English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1081. 'The Way of the World' is written by?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) William Congreve

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: 'The Way of the World' is a Restoration comedy by William Congreve, known for its wit and social satire.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Restoration playwrights and earlier Shakespearean or Jacobean dramatists.

Explanations: William Congreve authored 'The Way of the World', a significant work in Restoration comedy. The play critiques societal norms through its characters and dialogue.

Option Analysis:

Option A: William Shakespeare did not write 'The Way of the World'; he wrote works like 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth'.
Option B: Christopher Marlowe wrote 'Doctor Faustus', not 'The Way of the World'.
Option C: Ben Johnson wrote 'Volpone', not 'The Way of the World'.
Option D: William Congreve is the correct author of 'The Way of the World'.

Mnemonic: Congreve's Way is witty and spry.

1082. Who is the meaning of the term Peripeteia as used by Aristotle in his Theory of Tragedy?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Change in the fortune of the hero from good to bad.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Peripeteia is a key element in Aristotle's theory of tragedy, referring to a sudden reversal of the protagonist's circumstances from good to bad.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing peripeteia with a positive reversal, which is more characteristic of comedy.

Explanations: Peripeteia involves a significant shift in the protagonist's fortune, creating a tragic effect. It is essential for generating emotional engagement in the audience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as it describes a positive reversal, typical of comedy.
Option B: Correct, as it accurately describes the sudden reversal from good to bad fortune.
Option C: Incorrect, as it implies no change in fortune, which is contrary to peripeteia.
Option D: Incorrect, as it refers to fluctuations without specifying the critical shift from good to bad.

Mnemonic: Peri-pet-eia: Peril in Pet's fate

1083. 'Lycidas' is an elegy in memory of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Edward King.

Exam Relevance: GCSE, A-Level English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: 'Lycidas' is an elegy by John Milton honoring Edward King, a Cambridge student who drowned.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise with other elegies, such as "In Memoriam A.H.H." for Arthur Hallam.

Explanations: 'Lycidas' commemorates Edward King, a fellow student, through themes of loss and friendship.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Arthur Hallam was memorialized by Tennyson, not Milton.
Option B: Edward King was Milton's Cambridge contemporary and the elegy's subject.
Option C: Matthew Arnold was a Victorian poet unrelated to 'Lycidas.'
Option D: John Donne was a metaphysical poet, not connected to this elegy.

Mnemonic: "Lycidas mourns Edward, not Arthur or Donne."

1084. Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' is a.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Comedy.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The classification of Shakespearean plays into genres like comedy, tragedy, or history is based on their themes, tone, and outcomes.

Common Mistakes: Some may mistake it for a tragedy due to the character of Shylock, but the play's resolution and themes lean towards comedy.

Explanations: 'Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' is a comedy because it features elements such as mistaken identities, a happy ending, and themes of love and friendship. While it contains serious and dark moments, particularly with Shylock, the play's structure and resolution align it with the comedy genre.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. A tragedy focuses on a protagonist's downfall and has a somber ending, which does not apply here.
Option B: Correct. The play's structure, themes, and resolution fit the comedy genre.
Option C: Incorrect. Satire primarily critiques society, which is not the main focus of the play.
Option D: Incorrect. A lyric refers to a type of poetry, not a play genre.

Mnemonic: Merchant's Comedy: Love, Laughter, and a Happy Ending.

1085. Which of the following does not disturb Mrs. Moore in the MarabarCaves ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The religious chant.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests the understanding of specific details in the Marabar Caves scene from "A Passage to India."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the elements that disturb Mrs. Moore with those that do not.

Explanations: In the Marabar Caves, Mrs. Moore is disturbed by the echo, a baby's hand, and the crowd. The religious chant, however, does not disturb her as it is part of the environment and associated with the caves.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The echo disturbs Mrs. Moore as it is loud and repetitive.
Option B: The religious chant does not disturb Mrs. Moore as it is part of the cave's atmosphere.
Option C: A baby's hand disturbs Mrs. Moore as it is unexpected and intrusive.
Option D: The crowd disturbs Mrs. Moore due to noise and congestion.

Mnemonic: Religious Chant is Calm

1086. Which poem of Coleridge is an opium dream?

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

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: "Kubla Khan" is associated with an opium-induced dream experienced by Coleridge.

Common Mistakes: Some may confuse it with "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," which is another Coleridge poem but unrelated to opium.

Explanations: "Kubla Khan" was written after Coleridge claimed to have woken from an opium-induced dream. The poem's vivid imagery reflects this dream-like state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Kubla Khan" is linked to an opium dream.
Option B: Incorrect. "Christabel" is unrelated to opium.
Option C: Incorrect. "The Ancient Mariner" is a supernatural tale, not an opium-induced vision.
Option D: Incorrect. "Ode on the Departing Year" is a reflective poem about time.

Mnemonic: Kubla Khan, opium's grand plan.

1087. " After Apple Picking" is written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Robert Frost.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a poem's author, a fundamental skill in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Robert Frost with other poets like Robert Browning, who have similar names but different styles and works.

Explanations: " After Apple Picking" is a well-known poem by Robert Frost, focusing on themes of labor and reflection. Robert Browning, another poet, has a different style and is not associated with this poem.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Robert Browning is incorrect because he wrote different works and had a distinct style.
Option B: Robert Frost is correct as he authored the poem.
Option C: Incorrect because the poem is not a collaborative work.
Option D: Incorrect because the poem is indeed by Robert Frost.

