English Literature MCQ – Change your future

826. The ambitious spirits of his brother chieftain Sassacus, had ever aspired to dominion over the allied tribes - and immediately after the appearance of the English, the same temper was manifest in a jealousy of their encroachments. He employed all his art and influence and authority, to unite the tribes for the extirpation of the dangerous invaders. Mononotto, on the contrary, averse to all hostility, and foreseeing no danger from them, was the advocate of a hospitable reception, and pacific conduct. What does "extirpation" mean?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Extermination

Exam Relevance: SAT, GRE

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: "Extirpation" refers to the complete eradication or destruction of something, often used in contexts where elimination is necessary.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term as related to legal execution or extreme actions rather than complete destruction.

Explanations: "Extirpation" means the complete removal or destruction of something, such as a threat. In the passage, it refers to the effort to eliminate the English invaders.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Execution refers to carrying out a legal sentence, not eradication.
Option B: Going to extremes is too vague and does not specifically mean elimination.
Option C: Extermination means complete destruction, matching the context.
Option D: Expatriating refers to banishment, unrelated to the context.

Mnemonic: Exterminate means to remove entirely, like exterminating pests from your home.

827. A fairytale can have all of the following parts EXCEPT.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Realistic characters, events, and setting.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Fairytales are defined by their magical elements, including enchanted settings, mythical creatures, and supernatural events. They often feature talking animals and a clear moral conflict between good and evil. Realistic elements are not typical in fairytales.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing fairytales with realistic fiction, which focuses on believable characters and events.

Explanations: Fairytales rely on fantasy to convey their messages, making realistic elements inconsistent with their nature. The other options are all common features of fairytales.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Magical elements are a defining feature of fairytales.
Option B: Talking animals are common in fairytales to convey moral lessons.
Option C: Realistic elements are not typical in fairytales, which focus on fantasy.
Option D: The conflict between good and evil is a central theme in fairytales.

Mnemonic: "Fairytales are filled with magic, not reality."

828. The another name of Revenge tragedy or producer is-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Senecan tragedy.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Revenge tragedy is a genre of drama focusing on themes of vengeance. Senecan tragedy refers to plays by Seneca, which influenced English revenge tragedy.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Senecan tragedy with other tragic genres like Greek tragedy or epic poetry.

Explanations: Senecan tragedy, associated with Roman philosopher Seneca, heavily influenced English revenge tragedy. It is characterized by themes of vengeance and retribution, seen in works by Kyd and Shakespeare.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sophocles is a Greek tragedian known for plays like "Oedipus Rex," focusing on fate and character flaws, not revenge.
Option B: Euripides is a Greek tragedian whose works explore human psychology and societal issues, not specifically revenge.
Option C: Homer is an epic poet known for "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," which are epic poems, not plays, and unrelated to revenge tragedy.
Option D: Senecan tragedy refers to plays by Seneca, which influenced English revenge tragedy, making it the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Seneca's Revenge: Tragedy's Influence

829. Which of the following statements is/are TRUE concerning Puritanism?

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

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Puritanism emphasizes the importance of preaching and spiritual experience.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Puritan values, such as thinking they supported sexual freedom.

Explanations: Puritanism in English literature is characterized by a strong emphasis on the importance of preaching, as seen in their belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible and the role of ministers. Additionally, spiritual experience was central to their faith, focusing on personal piety and a direct relationship with God. The freedom of sexual expression was not a Puritan value; they adhered to strict moral codes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Preaching was central to Puritan worship and belief.
Option B: Correct. Spiritual experience was crucial, focusing on personal faith and piety.
Option C: Incorrect. Puritans did not emphasize sexual freedom; they upheld strict moral standards.
Option D: Correct. Combines the correct aspects of Puritanism.

Mnemonic: "Preach and Pray" for the focus on preaching and spiritual life.

830. The century saw the emergence of major new forms of criticism and innovative theories of literature.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) 20th.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The 20th century was marked by the emergence of major new forms of literary criticism and innovative theories of literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the 20th century with earlier periods, such as the 18th or 17th centuries, which had different literary focuses.

