English Literature MCQ – Change your future

106. When Michael tells Adam what will become of mankind after the Fall, he is actually narrating stories taken directly from:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The Hebrew Bible.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of literary sources and their influence on English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Hebrew Bible with other religious texts like the New Testament or the Koran.

Explanations: Michael's narration reflects stories from the Hebrew Bible, such as the Fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis. These narratives are foundational to understanding the literary and theological context of the work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The New Testament focuses on Jesus and his teachings, not the events leading to the Fall.
Option B: Homer's epics are Greek myths unrelated to the biblical narrative.
Option C: The Hebrew Bible contains the story of Adam and Eve, which aligns with Michael's narration.
Option D: The Koran, while sharing some biblical stories, does not contain the specific narrative in question.

Mnemonic: Hebrew Bible tells Adam's tale.

107. The second series of Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb was published in?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) 1833.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the knowledge of the publication date of the second series of "Essays of Elia" by Charles Lamb.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the publication year of the first series with the second.

Explanations: Charles Lamb's "Essays of Elia" is a collection of essays published in two series. The first series was published in 1823, and the second series followed in 1833. This makes 1833 the correct publication year for the second series.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1823 is the publication year of the first series, not the second.
Option B: 1826 is unrelated to the publication of "Essays of Elia."
Option C: 1834 is incorrect; the second series was published in 1833.
Option D: 1833 is the correct publication year for the second series of "Essays of Elia."

Mnemonic: Elia's Essays: First in '23, Second in '33.

108. Complete the following sentence. According to Edmund Burke, the French Revolution was:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) A misguided attempt to overthrow human nature by rejecting tradition.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Edmund Burke criticized the French Revolution for rejecting tradition and human nature, viewing it as a misguided effort.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Burke's conservative stance on tradition and stability.

Explanations: Edmund Burke argued that the French Revolution was a misguided attempt to reject tradition and human nature, which he believed were essential for a stable society. He viewed the revolution as an overreach that ignored the importance of established institutions and customs.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Burke did not view the revolution as a positive expression of human control over destiny.
Option B: Correct, as Burke criticized the revolution for rejecting tradition and human nature.
Option C: Incorrect, as Burke did not see the revolution as a necessary change; he opposed it entirely.
Option D: Incorrect, as Burke believed the revolution had significant consequences, especially for England.

Mnemonic: Burke's Bane: Rejecting Tradition, A Misguided Mane

109. The use of "whale-road"for sea and "life-house"for body are examples of what literary technique, popular in Old English poetry?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Kenning.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kenning is a literary device in Old English poetry where a compound phrase is used to describe a single entity, often through metaphor.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse kenning with simile or metaphor, not recognizing the specific compound structure unique to kenning.

Explanations: Kenning uses two words to create a vivid, often metaphorical description. "Whale-road" describes the sea, and "life-house" describes the body, both fitting the kenning structure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Symbolism involves representing ideas through symbols, not the compound structure of kenning.
Option B: Simile uses "like" or "as" to compare, which is not present in kenning.
Option C: Metonymy substitutes a related term, not the compound metaphor of kenning.
Option D: Kenning is correct as it uses compound metaphors.

Mnemonic: "Kenning combines two words to create a vivid image."

110. Parson Adams and Squire Western are creations of:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Fielding.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of English literary figures and their works.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between authors of similar periods or genres.

Explanations: Henry Fielding created Parson Adams and Squire Western in "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling." These characters are central to his work, distinguishing it from others.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Richardson wrote "Pamela" and "Clarissa," not featuring these characters.
Option B: Sterne authored "Tristram Shandy," unrelated to these characters.
Option C: Fielding's "Tom Jones" includes Parson Adams and Squire Western.
Option D: Smollett's works do not include these characters.

Mnemonic: "Fielding fields the field of English novels."

111. Viola falls in love with.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Count Orsino.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare features Viola falling in love with Count Orsino while disguised as a man.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Viola's romantic interest with other male characters in the play.

