English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1201. Why was story telling important to Native American people?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) It passes along history and knowledge to a younger generation.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in US History, AP US History

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Storytelling was a vital method for Native Americans to preserve and transmit cultural, historical, and practical knowledge to future generations.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is focusing on the entertainment aspect of storytelling rather than its educational and cultural significance.

Explanations: Storytelling was essential for passing down history, cultural values, and survival knowledge, ensuring continuity and identity across generations.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Storytelling was used to pass along history and knowledge.
Option B: Incorrect. While storytelling can pass time, this was not its primary purpose.
Option C: Incorrect. Storytelling was very important for cultural preservation.
Option D: Incorrect. The internet is irrelevant to the historical context of storytelling.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1202. The White Devil (1612) and The Duchess of Malfi(1612-13) are written by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) John Webster.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Jacobean playwrights and their notable works.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between John Webster and other playwrights like John Fletcher, who also wrote during the Jacobean era.

Explanations: John Webster authored both *The White Devil* and *The Duchess of Malfi*, which are key examples of Jacobean tragedy. These plays are characterized by their exploration of dark themes and complex psychological portraits.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. John Webster wrote both plays, known for their tragic themes and psychological depth.
Option B: Incorrect. John Dryden was a Restoration playwright, not active during the Jacobean period.
Option C: Incorrect. John Milton was a poet, not a playwright, and his works are unrelated to these plays.
Option D: Incorrect. John Fletcher was a contemporary but wrote different plays, often in collaboration with Francis Beaumont.

Mnemonic: Webster weaves webs of tragedy in Jacobean times.

1203. A type of writing that is very imaginative and has elements not found in real life is known as?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Fantasy

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Fantasy is a genre of imaginative writing that includes elements not found in real life, such as magic, mythical creatures, and otherworldly settings.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the definitions of literary terms like hyperbole or irony could lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: Fantasy is characterized by the inclusion of magical or supernatural elements that do not exist in reality. This distinguishes it from other literary devices or genres.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hyperbole is a figure of speech, not a genre.
Option B: Irony is a literary device, not a genre.
Option C: Local Customs refers to cultural practices, not a literary genre.
Option D: Fantasy is the correct genre involving imaginative, non-real elements.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1204. A sonnet is a lyric poem of.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) 14 lines.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: A sonnet is a lyric poem with 14 lines, typically in iambic pentameter, following specific rhyme schemes.

Common Mistakes: Confusion with other poetic forms like ballads or quatrains might lead to incorrect choices.

Explanations: A sonnet is defined by its 14-line structure, which distinguishes it from other poetic forms. The rhyme scheme and meter further define its characteristics.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 12 lines is incorrect; a sonnet has 14 lines.
Option B: 24 lines is incorrect; a sonnet is much shorter.
Option C: 14 lines is correct; it defines a sonnet.
Option D: 10 lines is incorrect; a sonnet is longer.

Mnemonic: "A sonnet's always 14, just like a baker's dozen plus one."

1205. Which of the following does Joyce address thematically in The Dubliners?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Irish nationalism.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: James Joyce's *The Dubliners* examines themes of Irish identity and the struggle for independence, reflecting Irish nationalist sentiments.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Joyce's portrayal of British influence as positive rather than critical.

Explanations: Joyce's collection portrays characters constrained by British colonial rule, highlighting the desire for self-determination and independence, central to Irish nationalism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Joyce does not glorify war; he critiques its destructive impact.
Option B: Joyce portrays Britain negatively, not as a superior force.
Option C: Correct, as Joyce's work reflects the struggle for Irish independence.
Option D: Joyce's stories suggest Ireland can thrive independently.

Mnemonic: Dubliners: Nationalism, Not War

1206. Which event did not occur as part of the rise of the British Empire under Queen Victoria?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) To save costs and maximize profits, the day-to-day government of India was transferred from Parliament to the private East India Company.

