English Literature MCQ – Change your future

886. The line "she dwells with Beauty â€“ Beauty that must be" occurs in Keats'

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Ode on Melancholy.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of specific lines from Keats' poetry and their association with the correct literary work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the line with other odes by Keats, such as "Ode to a Grecian Urn" or "Endymion," which also explore themes of beauty and art.

Explanations: The line "she dwells with Beauty – Beauty that must be" is from "Ode on Melancholy," where Keats discusses the enduring nature of beauty and its connection to melancholy. This aligns with the poem's exploration of how beauty and art can provide solace and transcendence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Lamia" is a narrative poem about love and betrayal, not related to the given line.
Option B: "Ode to a Grecian Urn" focuses on the timeless beauty of art but does not contain the given line.
Option C: "Ode on Melancholy" discusses the enduring nature of beauty, matching the given line.
Option D: "Endymion" is a narrative poem about love and mythology, unrelated to the line.

Mnemonic: "Beauty must be" – think "Melancholy" for enduring themes.

887. The turbulent years of the 14th century witnessed a blending of language and culture that led to the rise of Middle English. Which of the following events led to the nickname "the era of catastrophes"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) All of these answers.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The 14th century in England was marked by several catastrophic events that significantly impacted society, culture, and language, leading to the rise of Middle English.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to focus on only one event, such as the Black Plague, without considering the combined impact of all three events.

Explanations: The 14th century in England was a period of significant turmoil, often referred to as "the era of catastrophes." This nickname arises from three major events: the Hundred Years' War, the Great Schism, and the Black Plague. Each of these events had profound effects on English society, culture, and language, contributing to the blending of influences that led to the rise of Middle English.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Hundred Years' War disrupted trade and caused social and economic instability, contributing to the era's turmoil.
Option B: The Great Schism caused religious and political confusion, further destabilizing the era.
Option C: The Black Plague led to labor shortages and social changes, significantly impacting literature and culture.
Option D: All of these events collectively contributed to the nickname "the era of catastrophes."

Mnemonic: HBP: Hundred Years' War, Black Plague, and Papal Schism.

888. Who wrote Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Harriet Jacobs

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the identification of the author of a specific literary work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Harriet Jacobs with other female authors of the 19th century, such as Harriet Wilson or Lucy Terry.

Explanations: "Harriet Jacobs authored 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl,' a significant work detailing her experiences as a slave. The other options are incorrect because they refer to different authors and their works."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lucy Terry was a poet, not the author of this narrative.
Option B: William Wells Brown was an abolitionist and author, but not of this work.
Option C: Harriet Wilson wrote 'Our Nig,' a different work.
Option D: Harriet Jacobs wrote 'Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.'

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

889. Who is of the following is not a Nobel Laureate?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) E. M. Forster.

Exam Relevance: GRE Literature Subject Test, A-Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Nobel Laureates in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing E. M. Forster with other Nobel-winning authors.

Explanations: E. M. Forster did not receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. The other options are Nobel Laureates.

Option Analysis:

Option A: W. B. Yeats won the Nobel Prize in 1923.
Option B: T. S. Eliot won the Nobel Prize in 1948.
Option C: William Golding won the Nobel Prize in 1983.
Option D: E. M. Forster did not win the Nobel Prize.

Mnemonic: Eliot, Yeats, Golding won; Forster didn't, he's the one.

890. 'Ophelia' is an important character in the Shakespeare play-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Hamlet.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a character from a specific Shakespearean play.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Ophelia with other female characters in Shakespeare's works, such as Lady Macbeth or Miranda.

Explanations: Ophelia is a key character in 'Hamlet', known for her tragic death and her relationship with the titular character. She does not appear in the other plays listed.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Ophelia is a character in 'Hamlet'.
Option B: Incorrect. Ophelia is not in 'Macbeth'.
Option C: Incorrect. Ophelia is not in 'The Tempest'.
Option D: Incorrect. Ophelia is not in 'King Lear'.