Explanations: Viola disguises herself as Cesario and works for Count Orsino, developing romantic feelings for him. This is a key plot element in the play.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sebastian is Viola's twin brother, not her romantic interest.
Option B: Antonio aids Sebastian, not Viola.
Option C: Count Orsino is the correct answer as Viola falls in love with him.
Option D: Sir Toby is a friend of Orsino, not involved romantically with Viola.

Mnemonic: Viola's crush is Count Orsino, not the others in the show.

112. Gratiano marries.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Nerissa.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play "The Merchant of Venice" includes multiple marriages among the secondary characters.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between the different marriages in the play, such as Portia and Bassanio or Jessica and Lorenzo.

Explanations: In "The Merchant of Venice," Gratiano is Portia's brother's friend and later marries Nerissa, who is Portia's maid. This union is part of the play's resolution of the subplot involving the relationships of the secondary characters.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Portia is married to Bassanio, not Gratiano.
Option B: Jessica is the daughter of Shylock and marries Lorenzo.
Option C: Nerissa is the correct answer as she is Gratiano's wife.
Option D: Ganymede is a character from "As You Like It," not related to Gratiano.

Mnemonic: Gratiano and Nerissa: G and N, like "Gone" together.

113. 'I count religion but a childish toy' is a line from Marlowe's play:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The Jew of Malta.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a specific quote from Christopher Marlowe's plays and its correct attribution.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the quote with another of Marlowe's plays, such as *Dr. Faustus* or *Tamburlaine*.

Explanations: The line "I count religion but a childish toy" is from *The Jew of Malta*, where it reflects the protagonist's cynical view of religion. This play explores themes of greed and revenge, making the quote a memorable part of its content.

Option Analysis:

Option A: *Dr. Faustus* deals with themes of ambition and the supernatural, not this quote.
Option B: *The Jew of Malta* contains the quote, focusing on themes like greed and religious conflict.
Option C: *Tamburlaine* is a tragedy about a conqueror, unrelated to the quote.
Option D: *Edward II* is a historical play about the king's reign, not containing the quote.

Mnemonic: "Religion as a toy? Think of Malta's Jew."

114. " Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt, Whene'er I passed her; but who passed without Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together" . This was written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Browning.

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The excerpt is from Robert Browning's poem "My Last Duchess," which is a dramatic monologue.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the style with other Victorian poets like Tennyson or Arnold.

Explanations: The excerpt is from Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," a dramatic monologue where the Duke reflects on his late wife. Browning's style often involves psychological insight and dramatic tension, which is evident here. The other poets have different styles and themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tennyson is known for romantic and elegiac poetry, not dramatic monologues like this.
Option B: Browning wrote "My Last Duchess," matching the excerpt.
Option C: Mathew Arnold wrote more philosophical and reflective poetry, not matching this style.
Option D: William Morris focused on socialist themes and medievalism, not this type of monologue.

Mnemonic: "Browning's Duchess Smiles"

115. The key word that characterised the Romantic movement was

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Imagination.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Romantic movement emphasized the power of imagination as a means to explore deeper truths and emotions.

Common Mistakes: Confusing "imagination" with "fancy" or "inspiration," which are related but not central to Romanticism.

Explanations: Imagination was central to Romanticism, allowing writers to transcend rationalism and explore the sublime and emotional aspects of human experience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Inspiration is a related concept but not the defining term.
Option B: Imagination is the correct term as it captures the Romantic focus on creativity and inner vision.
Option C: Fancy refers to a less serious form of imagination, not central to Romanticism.
Option D: Decorum is associated with neoclassical literature, not Romanticism.

Mnemonic: "Romantics Imagine, not Fancy or Decorum."

116. What was the tile of Thomas Hobbes's defense of absolute sovereignty based on a theory of social contract?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Leviathan

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge Literature exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Thomas Hobbes's "Leviathan" presents a social contract theory advocating for absolute sovereignty to prevent societal chaos.