Mnemonic: Remember: Frost and apples are linked, much like the poem's theme.

1088. Which of the following was written first:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Henry six.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the order in which Shakespeare wrote his Henry plays.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the order of the plays, thinking Henry V was written before Henry VI.

Explanations: Shakespeare wrote Henry VI first, followed by Henry V, and then Henry VII. This sequence reflects the historical chronology of the English kings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Henry VI was written first.
Option B: Incorrect. Henry VII was written last.
Option C: Incorrect. Henry V was written after Henry VI.
Option D: Incorrect. Henry VI is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: H6 before H5, then H7.

1089. What century does the play, "Henry V, " take place in?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 15th century.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Henry V is set during the Hundred Years' War, specifically the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, which is in the 15th century.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the century with the time period of other Shakespearean plays or historical events.

Explanations: Henry V is set in 1415, during the Hundred Years' War. This date falls within the 15th century (1401-1500).

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The play is set in 1415, which is in the 15th century.
Option B: Incorrect. The 16th century is 1501-1600, which is after the events of the play.
Option C: Incorrect. The 14th century is 1301-1400, which is before the events of the play.
Option D: Incorrect. The 17th century is 1601-1700, which is much later than the play's setting.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1090. The arises out of folk tales.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Ballad

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Ballads are narrative poems that often stem from folk tales, recounting stories with emotional or dramatic elements.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the origin of ballads as being exclusively fictional or not connected to folk traditions.

Explanations: Ballads arise from folk tales, using a rhythmic and melodic style to narrate stories. They are distinct from epics, which focus on heroic deeds, and satire, which critiques societal issues.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Heroic epics recount mythic deeds, not folk tales.
Option B: Satire critiques societal issues, not derived from folk tales.
Option C: Ballads originate from folk tales, making them correct.
Option D: Incorrect as the correct answer is C.

Mnemonic: "Ballads are born from the people, tales told and sung with glee."

1091. Cocktown is an imaginary industrial town in the novelfirst

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Hard Times.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of specific literary works and their settings.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the setting of "Hard Times" with other Dickens novels or other works.

Explanations: Cocktown is an imaginary industrial town in Charles Dickens' novel "Hard Times." The novel uses Cocktown to critique the harsh realities of industrialization and the dehumanizing effects of utilitarianism. The other options are incorrect because they are either different novels or not related to Cocktown.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Cranford is a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, not related to Cocktown.
Option B: Hard Times is correct as it features Cocktown.
Option C: Ruth is a novel by Charles Dickens, but it does not feature Cocktown.
Option D: Vanity Fair is a novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, unrelated to Cocktown.

Mnemonic: Hard Times, Hard Towns: Dickens' critique of industrial life.

1092. The famous diary writer of the Age of Dryden was.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Samuel Pepys

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Samuel Pepys is renowned for his diary, a significant historical document of the 17th century.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Samuel Pepys with other Restoration writers or statesmen.

Explanations: Samuel Pepys wrote a detailed diary during the Restoration period, which is a key historical and literary document. His diary is famous for its vivid descriptions of events like the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Halifax was a statesman and writer, not known for a diary.
Option B: John Bunyan is known for "The Pilgrim's Progress," not a diary.
Option C: Thomas Shadwell was a playwright, not a diarist.
Option D: Samuel Pepys is famous for his diary, making this the correct answer.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

1093. Award of Nobel Prize in Literature was started from the year .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1901.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Nobel Prize in Literature was first awarded in 1901.

Common Mistakes: Incorrectly recalling the year as later than 1901.

Explanations: The Nobel Prize in Literature was established in 1901, as part of the Nobel Prizes created by Alfred Nobel's will. The first laureate was Sully Prudhomme, a French poet and essayist.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Nobel Prize in Literature was first awarded in 1901.
Option B: Incorrect. 1911 is not the correct year.
Option C: Incorrect. 1913 is not the correct year.
Option D: Incorrect. 1917 is not the correct year.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1094. All of the following are reasons why "The Rover" is an important play EXCEPT that it:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Presents female characters who have more wit and money than their male counterparts.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: "The Rover" is significant for challenging gender norms and critiquing 18th-century marriage conventions.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the play's focus on female agency rather than financial or intellectual superiority.

Explanations: "The Rover" highlights female characters' independence and challenges societal norms but does not focus on them having more wit or money than men.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct; Behn was a rare female playwright in the 17th century.
Option B: Correct; the play portrays women as capable of being rakes.
Option C: Correct; it critiques the hypocrisy of marriage conventions.
Option D: Incorrect; the play does not focus on women having more wit or money.

Mnemonic: Rover's Wit: Agency, Not Wealth

1095. " English Bards and Scotch Reviewers" is a satirical attack on contemporary writers who had annoyed Byron.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) True.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The poem "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers" by Lord Byron is a satirical critique of contemporary literary figures.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the satirical intent or the targets of the poem could lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: The poem satirizes English poets and Scottish reviewers who annoyed Byron, making it a direct attack on them.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as the poem is a satirical attack on writers who annoyed Byron.
Option B: Incorrect, as it contradicts the poem's satirical nature.
Option C: Incorrect, as both A and B cannot be true simultaneously.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct answer is clearly A.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 73”

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 73”

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