculation.

230. Was known as the saint of the metaphysical school of poets.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) George Herbert.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of poets associated with the metaphysical school and their reputations.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between George Herbert and other metaphysical poets like Donne or Marvell.

Explanations: George Herbert is known as the saint of the metaphysical school due to his religious themes and devout life. His poetry often reflects his spiritual beliefs and his role as a priest, contributing to his saintly reputation within this literary group.

Option Analysis:

Option A: George Herbert is correctly identified as the saint of the metaphysical school because of his religious themes and devout life.
Option B: Andrew Marvell is a metaphysical poet but not known as the saint of the school.
Option C: Donne is a prominent metaphysical poet but is not referred to as the saint.
Option D: Incorrect because George Herbert is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Herbert the Holy, the Saint of the Metaphysical.

231. Who is associated with the idea of 'decorum' in poetry

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Horace.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Decorum refers to the appropriateness of style and content in literature, ensuring that the form matches the subject matter.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Horace with other literary theorists like Aristotle or Plato, who focused on different aspects of literature.

Explanations: Horace, a Roman poet and critic, emphasized decorum in his work "Ars Poetica," outlining principles for poets to follow, including fitting the style to the subject.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Plato focused on philosophy and education, not specifically on decorum in poetry.
Option B: Aristotle focused on literary theory in "Poetics," but not specifically on decorum.
Option C: Horace emphasized decorum in his "Ars Poetica," making him the correct answer.
Option D: Quintilian focused on rhetoric and education, not on decorum in poetry.

Mnemonic: Horace's decorum, like a proper suit, fits the poem's mood and the poet's pursuit.

232. " Wuthering Heights" is written by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Emily Bronte.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "Wuthering Heights" is a novel by Emily Brontë, published in 1847.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Emily Brontë with her sister Charlotte, who wrote "Jane Eyre."

Explanations: Emily Brontë is the author of "Wuthering Heights." The other options are incorrect because Charlotte Brontë wrote "Jane Eyre," Jane Austen wrote "Pride and Prejudice," and Fanny Burney wrote "Evelina."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Charlotte Brontë wrote "Jane Eyre," not "Wuthering Heights."
Option B: Emily Brontë wrote "Wuthering Heights."
Option C: Jane Austen wrote "Pride and Prejudice," not "Wuthering Heights."
Option D: Fanny Burney wrote "Evelina," not "Wuthering Heights."

Mnemonic: Emily's Heights, Charlotte's Eyre.

233. Is not a writer of magic realism.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Karl Marx.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Magic realism is a literary genre that blends magical elements with realistic settings. The question tests knowledge of authors associated with this genre.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing political theorists with literary genre practitioners.

Explanations: Magic realism combines fantasy with reality. Salman Rushdie, Gunter Grass, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez are known for this style. Karl Marx, a political economist, is unrelated to magic realism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Salman Rushdie is a prominent magic realism writer.
Option B: Gunter Grass is associated with magic realism.
Option C: Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a leading figure in magic realism.
Option D: Karl Marx is a political economist, not a magic realism writer.

Mnemonic: Magic Realism: Rushdie, Grass, Marquez—Marx is out of place.

234. Which of the following social issues does Dickens confront in Great Expectations?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Both A and B.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The novel critiques both the penal system and the educational system of Victorian England.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the novel's focus on social issues rather than individual character development.

Explanations: Dickens uses characters like Magwitch to highlight penal reform and Pip to address educational limitations, reflecting the social inequalities of his time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Penal reform is addressed through Magwitch's experiences.
Option B: Educational reform is shown through Pip's limited opportunities.
Option C: The monarchy's role is not a central theme.
Option D: Both A and B are correct as they are key social issues in the novel.

Mnemonic: PPEP: Pip's Penal and Educational Plights

235. He wrote both religious and secular poetry. One of his poems urged virgins to make the most of their time.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Robert Herrick.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English poets and their works, specifically identifying the author of a poem about virgins making the most of their time.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Robert Herrick with other poets like John Donne or Ben Jonson, who also wrote about similar themes.