Exam Relevance: GCSE History, A-Level History

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The East India Company was a private British company that governed India on behalf of the British government, allowing for cost savings and profit maximization.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is thinking that the British government directly governed India without the involvement of the East India Company.

Explanations: The East India Company was granted the authority to govern India, which allowed the British government to reduce costs and increase profits. This transfer of governance was a key aspect of the British Empire's expansion and economic strategy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This describes the emigration from Britain to the colonies, which is a known fact about the British Empire's expansion.
Option B: Queen Victoria was indeed named Empress of India in 1876, marking the formal establishment of the British Empire in India.
Option C: The East India Company was a private British company that governed India on behalf of the British government, allowing for cost savings and profit maximization.
Option D: The increase in British investments abroad during this period is a documented fact, showing the economic expansion of the British Empire.

Mnemonic: East India Company: Profit Over People.

1207. In which year Coleridge met poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy which later contributed Romantic movement to the English Literature?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) 1795.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The meeting of Coleridge, Wordsworth, and Dorothy Wordsworth in 1795 was crucial for the development of the Romantic movement in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other significant dates in Coleridge's life or the publication of Lyrical Ballads.

Explanations: Samuel Taylor Coleridge met William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy in 1795. This meeting led to their collaboration on the Lyrical Ballads, which is a cornerstone of the Romantic movement. The other years listed do not correspond to this event.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1798 is the year the first edition of Lyrical Ballads was published, not when they met.
Option B: 1779 is too early and unrelated to their meeting.
Option C: 1795 is correct as it marks their initial meeting.
Option D: 1789 is also unrelated and too early.

Mnemonic: Coleridge met Wordsworth in '95, sparking Romanticism's flame.

1208. A ..... is a lesson about life that is stated directly, usually at the end of a work.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) MoralÂ.

Exam Relevance: SAT Subject Test in English Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: A moral is a direct life lesson presented in a literary work, often at the end.

Common Mistakes: Confusing a moral with a theme or cultural perspective.

Explanations: A moral is a clear, direct statement that teaches a lesson about life. It is explicitly stated, usually at the end of a work, to convey the intended message or lesson to the reader. For example, in fables, the moral is often stated after the story concludes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Oral tradition refers to the passing down of stories through speech, not a direct life lesson.
Option B: Moral is correct as it directly conveys a life lesson.
Option C: Cultural perspective refers to the viewpoint shaped by cultural background, not a direct lesson.
Option D: Universal theme is a broad idea applicable to all people, not a direct statement of a lesson.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1209. Tempest opens in.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) The midst of the storm.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare begins in the midst of a storm, which is a pivotal element of the plot.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking the play starts in a different setting, such as a party or courtroom, which are not part of the opening scene.

Explanations: "The Tempest" opens with a ship caught in a violent storm, setting the stage for the subsequent events on the island. This storm is crucial as it leads to the characters being stranded and initiates the main plot.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The play does not start in the morning; it begins during a storm.
Option B: Correct. The play opens with a storm at sea.
Option C: There is no party at the beginning of the play.
Option D: The play does not start in a courtroom.

Mnemonic: Stormy Start in "The Tempest."

1210. Pulitzer Prize was first awarded in the year

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) 1917.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious award in English literature and journalism, established by Joseph Pulitzer.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other significant historical events or awards.

Explanations: The Pulitzer Prize was first awarded in 1917, following the establishment of the Pulitzer Prizes by Joseph Pulitzer's will. This year marks the inception of the awards in various categories, including literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1900 is incorrect as it predates the establishment of the Pulitzer Prize.
Option B: 1909 is incorrect; it is associated with the founding of the NAACP, not the Pulitzer Prize.
Option C: 1917 is correct as it is the year the first Pulitzer Prizes were awarded.
Option D: 1942 is incorrect; it is associated with World War II events, not the Pulitzer Prize.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1211. From whom does Stephen borrow his idea of clarity?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Thomas Aquinas.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Stephen's idea of clarity is influenced by Thomas Aquinas, who emphasized logical and clear thinking.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the philosophical influences on Stephen's ideas.

