English Literature MCQ – Change your future

331. Both Shakespeare and Christopher Marlow are thought to have been born in what year?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1564.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the birth years of two prominent English playwrights.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing the birth years of Shakespeare and Marlowe with other playwrights or historical figures.

Explanations: Both William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe were born in 1564, making 1564 the correct answer. The other options do not correspond to their known birth years.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Both Shakespeare and Marlowe were born in 1564.
Option B: Incorrect. 1580 is too late for their birth years.
Option C: Incorrect. 1577 is also incorrect for their birth years.
Option D: Incorrect. 1550 is too early for their birth years.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

332. Which of the following is not related to the term medievalism?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Enlightenment.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in History, AP European History, Undergraduate Medieval Studies courses.

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Medievalism refers to the characteristics of the medieval period, including feudalism, monasticism, and guildhouses. The Enlightenment is unrelated as it occurred later and focused on reason and individualism.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the timeline of historical periods, thinking the Enlightenment was part of the medieval era.

Explanations: Medievalism encompasses feudal structures, religious institutions like monasteries, and guilds that regulated trade. The Enlightenment, emerging later, emphasized reason and challenged traditional medieval institutions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Enlightenment is unrelated as it occurred after the medieval period and focused on reason and individualism.
Option B: Feudalism was central to medieval society, involving lords and vassals.
Option C: Guildhouses were key to medieval trade and craftsmanship.
Option D: Monasticism was integral to medieval religious and cultural life.

Mnemonic: Medievalism: Feudal Lords, Guilds, and Monks—Enlightenment is Later.

333. 'Satanic Verses' is written by -

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

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of the author of the novel 'Satanic Verses'.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Salman Rushdie with other Indian authors like R.K. Narayan or Arundhuti Roy.

Explanations: 'Satanic Verses' is a novel by Salman Rushdie, known for its controversial themes and narrative style. The other options are authors known for different literary works and styles, not associated with this novel.

Option Analysis:

Option A: R.K. Narayan is known for his regional literature, not for writing 'Satanic Verses'.
Option B: Salman Rushdie is the correct author of 'Satanic Verses'.
Option C: Jhumpa Lahiri is known for her short stories and novels, not for this work.
Option D: Arundhuti Roy is known for her non-fiction and political activism, not for writing this novel.

Mnemonic: Salman Rushdie wrote 'Satanic Verses', a satirical take on religion.

334. Which of the following is a theme of Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's book Epistemology of the Closet?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Understanding sexuality is crucial to understanding culture.

Exam Relevance: GRE Subject Test in Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick's "Epistemology of the Closet" examines the relationship between homosexuality and cultural structures, arguing that understanding sexuality is essential to understanding culture.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking Sedgwick's work focuses solely on literary analysis without broader cultural implications.

Explanations: Sedgwick's work demonstrates that sexuality, particularly homosexuality, is deeply embedded in cultural and epistemological frameworks. By analyzing how these structures shape and are shaped by sexual identities, she highlights the importance of understanding sexuality in cultural contexts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Sedgwick's work emphasizes the importance of understanding sexuality in cultural contexts.
Option B: Incorrect. Sedgwick's work shows that understanding homosexuality has significant cultural implications.
Option C: Incorrect. Sedgwick's analysis demonstrates that literary study is affected by a lack of interest in sexuality.
Option D: Incorrect. Sedgwick's work highlights the importance of homosexual themes rather than dismissing them as routine.

Mnemonic: Sexuality Shapes Society

335. Which are NOT characteristics of Romantic Literature?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Music and science.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Romantic Literature emphasizes emotion, nature, and individualism, contrasting with the Enlightenment's reason and science.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Romanticism with the Enlightenment's focus on reason and science.

Explanations: Romanticism prioritizes emotion, imagination, and the sublime over scientific reasoning or music as a defining feature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Revolution and idealism are core Romantic themes.
Option B: Music and science are not central to Romantic Literature.
Option C: Reason and intellect are Enlightenment values, not Romantic.
Option D: New religion, egotism, and individualism align with Romantic traits.

Mnemonic: R-E-M-N: Revolution, Emotion, Music (not), Nature.

336. Who was the mother of Elizabeth I?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Anne Boleyn.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the parentage of Elizabeth I, a key figure in English history and literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Anne Boleyn with other wives of Henry VIII, such as Catherine of Aragon or Jane Seymour.

Explanations: Elizabeth I was the daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn was executed in 1536, and Elizabeth was declared illegitimate after her parents' marriage was annulled. However, Elizabeth later became queen and is a significant figure in English history and literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Catherine of Aragon was Henry VIII's first wife and the mother of Mary I, not Elizabeth I.
Option B: Jane Seymour was Henry VIII's third wife and the mother of Edward VI, not Elizabeth I.
Option C: Catherine Howard was Henry VIII's fifth wife and did not have any children with him.
Option D: Anne Boleyn was Henry VIII's second wife and the mother of Elizabeth I.

Mnemonic: Anne Boleyn, the mother of Elizabeth I, can be remembered as the "Anne" who started the "Boleyn" dynasty.

337. The first English Dictionary was compiled by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Samuel Johnson.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Samuel Johnson is recognized for compiling the first comprehensive English dictionary.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Samuel Johnson and other historical figures with similar names.

