English Literature MCQ – Change your future

991. Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind" can be best understood as a poem about .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) How poets can bring about political revolution.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem uses the west wind as a metaphor for the poet's role in inspiring change and revolution.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the metaphorical role of the west wind as a literal force rather than a symbol for poetic influence.

Explanations: Shelley personifies the west wind as a powerful force of nature, capable of both destruction and renewal. He compares the wind to a poet, suggesting that poets can similarly stir the masses and bring about political change. The poem's structure and imagery emphasize the transformative power of both the wind and poetry.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The poem does not focus on romantic relationships.
Option B: The theme of innocence is not central to the poem.
Option C: The poem does not describe the French Revolution's horrors.
Option D: The poem uses the west wind as a metaphor for the poet's ability to inspire political change.

Mnemonic: Wind as a Poet's Tool

992. A Chronicle can be described as.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) A yearly record of current events.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A Chronicle is a historical record that documents events in the order they occurred, often annually.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the difference between a Chronicle and a collection of stories or a personal diary.

Explanations: A Chronicle systematically records events year by year, making it distinct from a book of stories or a personal diary.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as it accurately describes a Chronicle's purpose.
Option B: Incorrect, as it refers to a collection of stories, not a historical record.
Option C: Incorrect, as it describes a personal account, not a formal historical document.

993. What is verse?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Lines of poem

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Verse is a term used in poetry to describe lines of text that follow a specific rhythm or pattern.

Common Mistakes: Confusing verse with other poetic devices or musical terms.

Explanations: Verse is defined as lines of poetry, which are structured to convey meaning through rhythm and imagery.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Verse refers to lines of poetry.
Option B: Incorrect. A song of lamentation is a type of musical or poetic expression, not verse.
Option C: Incorrect. Rhythmic measurement refers to meter, not verse.
Option D: Incorrect. Pentameter is a specific type of meter, not verse.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

994. Hullabaloo means

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Uproar.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT, GRE

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Hullabaloo refers to a noisy commotion or uproar.

Common Mistakes: Confusing hullabaloo with terms like silence or halo, which are unrelated.

Explanations: Hullabaloo is a term that describes a noisy, chaotic situation. It is synonymous with uproar, which makes option A correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as hullabaloo means a noisy commotion.
Option B: Incorrect, as silence is the opposite of hullabaloo.
Option C: Incorrect, as halo refers to a ring of light, unrelated to noise.
Option D: Incorrect, as insanity is unrelated to the term.

Mnemonic: "Hullabaloo is a hull of aloo" (sounds like "uproar").

995. Who is the writer of 'Men and Women'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Robert Browning.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the authorship of a specific literary work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Robert Browning with other poets like Wordsworth or Shelley.

Explanations: Robert Browning wrote the collection 'Men and Women', which is a series of dramatic monologues. The other poets listed did not author this work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Robert Browning authored 'Men and Women'.
Option B: Incorrect. Shelley wrote works like 'Frankenstein' and 'Ode to the West Wind'.
Option C: Incorrect. Shakespeare wrote plays and sonnets, not 'Men and Women'.
Option D: Incorrect. Wordsworth wrote 'The Prelude' and other Romantic poetry, not this collection.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

996. Which of the following texts published in the 1790s did not epitomize the radical social thinking stimulated by the French Revolution?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France.

Exam Relevance: AQA English Literature GCSE

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of texts from the 1790s and their alignment with radical social thinking influenced by the French Revolution.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Burke's conservative stance with the radical ideas of the other authors.

Explanations: The French Revolution inspired radical ideas advocating for equality and political reform. Wollstonecraft, Paine, and Godwin wrote works promoting these ideas. Burke, however, opposed the revolution, arguing for tradition and caution, making his text non-radical.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mary Wollstonecraft's "Vindication of the Rights of Men" supports radical ideas, opposing Burke's conservatism.
Option B: Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" defends the French Revolution and radical change.
Option C: William Godwin's "Enquiry Concerning Political Justice" promotes radical social and political reforms.
Option D: Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" critiques the revolution, opposing radical change.

