English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1186. Which is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Measure for Measure

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Shakespeare's plays and their respective playwrights.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Measure for Measure with plays by George Bernard Shaw or Eugene O'Neill.

Explanations: Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare, written around 1603-1604. It is a tragedy that deals with themes of justice, mercy, and moral ambiguity. The other options are plays by different authors: Desire Under the Elms by Eugene O'Neill, Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, and The Cocktail Party also by George Bernard Shaw.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Desire Under the Elms is by Eugene O'Neill, not Shakespeare.
Option B: Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare, written around 1603-1604.
Option C: Pygmalion is by George Bernard Shaw, not Shakespeare.
Option D: The Cocktail Party is by George Bernard Shaw, not Shakespeare.

Mnemonic: Measure for Measure, Shakespeare's play, not Shaw or O'Neill.

1187. Why did Jimmy Wells send an assistant policeman to arrest Bob?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Because he did not have the heart to arrest his friend himself.

Exam Relevance: SAT Literature Subject Test, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests understanding of character motivation and emotional conflict in literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is focusing on external factors like busyness or health rather than the internal conflict between friendship and duty.

Explanations: Jimmy Wells hesitates to arrest Bob because of their friendship, showing his internal conflict. This highlights the theme of loyalty versus duty.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; no evidence of another case.
Option B: Incorrect; no mention of illness.
Option C: Correct; reflects emotional conflict.
Option D: Incorrect; physical strength is not an issue.

Mnemonic: "Heart over duty" - prioritize emotions over obligations.

1188. The Age of Dryden covers the period from.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1660 to 1700.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition, Cambridge A Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Age of Dryden refers to the period in English literature dominated by John Dryden, spanning from 1660 to 1700.

Common Mistakes: Incorrectly associating the period with broader Restoration literature or other literary movements.

Explanations: The Age of Dryden is specifically linked to the Restoration period following Charles II's return to the throne in 1660 and ended with Dryden's death in 1700. This era is characterized by the development of Restoration comedy, heroic drama, and the use of the heroic couplet, all of which were central to Dryden's work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The period 1660 to 1700 aligns with Dryden's prominence and the Restoration literary scene.
Option B: Incorrect. 1625 to 1735 is too broad, encompassing periods before and after Dryden's influence.
Option C: Incorrect. 1635 to 1705 starts before the Restoration and ends after Dryden's death.
Option D: Incorrect. 1645 to 1695 starts before the Restoration and ends before Dryden's death.

Mnemonic: Dryden's Age: 1660 to 1700, when Restoration lit'ry scene grew.

1189. The 'Adonais' begins in dejection but ends in.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Optimism.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem transitions from grief to a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing the immortality of art.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the nuanced themes of hope and resilience as mere happiness or hope.

Explanations: 'Adonais' begins with dejection over the loss of Keats but concludes with optimism about the enduring power of art and beauty, offering solace and inspiration.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Atheism is unrelated to the poem's themes.
Option B: Happiness oversimplifies the nuanced transition from grief to hope.
Option C: Optimism captures the poem's conclusion about the enduring power of art.
Option D: Hope is close but does not fully encapsulate the optimistic message.

Mnemonic: Adonais: From Grief to Art's Immortal Light

1190. Lingua Franca refers to the term -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Common language.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Lingua Franca is a language used to facilitate communication between people who do not share a common native language.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Lingua Franca with a first or second language, which are different concepts.

Explanations: Lingua Franca is a term used to describe a common language that is adopted for communication between people of different linguistic backgrounds. It is not a first language, which is a native language, nor a second language, which is learned in addition to a first language. It is also not an official language, which is a language officially recognized by a country or organization. Instead, it serves as a bridge for communication in diverse settings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: A first language is a native language, not a common language used for communication between different groups.
Option B: A second language is learned in addition to a first language, not a language used for communication between different groups.
Option C: An official language is a language recognized by a government or organization, not necessarily a common language used for communication between different groups.
Option D: A common language is the correct term for Lingua Franca, as it refers to a language used for communication between people of different linguistic backgrounds.

