English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1096. How does Butler kill Wallenstein?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) He uses a sword.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The play "The Death of Wallenstein" by John Webster details the assassination of Wallenstein by Butler using a sword.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the play's plot or confusing it with other historical accounts where different methods are used.

Explanations: In the play, Butler assassinates Wallenstein by stabbing him with a sword during a confrontation. This method is explicitly described in the text.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Poison is not used in the play.
Option B: Sword is the correct method as per the play.
Option C: Throwing from a wall does not occur in the play.
Option D: Hiring a mercenary is not part of the plot.

Mnemonic: Sword slashes, Butler's action.

1097. According to Dr. Frances Pritchett's version of Shamsur Rahman Faruqi's "The Historical Novel and the Historical Narrative", what is the difference between a historical narrative and a historical novel?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) A historical novel focuses on providing the reader with only the central truth of a historical event, while a historical narrative attempts to tell the entire truth of a historical event.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The distinction lies in their approach to historical events: narratives aim for comprehensiveness, while novels focus on a central truth.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the roles of each form, conflating their purposes.

Explanations: Historical narratives seek to present a complete account of events, including various perspectives and details. In contrast, historical novels prioritize a central truth or theme, often employing fictional elements to convey their message. This distinction highlights their differing objectives in representing history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as it equates the two distinct forms.
Option B: Incorrect, as it reverses the roles of narrative and novel.
Option C: Correct, accurately reflecting the focus of each form.
Option D: Incorrect, misrepresenting Faruqi's argument.

Mnemonic: Narrative tells all, Novel tells the core.

1098. Who is called 'The bard of Avon'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) William Shakespeare

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The term "The Bard of Avon" refers to William Shakespeare, emphasizing his prominence in English literature.

Common Mistakes: Some might confuse "The Bard" with other poets, but it specifically refers to Shakespeare.

Explanations: William Shakespeare is known as "The Bard of Avon" because he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and is celebrated as a master poet and playwright.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Christopher Marlowe was a contemporary of Shakespeare but is not called "The Bard of Avon."
Option B: William Shakespeare is correctly known as "The Bard of Avon."
Option C: John Milton is a renowned poet but not associated with this title.
Option D: Homer is an ancient Greek poet and unrelated to this nickname.

Mnemonic: Avon's Bard is Will, the greatest of them all.

1099. How many of Shakespeare's plays are classified as histories?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) 10.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Shakespeare's plays are traditionally divided into comedies, histories, and tragedies. Histories are based on historical events and figures, particularly focusing on English monarchs.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the number of histories with the number of comedies or tragedies. For example, thinking that there are only 7 histories because of the 7 deadly sins or other unrelated concepts.

Explanations: Shakespeare wrote 10 history plays, which include works like "Richard III," "Henry V," and "Macbeth." These plays are based on historical events and figures, often focusing on the lives of English monarchs and the political conflicts of their time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 7 is incorrect because it underestimates the number of history plays.
Option B: 10 is correct as it accurately reflects the number of history plays.
Option C: 14 is incorrect because it includes other genres like comedies and tragedies.
Option D: 18 is incorrect because it overestimates the total number of plays, including all genres.

1100. In Shakespeareâ€™s plays, when is rhyme often used?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) When the play necessitates ritualistic, choral, and sensuous effect.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Shakespeare uses rhyme to create specific dramatic effects, such as ritualistic, choral, or sensuous atmospheres.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking rhyme is used for natural dialogue or by lower-class characters, which is not the case.

Explanations: Rhyme in Shakespeare's plays is strategically used to enhance scenes requiring a ritualistic, choral, or sensuous effect. It adds a musical quality, heightening emotional and dramatic impact. For example, the witches' chants in *Macbeth* use rhyme to emphasize their otherworldly nature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ghosts do not consistently use rhyme; their speech is often solemn and unrhymed.
Option B: Natural dialogue is usually in prose or unrhymed verse, not rhyme.
Option C: Lower-class characters often speak in prose rather than rhyme.
Option D: Correctly identifies the contexts where rhyme achieves specific effects.