Explanations: Stephen's approach to clarity is rooted in the logical and methodical thinking of Thomas Aquinas, a medieval philosopher known for his contributions to theology and philosophy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Aquinas's emphasis on clarity and logic aligns with Stephen's ideas.
Option B: Incorrect. Yeats focused on symbolism and mysticism.
Option C: Incorrect. Augusta Gregory was involved in folklore and drama.
Option D: Incorrect. Ezra Pound was associated with Imagism, not clarity.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1212. In 1960 'The Colossus' was the first book of poems published by which poetess?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Sylvia Plath.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Sylvia Plath's first published collection of poems was *The Colossus* in 1960.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise with other poets' first collections, such as Elizabeth Bishop's *North & South* or Marianne Moore's *Poems*.

Explanations: Sylvia Plath's *The Colossus* was her debut poetry collection, published in 1960. This work is significant as it launched her literary career and is a key text in 20th-century poetry.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Elizabeth Bishop's first collection was *North & South* (1946).
Option B: Sylvia Plath's first collection was *The Colossus* (1960).
Option C: Marianne Moore's first collection was *Poems* (1921).
Option D: Laura Jackson is not associated with *The Colossus*.

Mnemonic: Plath's *Colossus* came first in '60.

1213. In Matthew Arnold's poem "Dover Beach, " the speaker refers to the "melancholy, long, withdrawing roar" of "The Sea of Faith." This reference alludes to which of the following?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The decline of religion's importance in the modern West.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem uses a metaphor to express the decline of religious faith in the modern era.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting the metaphor as a literal description of the sea or confusing it with historical events like the Reformation.

Explanations: The metaphor "The Sea of Faith" symbolizes the once-powerful influence of religion, which is now receding, leaving a sense of loss and uncertainty. This reflects the Victorian era's growing secularism and the questioning of traditional beliefs.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Protestant Reformation is unrelated to the metaphor's context.
Option B: The poem does not discuss religious interpretations of ocean changes.
Option C: Correct, as the metaphor symbolizes the decline of religious faith.
Option D: The poem does not address personal betrayal.

Mnemonic: "Sea of Faith fades, religion wanes."

1214. In Memoriam by Tennyson is a long series of meditations upon the death of.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Arthur Henry Hallam.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "In Memoriam" is a well-known elegy by Alfred Lord Tennyson, written in memory of his friend Arthur Henry Hallam.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing the subject with other Victorian figures or poets.

Explanations: "In Memoriam" is a series of poems reflecting Tennyson's grief and contemplation following the death of his close friend Arthur Henry Hallam. The work is deeply personal and philosophical, exploring themes of loss, faith, and the natural world.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Arthur Henry Hallam was Tennyson's friend whose death inspired the elegy.
Option B: Incorrect. George Eliot was a writer, not the subject of "In Memoriam."
Option C: Incorrect. Charles David is not associated with Tennyson's work.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is explicitly known.

Mnemonic: "In Memoriam mourns Hallam's loss."

1215. There are sections in 'Tintern Abbey'.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) 5.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The poem 'Tintern Abbey' is divided into five sections.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the number of sections with the number of stanzas or themes.

Explanations: 'Tintern Abbey' is structured into five clear sections, each focusing on different aspects of the speaker's experience and emotions. This division helps in analyzing the progression of thoughts and feelings throughout the poem.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. The poem has more than two sections.
Option B: Incorrect. The poem has more than three sections.
Option C: Incorrect. The poem has more than four sections.
Option D: Correct. The poem is divided into five sections.

Mnemonic: Five sections, five themes, five perspectives in 'Tintern Abbey'.

⬅ Previous SetSet 81Next Set ➡

10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 81”

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 81”

Leave a Reply