Mnemonic: Lingua Franca: Language for All

1191. Who says "Earth is the right place for love"

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

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of specific poets and their works, requiring recognition of a particular line from a poem.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the poets based on similar themes or styles in their works.

Explanations: The line "Earth is the right place for love" is from Robert Frost's poem "The Silken Tent," which explores themes of love and nature through vivid imagery.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sylvia Plath is known for her confessional poetry, not this line.
Option B: Langston Hughes wrote about African American experiences and identity, not this line.
Option C: Wallace Stevens focused on philosophical themes and imagination, not this line.
Option D: Robert Frost wrote the line in "The Silken Tent."

Mnemonic: "Frost's Earthly Love"

1192. In Nikki Giovanni's "The American Vision of Lincoln, " the poet argues that the Capitol needs a statue of ..... next to the one of Abraham Lincoln.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Frederick Douglass.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem emphasizes the importance of recognizing Frederick Douglass's contributions to civil rights alongside Lincoln's.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the historical context or significance of Douglass's role in the abolitionist movement.

Explanations: Nikki Giovanni's poem argues for a statue of Frederick Douglass next to Lincoln's to highlight his role in the fight for civil rights and abolition, which complements Lincoln's legacy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: W.E.B. DuBois was a civil rights leader, but he is not as directly associated with Lincoln as Douglass.
Option B: Amiri Baraka was a poet and activist, but his work is more modern and not directly tied to Lincoln.
Option C: Booker T. Washington focused on education and economic empowerment, which is different from Douglass's emphasis on immediate abolition.
Option D: Frederick Douglass was a prominent abolitionist and orator who worked closely with Lincoln on issues of freedom and equality.

Mnemonic: Douglass and Lincoln: Freedom and Unity.

1193. Which of the following myths does not figure in The Waste Land?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Sysyphus.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot incorporates several mythological references to convey themes of decay and renewal.

Common Mistakes: Misremembering the specific myths referenced in the poem could lead to confusion.

Explanations: The Waste Land references the myths of Oedipus, the Grail Legend of Fisher King, and Philomela. Sysyphus is not referenced in the poem.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Oedipus is referenced in the poem, particularly in the context of the Sphinx.
Option B: The Grail Legend of Fisher King is referenced in the poem, symbolizing the quest for renewal.
Option C: Philomela is referenced in the poem, symbolizing the suffering of women.
Option D: Sysyphus is not referenced in the poem.

Mnemonic: Oedipus, Fisher, Philomela—Eliot's trio, not Sysyphus.

1194. 'Lapis Lazuli' is a poem written by:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) W. B. Yeats.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to identify the poet of a specific work and understand the themes associated with their poetry.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing W. B. Yeats with other poets like Hopkins or Larkin, who have distinct styles and themes.

Explanations: 'Lapis Lazuli' is a poem by W. B. Yeats, known for its exploration of themes such as art, beauty, and the transient nature of life. Yeats' work often delves into philosophical and aesthetic themes, which are central to 'Lapis Lazuli'.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Gerard Manley Hopkins is known for his use of Hopkinsian diction and themes of nature and religion, not for writing 'Lapis Lazuli'.
Option B: W. B. Yeats is the correct answer as he wrote 'Lapis Lazuli', a poem exploring themes of art and beauty.
Option C: Philip Larkin's poetry typically focuses on themes of modern life, existentialism, and personal reflection, distinct from Yeats' style.
Option D: Incorrect because the poem is indeed written by Yeats.

Mnemonic: "Yeats wrote 'Lapis Lazuli', a gem of a poem."

1195. The is a short story in verse originally intended to be sung to an audience.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Ballad

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: A ballad is a short narrative poem, often with a romantic or tragic theme, written in a simple, rhythmic style intended to be sung.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the difference between a ballad and an epic or satire.

Explanations: A ballad is a short story in verse, originally meant to be sung, fitting the description in the question. Epics are longer and more complex, while satires are critical and humorous, not narrative songs.

Option Analysis:

Option A: An epic is a long narrative poem about a hero or historical event, not a short song.
Option B: Satire uses humor to criticize societal issues, not to tell a narrative story in verse.
Option C: A ballad is a short, narrative poem meant to be sung, matching the question's description.
Option D: Incorrect because the correct answer is a ballad.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1196. 'He grieves silently over her neglectful heart and deceitful spirit'. Here the poet talks about his.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Beloved.