Mnemonic: "Burke's Reflections reflect conservative resistance."

997. "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty" This line has been taken from:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Ode on a Grecian Urn.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The line "Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty" is a central theme in John Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn," highlighting the enduring nature of art and beauty.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other odes by Keats, such as "Ode to a Nightingale" or "Ode to Autumn," which have similar themes but different focuses.

Explanations: The line is from "Ode on a Grecian Urn," where Keats equates beauty and truth through the timeless art of the urn. This reflects his belief in the enduring power of art.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Ode to Autumn" focuses on the season's beauty, not the specific line.
Option B: "Ode to a Nightingale" deals with the nightingale's song, unrelated to the line.
Option C: Correct, as the line is central to "Ode on a Grecian Urn."
Option D: "La Belle Dame Sans Merci" is a ballad about a knight's encounter, unrelated to the line.

Mnemonic: "Keats' urn holds beauty's truth, so 'C' is the right choice."

998. Shakespeare dedicated his long narrative poem Venus and Adonis to---------------.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Henry Wriothesley, the third earl of Southampton.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The dedication of Shakespeare's works to patrons is a key aspect of understanding the context of his writing.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise from the different earls of Southampton and their timelines.

Explanations: Shakespeare dedicated Venus and Adonis to Henry Wriothesley, the third earl of Southampton, who was a significant patron during the Elizabethan era. This dedication highlights the patronage system that supported many writers of the time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Henry Wriothesley, the third earl, was the patron to whom Shakespeare dedicated the poem.
Option B: Incorrect. Thomas Wriothesley was the fourth earl and not associated with Shakespeare.
Option C: Incorrect. William Fitzwilliam was the first earl and died before Shakespeare's rise to prominence.
Option D: Incorrect. Henry Wriothesley, the second earl, was not connected to Shakespeare.

Mnemonic: Third Southampton, Henry's name, Venus and Adonis he did claim.

999. What do you mean by Deus ex Machina?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Process of solving problem abruptly.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Deus ex machina refers to a sudden, unexpected resolution of a problem or conflict in a narrative, often introduced abruptly to resolve the plot without proper buildup.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term as a general problem-solving method rather than a specific literary device.

Explanations: Deus ex machina is a literary term describing a sudden, unexpected resolution of a problem or conflict in a narrative. It originates from ancient Greek theater, where a god (deus) would be lowered onto the stage via a machine (machina) to resolve the plot abruptly. This term highlights a narrative device where a seemingly intractable problem is suddenly and unexpectedly resolved, often in a way that feels artificial or contrived to the audience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Process of analyzing literature is unrelated to the term Deus ex machina, which pertains to narrative resolution rather than literary analysis.
Option B: Literary theft refers to plagiarism or uncredited use of others' work, which is unrelated to the concept of Deus ex machina.
Option C: Correctly identifies the term as a process of solving a problem abruptly, often in a narrative context.
Option D: Choice of words pertains to diction or style in literature, not the narrative device described by Deus ex machina.

Mnemonic: Deus ex Machina: God from the Machine

1000. How is the concept of "the new woman" Gothic?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) It represents the "transformation" of the traditional Victorian woman from the private sphere to the public sphere.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The concept of "the new woman" in Gothic literature involves the transformation of women from traditional roles in the private sphere to more independent roles in the public sphere.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the new woman with imitating Queen Victoria or associating it with madness or foreign influence.

Explanations: Gothic literature often explores themes of transformation and duality. The new woman represents a shift from traditional Victorian roles, emphasizing independence and public engagement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; the new woman is not about doubling Queen Victoria but breaking traditional roles.
Option B: Correct; it highlights the transformation from private to public roles.
Option C: Incorrect; it incorrectly associates the new woman with madness.
Option D: Incorrect; it wrongly suggests pollution by foreign influences.

Mnemonic: Transformation, not doubling, pollution, or madness—B is the key.

1001. Is one of Girish Karnad's plays.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Nagamandala.

Exam Relevance: CBSE English Literature exams in India.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of Girish Karnad's plays, specifically "Nagamandala."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Girish Karnad's works with those of other Indian authors like R.K. Narayan or Aravind Adiga.

