English Literature MCQ – Change your future

376. What was/were the reaction(s) to Ulysses when it was first published?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) It was banned for obscenity.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The publication of Ulysses faced significant censorship due to its explicit content and unconventional narrative style.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the historical context of censorship in early 20th-century literature.

Explanations: Ulysses was banned in several countries, including the United States, for obscenity due to its explicit content and unconventional narrative style. This censorship highlights the novel's groundbreaking nature and the cultural backlash it received upon publication.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. While some may have criticized the novel, it was not considered inferior by most authors. Its experimental style was recognized as innovative.
Option B: Correct. The novel was banned in multiple countries for obscenity due to its explicit content.
Option C: Incorrect. The novel was far from conventional; its narrative techniques were groundbreaking.
Option D: Incorrect. The government and churches were more likely to condemn the book rather than praise it.

Mnemonic: Ulysses Banned for Being Unconventional and Bold (BUBB)

377. The poem 'The Professor' is written by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Nissim Ezekiel.

Exam Relevance: CBSE, ICSE

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of the author of a specific poem.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise if students mix up poets and their works.

Explanations: Nissim Ezekiel is the author of the poem 'The Professor'. This is a direct fact from English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as Nissim Ezekiel wrote 'The Professor'.
Option B: Incorrect, Ramanujan is known for different works.
Option C: Incorrect, Vikram Seth is a novelist, not the author of this poem.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct answer is provided in option A.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

378. What is Limerick?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) A form of light verse.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: A limerick is a short, humorous poem with a specific structure.

Common Mistakes: Confusing limerick with other literary forms like plays or novels.

Explanations: A limerick is a form of light verse characterized by its rhythm and rhyme scheme. It is typically humorous or nonsensical and follows an AABBA rhyme scheme. This distinguishes it from other literary forms like plays, novels, or short stories.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A limerick is not a play; it is a type of poem.
Option B: A limerick is not a novel; it is a short poem.
Option C: A limerick is not a short story; it is a poem.
Option D: Correct. A limerick is a form of light verse.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

379. John Milton claimed from an early age that he would become .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) England's poet laureate.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: John Milton's early ambition to become England's poet laureate reflects his literary aspirations.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Milton's career focus or confusing him with other literary figures.

Explanations: John Milton, a renowned English poet, expressed his ambition to become England's poet laureate from an early age. This reflects his literary aspirations and his significant contributions to English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Milton did not claim to be England's first poet. This is incorrect.
Option B: Milton was not known for claiming to be England's first dramatist. This is incorrect.
Option C: Correct. Milton's ambition was to become England's poet laureate.
Option D: Milton was not involved in civil engineering. This is incorrect.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

380. Which characteristic of the slave narrative did Frederick Douglass include in the first chapter of his Narrative?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) The author's father is often a white man.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Slave narratives often include the protagonist's father being a white slave owner, highlighting the legacy of racial exploitation.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the common themes of slave narratives, such as focusing on punishment or environment rather than familial dynamics.

Explanations: Slave narratives frequently depict the protagonist's father as a white man, reflecting the historical reality of interracial relationships under slavery. This theme underscores the systemic oppression and exploitation inherent in the institution.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Slave narratives typically focus on the brutality of slavery rather than deserved punishment.
Option B: The environment described is often harsh and oppressive, not beautiful.
Option C: The focus is on the dehumanizing conditions rather than specific provisions like food and clothing.
Option D: This is a common theme in slave narratives, highlighting the racial dynamics and exploitation.

Mnemonic: "Slave narratives often reveal fathers who are white."

381. What language did William the Conqueror bring from Normandy?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) French

Exam Relevance: GCSE History, A-Level History

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: William the Conqueror introduced Norman French to England after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Old English with the language brought by the Normans.