Explanations: The 20th century saw the rise of Modernism, Postmodernism, and various critical theories like Structuralism and Feminist criticism, which revolutionized literary analysis.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The 18th century focused on Enlightenment ideas and early Romanticism, not the major critical innovations of the 20th century.
Option B: The 20th century was a period of significant literary and critical innovation, making it the correct answer.
Option C: The 15th century was part of the Renaissance, which focused on classical revival rather than modern critical theories.
Option D: The 17th century was marked by the development of Neoclassical literature, not the emergence of new critical forms seen in the 20th century.

Mnemonic: 20th C: N.C.M.E. (New Critiques and Movements Emerge)

831. ..... he heard the news, he rushed towards the hospital.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) As soon as

Exam Relevance: TOEFL, IELTS

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The phrase "As soon as" is used to indicate that one action happens immediately after another.

Common Mistakes: Choosing "And" might seem correct, but it doesn't convey the immediacy required.

Explanations: "As soon as" is the correct phrase to show that the action of rushing to the hospital happened immediately upon hearing the news.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "And" does not indicate immediacy.
Option B: "As soon as" correctly shows immediate action.
Option C: "But" implies contrast, which is not the case here.
Option D: "Till" suggests duration, not immediacy.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

832. How much money did the passer-by agree to give to the astrologer, if he found the astrologer's answers satisfactory?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Eight annas.

Exam Relevance: CBSE, ICSE

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The story "The Astrologer's Day" by R.K. Narayan details the astrologer's fee structure.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the currency units or the specific amount charged by the astrologer.

Explanations: In the story, the astrologer charges eight annas for his predictions. This is a specific detail that must be recalled accurately.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Five rupees is incorrect as it is not mentioned in the story.
Option B: Seven Rupees is also incorrect for the same reason.
Option C: Eight annas is correct as per the story's details.
Option D: Thirty pice is incorrect as it does not match the astrologer's fee.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

833. Xanadu is the locale of the literary work

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Kubla Khan.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Xanadu is the setting of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan."

Common Mistakes: Confusing it with other Coleridge poems like "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" or "Christabel."

Explanations: "Kubla Khan" is a poem that vividly describes the imaginary city of Xanadu. The other options are incorrect because they are different poems by Coleridge that do not mention Xanadu.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Xanadu is the locale of "Kubla Khan."
Option B: Incorrect. "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is a different poem.
Option C: Incorrect. "Christabel" is another poem by Coleridge.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is A.

Mnemonic: Xanadu in Kubla Khan, not in the Mariner's plan.

834. James Joyce and Virginia Woolf are associated with..... novels.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Stream of consciousness.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Stream of consciousness is a narrative technique that represents the flow of thoughts and feelings in a character's mind.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the literary techniques associated with Joyce and Woolf.

Explanations: James Joyce and Virginia Woolf are known for their use of stream of consciousness in novels like "Ulysses" and "Mrs. Dalloway," respectively. This technique captures the continuous flow of thoughts and emotions in the characters' minds, providing deep psychological insights.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Stream of consciousness is a defining feature of their works.
Option B: Incorrect. Their works are not anti-romantic; they explore emotional depth.
Option C: Incorrect. Their novels are not adventure stories.
Option D: Incorrect. Their works are not epistolary.

Mnemonic: Joyce and Woolf flow with thoughts.

835. Calliban is a Character in.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Tempest.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Shakespearean characters and their respective plays.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Calliban with other Shakespearean characters or plays.

Explanations: Calliban is a key character in "The Tempest," a play known for its themes of power, control, and reconciliation. The other options are unrelated to this character.

Option Analysis:

Option A: King Lear does not feature Calliban. It focuses on themes of aging and family dynamics.
Option B: Tempest is correct as it is the play where Calliban appears.
Option C: Min and Superman is not a Shakespearean play and does not include Calliban.
Option D: Othello is about the tragic hero Othello and does not feature Calliban.

Mnemonic: Calliban in The Tempest, a play of magic and contest.