Explanations: Robert Herrick wrote both religious and secular poetry. His poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time" specifically urges young women to enjoy life and not waste their youth. This poem is a key example of his work that combines moral advice with a celebration of life.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ben Jonson was a prominent playwright and poet, but he is not associated with this particular poem or theme. His works are more focused on comedies and satires.
Option B: Alexander Pope was a major satirical poet, known for works like "The Rape of the Lock" and "An Essay on Man." He did not write about virgins making the most of their time.
Option C: Robert Herrick is correct because he authored the poem in question, which fits the description provided.
Option D: John Dryden was a Restoration poet and playwright, known for works like "Absalom and Achitophel." He is not associated with this specific poem.

Mnemonic: Herrick's Virgins, Time's Maxim

236. The pockets of the boy's shorts bulged with:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Shoe-shine equipment.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Understanding context clues in literature.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting the boy's occupation or the context.

Explanations: The context suggests the boy is a shoe-shiner, making shoe-shine equipment the most logical choice.

Option Analysis:

Option A: No evidence of conning.
Option B: Fits the likely occupation.
Option C: Theft of biscuits isn't indicated.
Option D: Hair tools don't fit the scenario.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

237. Which of the following best describes epic theater as defined by Berthold Brecht?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Epic theater turns the passive spectator into an active observer.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Epic theater, developed by Bertolt Brecht, aims to make audiences think critically about social and political issues rather than emotionally connect with the characters.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing epic theater with traditional theater, which focuses on emotional engagement and realism.

Explanations: Brecht's epic theater uses techniques like breaking the fourth wall, using projections, and employing songs to constantly remind the audience they are watching a play. This encourages them to analyze the action and consider alternative perspectives, turning them into active observers rather than passive spectators.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Epic theater is not plot-driven; it prioritizes ideas and critical thinking over narrative progression.
Option B: Correct. Brecht's method transforms the audience's role to encourage analysis and reflection.
Option C: Incorrect. Epic theater emphasizes reason and critical thinking, not emotional engagement.
Option D: Incorrect. Epic theater avoids realism to maintain a critical distance and encourage analysis.

Mnemonic: Brecht Breaks the Spell

238. One finds predominance of during the Age of Pope.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Prose.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Age of Pope, part of the Augustan Age, emphasized prose due to its focus on clarity, wit, and rationality.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the literary focus of the Augustan Age, which was on prose rather than poetry.

Explanations: During the Age of Pope, prose was predominant because of the emphasis on rationality and wit. Prose forms like essays, satires, and periodical writings flourished, making prose the dominant literary form of the time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lyrical poetry was not predominant; the focus was on prose and rational thought.
Option B: Historical writing was not the main focus; the period emphasized wit and satire.
Option C: Prose was predominant due to the rise of periodicals, essays, and satirical works.
Option D: Narrative poetry was less prominent compared to prose during this era.

Mnemonic: Prose Prevails in Pope's Period.

239. Swift belong to:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Augustan age.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Augustan Age is associated with neoclassical literature, emphasizing reason, wit, and satire, which aligns with Swift's works.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Swift with the Romantic period or the Renaissance period.

Explanations: The Augustan Age, also known as the Neoclassical period, is characterized by its focus on reason, order, and satire. Jonathan Swift, a prominent writer of this era, is known for his satirical works like "Gulliver's Travels" and "A Modest Proposal." These works reflect the Augustan emphasis on wit, irony, and social critique, making Swift a key figure of this period.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Renaissance period (14th-17th century) focused on the revival of classical learning and arts, not satirical literature.
Option B: The Restoration period (1660-1688) was marked by political and cultural restoration, but Swift's major works came later.
Option C: The Romantic period emphasized emotion and nature, contrasting with Swift's rational and satirical style.
Option D: The Augustan Age (early 18th century) is characterized by neoclassical literature, aligning with Swift's works.

Mnemonic: Swift Sails in August

240. Who is the author of 'The Taming of the Shrew'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) William Shakespeare

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: 'The Taming of the Shrew' is a play by William Shakespeare, classified as one of his early comedies.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Shakespeare and other playwrights like Shaw or Ibsen, who have different styles and works.

Explanations: William Shakespeare authored 'The Taming of the Shrew', a play known for its exploration of marriage and gender dynamics.

Option Analysis:

Option A: George Bernard Shaw is a different playwright, known for works like 'Pygmalion'.
Option B: William Shakespeare is the correct author of 'The Taming of the Shrew'.
Option C: Henrik Ibsen is a Norwegian playwright known for realism, not this play.
Option D: Jonsen is not associated with this work.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 16”

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 16”

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