Explanations: Samuel Johnson's dictionary, published in 1755, was the first to provide detailed definitions and usages of English words, establishing him as a key figure in lexicography.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Izaak Walton is known for his works on fishing, not lexicography.
Option B: Samuel Johnson is correct as he compiled the first English dictionary.
Option C: Samuel is incomplete; the full name is Samuel Johnson.
Option D: Sir Thomas Browne was a physician and author, not a lexicographer.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

338. According to critics, what is the function of The Dubliners' third person narration?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) It makes the stories seem more impersonal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The use of third-person narration in The Dubliners creates an impersonal tone, allowing the stories to present events and characters objectively.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the role of third-person narration as a mere disruption or focusing on specific themes like unrequited love.

Explanations: Third-person narration in The Dubliners provides an impersonal perspective, highlighting themes of paralysis and social constraints without personal bias.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; third-person narration does not specifically counter unrequited love.
Option B: Incorrect; third-person narration is not merely a disruption but a consistent choice.
Option C: Correct; it makes the stories impersonal.
Option D: Incorrect; it does not break through paralysis but reflects it.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

339. Laughed at Calpurnia's dream and forced Caesar to go out of the house.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Decius.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of characters and their roles in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Decius with other conspirators like Cassius or Casca.

Explanations: Decius, a conspirator, flatters Caesar and interprets Calpurnia's dream positively to persuade him to leave his house. This action is crucial as it leads Caesar to his assassination.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mark Antony is loyal to Caesar and does not participate in the conspiracy.
Option B: Cassius is a key conspirator but does not directly interact with Caesar in this scene.
Option C: Casca is another conspirator but not the one who convinces Caesar to leave.
Option D: Decius uses flattery and manipulation to convince Caesar to leave his house.

Mnemonic: Decius Deceives

340. The Romantic form of criticism is entirely.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Subjective.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Romantic criticism emphasizes personal feelings, imagination, and individual experiences, making it subjective.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Romanticism as purely descriptive or objective can lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: Romantic criticism focuses on personal interpretation and emotional response, aligning with subjective analysis.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Romantic criticism is not relative; it is deeply personal and subjective.
Option B: Objective criticism relies on factual analysis, which Romanticism rejects.
Option C: Descriptive criticism lacks the emotional and imaginative depth of Romanticism.
Option D: Romantic criticism is subjective, focusing on personal feelings and imagination.

Mnemonic: Romantics are Subjective, not Objective.

341. Which writer of the followings has attracted disciplined scholarship or provoked so much debate and interpretation in the world of literature?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Shakespeare.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Shakespeare is the most studied and debated writer in English literature, with his works attracting extensive scholarly attention.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the scope of literary influence across different traditions.

Explanations: Shakespeare's works are widely analyzed and have had unparalleled influence on English literature, making him the most studied and debated writer. His plays and sonnets are central to literary studies, provoking extensive interpretation and scholarship.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Homer is a foundational figure in Greek literature, not English.
Option B: Shakespeare is the correct answer as he is the most studied and debated in English literature.
Option C: Kalidas is a key figure in Indian literature, not English.
Option D: Virgil is prominent in Roman literature, not English.

342. Shamnath's mother had the problem of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Snoring while asleep.

Exam Relevance: CBSE English exams.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to recall specific details from a literary context.

Common Mistakes: Misreading the problem or confusing it with other characters' issues.

Explanations: The correct answer is based on the specific problem mentioned in the literary work, which is snoring.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Talking a lot is not mentioned as her issue.
Option B: Snoring is the specific problem described.
Option C: Nagging in front of guests is not indicated.
Option D: Shouting is not described as her problem.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

343. What type of book 'The Woman' is -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Novel

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A novel is a long narrative work of fiction, typically exploring complex characters and themes.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the difference between a novel and a story or essay.

Explanations: 'The Woman' is a novel because it is a long, fictional narrative that explores characters and themes in depth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Drama refers to plays, not written narratives. 'The Woman' is not a play.
Option B: Novel is correct as it is a long fictional narrative.
Option C: Story is shorter and less complex than a novel. 'The Woman' is longer.
Option D: Essay is non-fiction, while 'The Woman' is fictional.

344. Greek and Roman myths are known as .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Classical mythology.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Greek and Roman myths are categorized under classical mythology.

Common Mistakes: Confusing classical mythology with other mythological traditions.

Explanations: Greek and Roman myths are collectively referred to as classical mythology because they originate from the classical civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. This term is widely used in academic and literary contexts to denote the myths, legends, and deities associated with these cultures.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "The OG myths" is informal and not a recognized term in academic contexts.
Option B: "Original mythology" is vague and does not specifically refer to Greek and Roman myths.
Option C: "Classical mythology" is the correct term for Greek and Roman myths.
Option D: "Stories" is too generic and does not denote the specific cultural context.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

345. Who wrote the poems, " On death" and " Women, Wine, and Snuff?"

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) John Keats

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English Romantic poets and their specific works.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Romantic poets like Keats, Shelley, and Wordsworth, as they share similar themes but have distinct styles and works.

Explanations: John Keats authored both "On Death" and "Women, Wine, and Snuff." These poems reflect his exploration of beauty, mortality, and the transient nature of life, characteristic of his Romantic style.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Milton is known for "Paradise Lost," not the mentioned poems.
Option B: John Keats wrote both poems, focusing on beauty and mortality.
Option C: P.B. Shelley wrote works like "Ozymandias," distinct from Keats' style.
Option D: William Wordsworth focused on nature and emotion, not these specific works.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 23”

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 23”

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