Common Mistakes: Confusion between Hobbes's work and other philosophical or literary texts like "Utopia" or "The Advancement of Learning."

Explanations: "Leviathan" details Hobbes's social contract theory, arguing for a sovereign authority to maintain order, reflecting his political philosophy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "The Litany in a Time of Plague" is a religious text, not related to Hobbes's political theory.
Option B: "Utopia" by Thomas More discusses an ideal society, unrelated to Hobbes's work.
Option C: "Leviathan" is Hobbes's work defending absolute sovereignty through a social contract.
Option D: "The Advancement of Learning" by Francis Bacon focuses on scientific inquiry, not political theory.

Mnemonic: Leviathan: Hobbes's Leviathan, Sovereign's Power

117. Which one is the world's longest-running play

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) The Mousetrap.

Exam Relevance: General knowledge exams, English literature exams.

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Mousetrap is the world's longest-running play, having been continuously performed since 1952.

Common Mistakes: Common mistake: Thinking it's a Shakespeare play like Romeo and Juliet, Othello, or Macbeth.

Explanations: The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie, holds the record for the longest-running play in the world, with performances starting in 1952 and continuing to the present day.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Mousetrap is the longest-running play.
Option B: Incorrect. Romeo and Juliet is a Shakespeare play, not the longest-running.
Option C: Incorrect. Othello is another Shakespeare play, not the longest-running.
Option D: Incorrect. Macbeth is a Shakespeare play, not the longest-running.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

118. Which poem by Chaucer was written on the death of Blanche, Wife of John of Gaunt?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The Book of Duchess

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Book of the Duchess is an elegy written by Chaucer in memory of Blanche, the wife of John of Gaunt.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other Chaucerian works like Troilus and Criseyde or The Legend of Good Women.

Explanations: The Book of the Duchess is a direct elegy for Blanche, written after her death. It reflects Chaucer's personal哀悼 and is one of his significant early works.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Legend of Good Women is a collection of stories about women in mythology, not related to Blanche.
Option B: The House of Fame is an allegorical poem about reputation, unrelated to Blanche's death.
Option C: The Book of Duchess is the correct elegy written for Blanche.
Option D: Troilus and Criseyde is a tragic love story, not connected to Blanche.

Mnemonic: Blanche's Book by Chaucer

119. 'Brevity is the soul of wit' is a quotation from?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) William Shakespeare.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The quotation is from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet."

Common Mistakes: Some might confuse it with other authors like Milton or Eliot.

Explanations: The phrase appears in Act 2, Scene 2 of "Hamlet," spoken by Polonius. It highlights the value of concise and effective communication in wit.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Milton wrote "Paradise Lost," not this quote.
Option B: Shakespeare's "Hamlet" contains the quote.
Option C: T.S. Eliot is a modernist poet unrelated to this quote.
Option D: Ruskin was an art critic, not the source of this quote.

Mnemonic: Shakespeare's soul of wit is brief.

120. ..... took his characters from the farmers and peasantry of his native 'Wessex'.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Thomas Hardy

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of authors and their regional settings in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Thomas Hardy with other Victorian authors like George Eliot or George Meredith, who wrote about different settings and themes.

Explanations: Thomas Hardy's novels are set in the fictional region of Wessex, which is based on rural Dorset and surrounding areas. His works often focus on the lives of farmers and peasants, exploring themes of social change and human struggle. This connection to Wessex and its rural characters makes Hardy the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: George Eliot focused on the Midlands and urban life, not Wessex.
Option B: George Meredith wrote about upper-middle-class society, not rural farmers.
Option C: Thomas Hardy's works are set in Wessex and focus on farmers and peasants.
Option D: Thackeray's works are set in London and focus on urban society.

Mnemonic: "Hardy's Heart in Wessex"

⬅ Previous SetSet 8Next Set ➡

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 8”

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 8”

Leave a Reply