Mnemonic: Ophelia = Hamlet's Heartache

891. The two new journals named " The Tatler" and " The Spectator" were started by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Steele and Addison.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of 18th-century English literary journals and their founders.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the founders with other contemporary writers like Pope or Swift.

Explanations: "The Tatler" and "The Spectator" were founded by Richard Steele and Joseph Addison. These journals were instrumental in developing the English essay form and were popular for their wit and social commentary.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Pope and Swift were poets and satirists, not associated with these journals.
Option B: Steele and Addison were the correct founders of the journals.
Option C: Richardson and Defoe were novelists, not involved in these journals.
Option D: Arbuthnot and Berkeley were philosophers, not connected to these publications.

Mnemonic: Steele and Addison, Tatler and Spectator, 18th-century wit, they're thelator.

892. Which of the following is not a play by Shakespeare?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Dr. Faustus.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests recognition of Shakespeare's plays.

Common Mistakes: Confusion between Shakespeare and Marlowe's works.

Explanations: Dr. Faustus is by Marlowe. Hamlet and Macbeth are Shakespeare's.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hamlet is a Shakespeare play.
Option B: Macbeth is a Shakespeare play.
Option C: Dr. Faustus is by Marlowe, not Shakespeare.
Option D: Incorrect, as C is not Shakespeare's.

893. According to Dante, when is it most appropriate to use Latin?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) In essays.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge Literature Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Dante Alighieri advocated for the use of Latin in formal and scholarly contexts, particularly in written works such as essays, due to its association with learning and tradition.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming Dante preferred Latin for all written forms, including literature, rather than recognizing its specific role in scholarly contexts.

Explanations: Dante emphasized Latin for its precision and association with classical learning, making it suitable for formal essays. He reserved the vernacular for poetry and everyday communication.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dante did not limit Latin to literature; he saw it as a broader scholarly tool.
Option B: Latin was not intended for everyday speech, which Dante preferred in the vernacular.
Option C: Correct. Dante used Latin for formal, intellectual contexts like essays.
Option D: Dante's love poetry was typically in Italian, not Latin.

Mnemonic: "Latin for Learning, Italian for Love"

894. The term 'genre' is of origin.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) French.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The term 'genre' refers to a category of artistic composition, as in the various kinds of literature, music, or film. It is derived from the French word 'genre.'

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the origin of 'genre' with other Romance languages or English.

Explanations: The term 'genre' is of French origin, derived from the word 'genre,' meaning 'kind' or 'type.' It is used in literature to classify works based on shared characteristics such as themes, styles, or forms.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. 'Genre' comes from the French word 'genre.'
Option B: Incorrect. 'Genre' is not of Greek origin.
Option C: Incorrect. 'Genre' is not of Latin origin.
Option D: Incorrect. 'Genre' is not of English origin.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

895. Romantic Age starts from?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1789.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Romantic Age in English literature began around 1789, marked by the publication of Lyrical Ballads.

Common Mistakes: Confusion with the Victorian era or the Enlightenment period.

Explanations: The Romantic Age started in 1789 with the publication of Lyrical Ballads, which introduced themes of emotion, nature, and the individual, defining the era.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as 1789 marks the beginning of the Romantic Age with the publication of Lyrical Ballads.
Option B: Incorrect, as 1880 falls within the Victorian era, not the Romantic period.
Option C: Incorrect, as 1889 is also part of the Victorian era, far beyond the Romantic period.
Option D: Incorrect, as 1750 is too early, preceding the Romantic movement.

Mnemonic: 1789: Romantics Begin

896. Which of the following statements best characterizes the formal qualities of Langston Hughes's poem "Life is Fine"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The use of alternating end rhymes and word repetitions enhance the music of the poem and along with its occasional dissonance give it an improvisational jazz-like quality.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem's formal qualities include its rhythmic structure, use of repetition, and alternating rhymes, which contribute to its musical and jazz-like qualities.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is focusing solely on the content of the poem rather than its formal elements, such as rhyme and rhythm.