836. From which of the following Italian texts might Tudor courtiers have learned the art of intrigue and the keys to gaining and keeping power?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Machiavelli's The Prince.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli provides strategic advice on governance and power, making it relevant for Tudor courtiers.

Common Mistakes: Some might confuse The Courtier as the answer, thinking it's about courtly behavior rather than strategy.

Explanations: Machiavelli's The Prince outlines methods for gaining and maintaining power, which aligns with the needs of Tudor courtiers. Other texts focus on different themes and are not centered on political strategy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Castiglione's The Courtier emphasizes courtly virtues, not political strategy.
Option B: Dante's Divine Comedy is a religious epic, unrelated to political intrigue.
Option C: Boccaccio's Decameron is a collection of tales about love and life, not power dynamics.
Option D: Machiavelli's The Prince offers practical advice on power and governance.

Mnemonic: Machiavelli's Prince for Power Play

837. Which type of story would you likely find a princess as a character?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Fairy tale.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Fairy tales often feature princesses as central characters.

Common Mistakes: Confusing fairy tales with other genres like fables or myths.

Explanations: Fairy tales typically include magical elements and princesses as main characters. Examples include "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Fables focus on animal characters and moral lessons, not princesses.
Option B: Fairy tales often feature princesses in magical settings.
Option C: Myths involve gods and demigods, not human princesses.
Option D: Legends are based on real events or people, not fictional princesses.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

838. According to most critics, what does the circular structure of Finnegans Wake represent?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) The patterns of birth, life, and death.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The circular structure in *Finnegans Wake* symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence, reflecting the continuous cycle of birth, life, and death.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the circular structure as representing the unconscious or unrequited love rather than the life cycle.

Explanations: The circular narrative in *Finnegans Wake* mirrors the eternal recurrence of life stages, emphasizing the interconnectedness of birth, life, and death. This structure underscores the novel's exploration of time and existence as cyclical rather than linear.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; the novel does not focus on resurrection but on cyclical existence.
Option B: Incorrect; while the unconscious is explored, the circular structure represents the life cycle.
Option C: Incorrect; the novel does not center on unrequited love.
Option D: Correct; the circular structure reflects the patterns of birth, life, and death.

Mnemonic: Circle of Life and Death

839. Who is not a novelist of Victorian age mentioned below?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) James Joyce

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Victorian-era novelists and their respective literary periods.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing James Joyce's era with the Victorian period, as his works are often studied alongside Victorian literature in some curricula.

Explanations: Victorian literature spans the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy were active during this time. James Joyce, however, wrote in the early 20th century, making him a modernist writer, not Victorian.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Charles Dickens was a prominent Victorian novelist known for works like "Oliver Twist" and "Great Expectations."
Option B: George Eliot, a leading Victorian novelist, wrote "Middlemarch" and "The Mill on the Floss."
Option C: Thomas Hardy, though sometimes associated with modernism, began his career in the Victorian era with works like "Tess of the d'Urbervilles."
Option D: James Joyce, author of "Ulysses" and "Finnegans Wake," was active post-Victorian era, making him the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Joyce is Joyce, not of Victoria's time.

840. What characteristics of seventeenth-century Metaphysical poetry sparked the enthusiasm of modernist poets and critics?

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

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The enthusiasm of modernist poets and critics for seventeenth-century Metaphysical poetry was due to its intellectual complexity and the union of thought and passion.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming that Metaphysical poetry was primarily political, which is incorrect.

Explanations: Modernist poets and critics were drawn to the intellectual complexity and the union of thought and passion in Metaphysical poetry. These characteristics aligned with their appreciation for intricate ideas and emotional depth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Intellectual complexity was a key feature of Metaphysical poetry.
Option B: Correct. The union of thought and passion was another important aspect.
Option C: Incorrect. Metaphysical poetry was not primarily focused on politics.
Option D: Correct. Both A and B are accurate.

Mnemonic: "Mind and Heart" - representing intellectual complexity and the union of thought and passion.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 56”

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 56”

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