Exam Relevance: SAT Literature Subject Test, AP English Literature

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Understanding the context and emotional tone in poetic language.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting the emotional relationship as familial rather than romantic.

Explanations: The phrase indicates a romantic relationship due to the emotional depth and the term "beloved," which implies a cherished romantic partner.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Wife implies a legal and familial relationship, not necessarily romantic or emotional as described.
Option B: Beloved refers to a cherished romantic partner, fitting the context of silent grief over emotional issues.
Option C: Sister suggests a familial bond, which doesn't align with the romantic context implied.
Option D: Daughter indicates a parent-child relationship, unrelated to the romantic grievance described.

Mnemonic: Beloved implies love, not family ties.

1197. Leonard Woolf was Virginia Woolf's.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Husband.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to recall the personal relationship between Leonard and Virginia Woolf.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Leonard Woolf with another relative of Virginia Woolf, such as her brother or father.

Explanations: Leonard Woolf was married to Virginia Woolf. They were both prominent members of the Bloomsbury Group and their relationship was both personal and professional.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Leonard Woolf was not Virginia Woolf's brother. They were married.
Option B: Correct. Leonard Woolf was Virginia Woolf's husband.
Option C: Incorrect. Leonard Woolf was not Virginia Woolf's uncle.
Option D: Incorrect. Leonard Woolf was not Virginia Woolf's father.

Mnemonic: Leonard and Virginia Woolf were a literary couple, not siblings or relatives.

1198. Which of the following themes IS NOT important to John Milton's "Paradise Regained"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Sexual desire.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Themes in "Paradise Regained" focus on spiritual and divine concepts.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the central focus of the poem as including personal desires.

Explanations: "Paradise Regained" centers on Jesus's temptation, emphasizing spiritual themes like divine guidance and resisting temptation. Sexual desire is not a central theme.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Not a central theme; the poem focuses on spiritual struggles.
Option B: Central theme as Jesus seeks divine will.
Option C: Crucial as it defines Jesus's identity.
Option D: Key element explored through Satan's temptations.

Mnemonic: Milton's Masterpiece: No Sex, Just Test.

1199. Who is the writer of " Absalom and Achitophel" ?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) John Dryden

Exam Relevance: AQA GCSE English Literature, Cambridge A Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "Absalom and Achitophel" is a significant work in English literature, known for its political satire and use of biblical allusions. It is essential to recognize the authorship of major literary works to understand their historical and cultural contexts.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing John Dryden with other poets of the same era, such as John Milton or John Donne, who are also well-known but wrote different works.

Explanations: "Absalom and Achitophel" is a political poem by John Dryden, using biblical characters to satirize contemporary political events. Dryden was a leading poet of the Restoration period and the first Poet Laureate of England. His work is distinguished by its use of the heroic couplet and political themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: John Webster was a playwright known for tragedies, not the author of this poem.
Option B: John Milton wrote "Paradise Lost," a different epic poem, not "Absalom and Achitophel."
Option C: John Dryden is the correct author, known for his political poetry and use of classical allusions.
Option D: John Donne was a metaphysical poet, not associated with this work.

Mnemonic: "Dryden's 'Absalom' is a political poem, not Milton's or Donne's."

1200. Which of the following best defines Middle English?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) A filed-down Old English with heavy French influence.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Middle English evolved from Old English after the Norman Conquest, incorporating significant French influence.

Common Mistakes: Confusing Middle English with Old English or other language influences.

Explanations: Middle English emerged post-Norman Conquest (1066), blending Old English with Old French due to Norman rule. This resulted in a simplified and adapted form of Old English with heavy French vocabulary and grammar.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; describes Old English, not Middle English.
Option B: Correct; accurately describes Middle English's evolution from Old English with French influence.
Option C: Incorrect; Middle English is not related to German.
Option D: Incorrect; Scandinavian influence was on Old English, not directly on Middle English.

Mnemonic: "Middle English mixed Old with French, after the Norman Conquest, it changed the speech."

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 80”

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 80”

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