Explanations: William the Conqueror was from Normandy, where the language spoken was a dialect of French. After the Norman Conquest, Norman French became the language of the ruling class in England.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Latin was not the language of the Normans; it was used for religious and scholarly purposes.
Option B: French is correct because the Normans spoke a dialect of French.
Option C: Old English was the language already spoken in England before the conquest.
Option D: German is incorrect; the Normans were of Viking origin but had adopted French culture and language.

Mnemonic: William brought French, not German, to England.

382. In the play, "Richard III, " who is manipulated into marrying Richard?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Lady Anne.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The play "Richard III" explores themes of manipulation and ambition, with Richard's strategic use of marriage to advance his political goals.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Lady Anne with other female characters in the play, such as Queen Elizabeth or Margaret, who are not directly involved in Richard's marriage plot.

Explanations: Richard III manipulates Lady Anne into marrying him by exploiting her grief and his own charm, which is a key plot point in the play. This demonstrates Richard's cunning and his ability to manipulate others for his own gain.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lady Anne is the correct answer because Richard manipulates her into marriage.
Option B: Queen Elizabeth is the wife of King Edward IV and not involved in a marriage plot with Richard.
Option C: The Duchess of York is Richard's mother and not a love interest.
Option D: Margaret is the wife of Henry VI and an adversary, not a spouse.

Mnemonic: "Anne and Richard: Manipulation and Marriage."

383. Who wrote 'Prometheus Unbound'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Shelley

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: 'Prometheus Unbound' is a well-known work by Percy Bysshe Shelley, a key figure in Romantic literature.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Shelley with other Romantic poets like Byron or Keats.

Explanations: 'Prometheus Unbound' is a play by Percy Bysshe Shelley, reflecting themes of freedom and revolution. It is a significant work in Romantic literature, often studied for its poetic style and philosophical ideas.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Samuel Taylor Coleridge is known for works like 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Kubla Khan', not 'Prometheus Unbound'.
Option B: John Keats authored 'Ode to a Nightingale' and 'Ode on a Grecian Urn', but not 'Prometheus Unbound'.
Option C: Lord Byron wrote 'Don Juan' and 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage', but not 'Prometheus Unbound'.
Option D: Percy Bysshe Shelley is the correct author of 'Prometheus Unbound'.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

384. The Ode is often in the form of an.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Address

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: An Ode is a lyrical poem that is typically addressed to a particular subject, person, or deity, expressing strong emotions or praise.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the structural elements of an Ode, such as confusing it with other poetic forms like sonnets or elegies.

Explanations: The Ode is a lyrical poem that often expresses strong emotions, praise, or reflection. It is typically addressed to a particular subject, person, or deity, making "address" the defining characteristic of the form.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Invocation is not a defining feature of an Ode.
Option B: Invitation is not the primary purpose of an Ode.
Option C: Address is the correct term as Odes are directed towards a specific subject.
Option D: Inspiration is a possible theme but not the form itself.

Mnemonic: "Odes are Addresses to inspire."

385. And seeing GOD hath said, He that stealeth a Man and Selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to Death. Exod. 21.16. This Law being of Everlasting Equity, wherein Man Stealing is Ranked amongst the most atrocious of Capital Crimes: What louder Cry can there be made of that Celebrated Warning, Caveat Emptor!And all things considered, it would conduce more to the Welfare of the Province, to have White Servants for a Term of Years, than to have slaves for Life. Few can endure to hear of a Negro's being made free; and indeed they can seldom use their freedom well; yet their continual aspiring after their forbidden Liberty, renders them unwilling Servants.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Samuel Sewall.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The passage discusses the moral and legal implications of slavery, referencing Exodus 21:16. Samuel Sewall is known for his anti-slavery tract "The Selling of Joseph."

Common Mistakes: Misidentifying the author based on the content's moral stance rather than specific historical context.

Explanations: Samuel Sewall authored "The Selling of Joseph," which critiques slavery using biblical references. The passage's content aligns with his arguments against slavery.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Saffin was a merchant, not known for anti-slavery writings.
Option B: John Winthrop was a colonial governor, not associated with this text.
Option C: Samuel Sewall authored "The Selling of Joseph," matching the passage's content.
Option D: William Apess was a Native American activist, unrelated to this text.