Explanations: Girish Karnad is known for his play "Nagamandala," which explores themes of tradition and modernity. The other options are works by different authors: "White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga, and "Swami And Friends" and "Malgudi Days" by R.K. Narayan.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Nagamandala" is a play by Girish Karnad.
Option B: Incorrect. "White Tiger" is a novel by Aravind Adiga.
Option C: Incorrect. "Swami And Friends" is a novel by R.K. Narayan.
Option D: Incorrect. "Malgudi Days" is a collection of stories by R.K. Narayan.

Mnemonic: Remember "Nagamandala" as "snake dance" to associate it with Girish Karnad.

1002. Structuralism owes its origin to -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Ferdinand De Saussure.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Structuralism is a theoretical framework that studies underlying structures in cultural systems, such as language, literature, and society. It emphasizes the relationships between elements within these systems rather than their individual meanings.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing structuralism with other theories like post-structuralism or Marxist criticism, which have different foundational thinkers and principles.

Explanations: Ferdinand de Saussure is considered the father of structuralism due to his work in linguistics, particularly his book "Course in General Linguistics." He introduced concepts like the signifier and signified, which are central to structuralist thought. Terry Eagleton is associated with Marxist literary theory, and Jacques Derrida is known for deconstruction, a post-structuralist approach.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Terry Eagleton is a Marxist literary theorist, not the originator of structuralism.
Option B: Ferdinand de Saussure's linguistic theories laid the groundwork for structuralism.
Option C: Jacques Derrida is associated with deconstruction, a critique of structuralism.
Option D: Incorrect, as Ferdinand de Saussure is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Saussure Started Structuralism

1003. 'Hebrew Melodies' is written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Byron

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the authorship of a specific literary work.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Byron with other Romantic poets like Keats or Tennyson.

Explanations: 'Hebrew Melodies' is a collection of poems by Lord Byron, reflecting his interest in Jewish history and culture. The other poets listed are known for different works and styles.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tennyson is known for Victorian poetry, not 'Hebrew Melodies.'
Option B: Byron authored 'Hebrew Melodies.'
Option C: Keats wrote Romantic odes, not this collection.
Option D: Incorrect, as Byron is the correct author.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic needed.

1004. The most eminent and influential writer of the Theatre of the Absurd was.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Samuel Beckett

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature, Cambridge International AS & A Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Theatre of the Absurd is a dramatic movement exploring existential themes and the meaninglessness of life. Samuel Beckett is its most influential writer.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Samuel Beckett and other modernist writers like T.S. Eliot or philosophers like Derrida.

Explanations: Samuel Beckett is the most influential writer of the Theatre of the Absurd. His plays, such as "Waiting for Godot," exemplify the movement's themes and style.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dr. Johnson was an 18th-century writer, not associated with the Theatre of the Absurd.
Option B: Derrida was a philosopher, not a playwright in the Theatre of the Absurd.
Option C: Samuel Beckett is the correct answer as he is the leading figure in the Theatre of the Absurd.
Option D: T.S. Eliot was a modernist poet, not associated with the Theatre of the Absurd.

Mnemonic: Beckett's Boredom

1005. Who is called the 'Rebel Poet'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Lord Byron.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The term 'Rebel Poet' refers to Lord Byron, known for his unconventional lifestyle and radical views.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Byron and other Romantic poets, who are not primarily known as rebels.

Explanations: Lord Byron earned the title 'Rebel Poet' due to his defiance of societal norms and political radicalism. His works and lifestyle reflected a rebellious spirit, distinguishing him from other poets of his time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: P. B. Shelley was a visionary poet, not specifically known as a rebel.
Option B: John Keats focused on beauty and sensuality, not rebellion.
Option C: S. T. Coleridge was known for his philosophical and supernatural themes, not rebellion.
Option D: Lord Byron's lifestyle and radical views earned him the title 'Rebel Poet'.

Mnemonic: Byron's Boldness Brands him as the Rebel.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 67”

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 67”

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