Mnemonic: Ritual, Choral, Sensuous—Rhyme's Use

1101. Propero treated Ferdinand like a slave and behaved rudely because.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) He wanted to test Ferdinand's love for Miranda.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The concept tested is understanding character motivations and themes in "The Tempest."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming Propero's actions stem from personal dislike rather than a deliberate test.

Explanations: Propero's treatment of Ferdinand was a test to ensure Ferdinand's love for Miranda was genuine and enduring. This is revealed when Propero explains his actions to Ferdinand, emphasizing the importance of Ferdinand's patience and hard work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: There is no evidence that Propero hated Ferdinand; his actions were calculated, not hateful.
Option B: Propero's behavior was not due to dislike of Ferdinand's affection for Miranda but a test of Ferdinand's character.
Option C: Propero was not insane; his actions were deliberate and purposeful.
Option D: Correct. Propero wanted to test Ferdinand's love for Miranda through trials.

Mnemonic: Test of Love: Propero's trials for Ferdinand's affection.

1102. Kingsley Amis's..... novel is of the revolt against the old literati.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Lucky Jim.

Exam Relevance: AQA English Literature GCSE

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Kingsley Amis's works and their themes, specifically the critique of the literary establishment.

Common Mistakes: Confusing "Lucky Jim" with other novels by Kingsley Amis or mistaking the theme for another work.

Explanations: "Lucky Jim" by Kingsley Amis satirizes the academic and literary establishment, depicting the conflict between the older generation of writers and the younger, more progressive voices. This revolt against the old literati is central to the novel's theme.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Lord Jim" is a novel by Joseph Conrad, not Kingsley Amis, and it deals with themes of guilt and redemption, not a revolt against literati.
Option B: "Happy Jim" is another novel by Kingsley Amis, but it focuses on a different set of themes and does not address the revolt against the old literati.
Option C: "Lucky Jim" is correct as it directly portrays the revolt against the old literati through its satirical critique of academia and literary circles.
Option D: "Jim Lucky" is not a known work by Kingsley Amis and seems to be a misnomer or confusion with other titles.

Mnemonic: "Lucky Jim leads the literary rebellion."

1103. Age of Milton saw remarkable increase in.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Prose.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Age of Milton is associated with significant developments in prose, particularly in political and philosophical writing.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the literary forms prominent during the 17th century could lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: During the 17th century, prose experienced a remarkable increase, especially in works by John Milton. Poetry and drama were present but did not see the same level of growth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Poetry was prominent but did not see a remarkable increase.
Option B: Drama was in decline during this period.
Option C: Prose saw significant development, particularly in political and philosophical writing.
Option D: Incorrect, as there is a correct answer.

Mnemonic: Milton's Masterful Prose

1104. Which of the following literary forms became the most dominant in English during the Modern Age?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Novel

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The novel became the dominant literary form in English during the Modern Age due to its ability to explore complex human experiences and social issues.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking that poetry or drama remained dominant, overlooking the novel's rise in popularity and accessibility.

Explanations: The novel's flexibility in narrative structure and its capacity to delve into psychological and social themes made it the most influential literary form during the Modern Age. It catered to a broad audience and addressed the evolving concerns of society, leading to its dominance over other forms.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Drama, while significant, was limited by its reliance on performance and did not achieve the same widespread influence as the novel.
Option B: The novel's dominance is due to its ability to explore complex themes and reach a broad audience.
Option C: Poetry, though respected, was often seen as less accessible and less suited to capturing modern life's complexity.
Option D: The essay, while valuable for intellectual discourse, did not achieve the same cultural impact as the novel.

Mnemonic: Novel's the Star in Modern Times

1105. The Advertisement added to the Lyrical Ballads was published in:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) 1798.

Exam Relevance: Cambridge English Literature exams.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Lyrical Ballads, a collection of poems by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was first published in 1798. TheAdvertisement was included in this first edition.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the publication year of the first edition with later editions, such as 1800 or 1802.

Explanations: TheAdvertisement was added to the first edition of Lyrical Ballads, which was published in 1798. This edition marked the beginning of the Romantic movement in English poetry.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1800 is incorrect because the first edition with theAdvertisement was published earlier, in 1798.
Option B: 1802 is incorrect because it refers to a later edition, not the first one with theAdvertisement.
Option C: 1798 is correct as it is the year of the first edition's publication, including theAdvertisement.
Option D: None of these is incorrect because 1798 is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: 1798: The Year of the Ballad's First Call.