Explanations: Langston Hughes's "Life is Fine" employs alternating end rhymes and word repetitions, which create a musical and rhythmic flow. The occasional dissonance in the poem adds to its spontaneous, jazz-inspired quality, making it feel improvisational. This structure aligns with Hughes's style, which often incorporates elements of jazz and blues.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The poem primarily uses monosyllabic diction, which contributes to its rhythmic and accessible style.
Option B: Correct. The poem's use of alternating end rhymes, word repetitions, and occasional dissonance creates a musical and jazz-like quality.
Option C: Incorrect. The poem is not written in Standard American English for middle-class readers; it reflects African American Vernacular English and a broader audience.
Option D: Incorrect. The poem does not follow the structure of a villanelle, which requires a specific rhyme scheme and line repetition.

Mnemonic: Jazz in the Poem

897. Celia and Rosalind are

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Cousins.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, AQA English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The relationship between characters in Shakespeare's plays is crucial for understanding their interactions and motivations.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse their relationship with friendship or sisterhood, which are common in other plays.

Explanations: In "As You Like It," Celia is the daughter of Duke Frederick, and Rosalind is the daughter of Duke Senior. Since Duke Frederick and Duke Senior are brothers, their daughters are cousins. This familial bond explains their close relationship and mutual support throughout the play.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Celia and Rosalind are cousins as their fathers are brothers.
Option B: Incorrect. They are related through their fathers.
Option C: Incorrect. They are not sisters; their fathers are brothers, making them cousins.
Option D: Incorrect. While they are close, they are related by blood, not just friends.

Mnemonic: Cousins in Courtly Comedies

898. Coleridge's chief contribution to literary criticism is.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Biographia Literaria.

Exam Relevance: GRE Subject Test in Literature, Cambridge English Literature exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Coleridge's "Biographia Literaria" is his major contribution to literary criticism, presenting key theories on imagination and poetry.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding may arise by confusing it with his collaborative work with Wordsworth or his lectures.

Explanations: "Biographia Literaria" is Coleridge's seminal work in literary criticism, detailing his theories on imagination and the nature of poetry, which are foundational to Romantic criticism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Lectures on Shakespeare and Milton" are significant but not his chief contribution to literary criticism.
Option B: "Criticism on Wordsworth" refers to collaborative work, not his standalone contribution.
Option C: "Biographia Literaria" is his major work in literary criticism, making it the correct answer.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct answer is provided in the options.

Mnemonic: BioLit for Coleridge's Crit

899. 'O, you are sick of self-love' Who is referred to in these words in Twelfth Night?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Malvolio.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The quote refers to Malvolio's excessive self-love and vanity, which is a key aspect of his character in Twelfth Night.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the quote with other characters like Orsino or Sir Toby, who have different traits.

Explanations: In Twelfth Night, Malvolio is characterized by his self-importance and belief in his own superiority. The quote "O, you are sick of self-love" is directed at him, highlighting his excessive vanity. This line is spoken by Maria, who is aware of his inflated ego.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Orsino is the Duke and is more focused on his romantic pursuits rather than self-love.
Option B: Sir Andrew is a drunkard and a fool, not known for self-love.
Option C: Sir Toby is also a drunkard and more associated with causing chaos than self-love.
Option D: Malvolio's self-love is a central trait, making him the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Malvolio's self-love makes him a fool.

900. The hero of which poem is the knight-at-arms alone palely loitering ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) La Belle Dame Sans Merci.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The poem "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" by John Keats features a knight who is described as being alone and pale, loitering in a meadow.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing this poem with others by Keats, such as "Isabella" or "Ode of Psyche," which have different themes and characters.

Explanations: The knight's description in "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" matches the given question. The other options refer to different poems with unrelated content.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Isabella" is about a woman and her lover, not a knight.
Option B: Correct, as it describes the knight's state.
Option C: "Ode of Psyche" is about a goddess, not a knight.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct answer is provided.

Mnemonic: "La Belle Dame has a pale knight."

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 60”

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 60”

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