Mnemonic: Sewall Sewed the Seeds of Abolition.

386. Which novels are set in the future, space, planet or universe?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Science fiction novel

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Science fiction novels are defined by their futuristic or extraterrestrial settings.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the defining characteristics of each literary genre.

Explanations: Science fiction novels are set in the future, space, on other planets, or in different universes. They explore themes related to technology, scientific discoveries, and their societal impacts. Other genres do not typically involve these elements.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Gothic novels focus on dark, mysterious, and often supernatural themes, not futuristic or space settings.
Option B: Science fiction novels are characterized by futuristic or extraterrestrial settings, making this the correct answer.
Option C: Picaresque novels are satirical and follow a roguish protagonist, not set in the future or space.
Option D: Stream of consciousness novels focus on the flow of thoughts and feelings, not futuristic or space settings.

Mnemonic: Sci-Fi = Space, Future, Innovation

387. " Ullyses" is written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) James Joyce.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a major work in English literature and its author.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing James Joyce with other modernist authors like Virginia Woolf or E.M. Forster.

Explanations: "Ulysses" is a renowned novel by James Joyce, known for its modernist style and intricate structure. It is a reimagining of Homer's "Odyssey" set in early 20th-century Dublin.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. James Joyce wrote "Ulysses."
Option B: Incorrect. Virginia Woolf wrote works like "Mrs. Dalloway," not "Ulysses."
Option C: Incorrect. Thomas Hardy wrote novels such as "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," not "Ulysses."
Option D: Incorrect. E.M. Forster wrote "A Passage to India," not "Ulysses."

Mnemonic: Ulysses by Joyce, a modern twist on the classic Troy.

388. The chief concern of Joyce as a novelist is with.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Humanrelationships.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: James Joyce's novels primarily focus on the exploration of human relationships, examining their emotional, social, and psychological dimensions.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Joyce's thematic focus as being solely on societal issues like corruption or economic status.

Explanations: Joyce's works, such as "Dubliners" and "Ulysses," delve into the complexities of human interactions, highlighting how relationships shape characters' lives and experiences.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Corruption is not Joyce's primary concern; his focus is broader and more thematic.
Option B: Human relationships are central to Joyce's exploration of characters and their experiences.
Option C: The poor are not the sole focus; Joyce examines a range of human experiences.
Option D: Unemployment is not a central theme in Joyce's novels.

Mnemonic: Joyce's Novels: Human Hearts Entwined

389. The placard " Beware of him. He bites" was hung around David's neck at.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Salem House.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of specific events and settings in Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield."

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Salem House with Dr. Strong's Academy, another school in the novel.

Explanations: In "David Copperfield," David is subjected to cruelty at Salem House, including the placard incident. This event is a key part of his early education experience in the novel.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The placard was hung at Salem House, a school known for its harsh environment.
Option B: Incorrect. Dr. Strong's Academy is a later, more positive school experience for David.
Option C: Incorrect. The Royal Academy is not referenced in this context in the novel.
Option D: Incorrect. The event does occur at Salem House, so "None of the above" is wrong.

Mnemonic: "Salem School, Placard Foul"

390. G. B. Shaw's The Doctor's Dilemma is a/an -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Drama.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The genre classification of a literary work.

Common Mistakes: Confusing drama with other genres like novel or poem.

Explanations: *The Doctor's Dilemma* is a play written by George Bernard Shaw, structured with acts and scenes, which is characteristic of a drama.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as it is not a novel. Novels are longer narrative works, typically with a developed plot and characters.
Option B: Correct, as it is a play with acts and scenes, fitting the definition of a drama.
Option C: Incorrect, as it is not a poem. Poems use poetic devices and structure, which are absent here.
Option D: Incorrect, as it is not a short story. Short stories are concise narratives, while this is a play.

Mnemonic: D for Drama, D for Dilemma.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 26”

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 26”

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