1106. On the Sublime is considered

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Romantic approach.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Sublime is a key concept in Romantic literature, focusing on overwhelming emotional experiences often inspired by nature.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the distinction between Romantic and classical/neoclassical approaches to the Sublime.

Explanations: The Romantic approach emphasizes intense emotions and the awe-inspiring power of nature, aligning with the concept of the Sublime. Classical and neoclassical approaches focus on order and rationality, not the overwhelming aspects of the Sublime.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Classical approach focuses on harmony and rationality, not the Sublime.
Option B: Romantic approach explores the Sublime through emotional and natural experiences.
Option C: Neoclassical approach emphasizes order, not the overwhelming aspects of the Sublime.
Option D: The Sublime is a recognized Romantic concept, making this option incorrect.

Mnemonic: Romanticism and the Sublime: Nature's Power and Emotion.

1107. What was the old woman in the street pointing to while talking to the man in the car?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) To the roof where the sniper lay.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The story "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty involves a sniper hiding on a roof during the Irish Civil War. The old woman's gesture reveals his position.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the story's context or confusing details about the setting and characters.

Explanations: In "The Sniper," the old woman points to the roof where the sniper is hiding, leading to his capture. This action highlights the consequences of carelessness.

Option Analysis:

Option A: There is no dog in the story.
Option B: The old woman does not have a wound.
Option C: The roof opposite is not where the sniper is.
Option D: Correct, as the woman points to the roof where the sniper lies.

Mnemonic: Old Woman Points to Roof, Sniper's Doom.

1108. Which of the following themes is depicted by T.S.Eliot in his poem 'Preludes'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) All of the above.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem 'Preludes' by T.S. Eliot explores themes of urban alienation, including dreariness, isolation, and depersonalization.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is focusing on only one theme rather than recognizing the interplay of all three.

Explanations: Eliot's 'Preludes' depicts the urban environment's dreariness through imagery of soot and dust. It portrays isolation through the disconnected lives of city dwellers and depersonalization through the loss of individual identity in the urban setting.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dreariness is depicted but not the sole theme.
Option B: Isolation is present but not the only focus.
Option C: Depersonalization occurs but is not the only theme.
Option D: All themes are present and interconnected.

Mnemonic: DID: Dreary, Isolated, Depersonalized

1109. Egden Heath forms the back...drop of which of the following novels by Hardy?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Return of the Native.

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of specific settings in Thomas Hardy's novels.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the settings of Hardy's novels or confusing them with works by other authors.

Explanations: Egden Heath is a key setting in "Return of the Native," symbolizing the harsh environment that influences the characters' lives. The other options are incorrect as they belong to different authors or novels.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jude the Obscure is set in a university town, not Egden Heath.
Option B: Hard Times is by Charles Dickens, not Hardy.
Option C: Return of the Native features Egden Heath as its central setting.
Option D: Tess is set in rural Dorset, not Egden Heath.

Mnemonic: Egden Heath in Hardy's 'Return' for the setting.

1110. Which of the following terms is defined as the application of a scientific attitude of mind toward studying the Bible, seen as a mere text of history and not an infallibly sacred document?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Higher Criticism.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Higher Criticism refers to the scholarly study of the Bible as a historical text, focusing on its origins, authorship, and context without assuming its infallibility.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Higher Criticism with other critical approaches like New Criticism, which focuses on literary analysis rather than historical context.

Explanations: Higher Criticism applies a scientific and analytical approach to studying the Bible, examining it as a historical document rather than a sacred text. This involves questioning traditional beliefs about its authorship and content, focusing on textual analysis, historical context, and literary techniques.

Option Analysis:

Option A: New Criticism focuses on close reading and literary analysis, not historical or biblical studies.
Option B: Critical Inquiry is a general term for investigative approaches, not specific to biblical or literary analysis.
Option C: Scientific Bibliology is not a recognized term in this context; it may refer to the scientific study of books in general.
Option D: Higher Criticism specifically refers to the scholarly, analytical study of the Bible as a historical text.

Mnemonic: Higher Criticism: Higher Questions About the Bible's History.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 74”

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 74”

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