English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1291. To what does the title of Joyce's short story "After the Race" refer?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The race to establish an empire.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The title refers to the historical context of empire-building and its decline.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the historical context or themes of the story.

Explanations: The story reflects the decline of the British Empire, a theme central to Joyce's work. The title symbolizes the end of an era marked by imperial ambitions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; the story does not focus on transportation.
Option B: Incorrect; it refers to the Irish, not the British.
Option C: Correct; it captures the imperial theme.
Option D: Incorrect; welfare is not the focus.

Mnemonic: "Race to Rule" - Remember the imperial context.

1292. Which of the following is not a major category of the romance genre?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) The Matter of Germany.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The romance genre is traditionally categorized into three major "Matters": The Matter of France, The Matter of Britain, and The Matter of Rome.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing The Matter of Germany with one of the recognized Matters, as it is not a traditional category.

Explanations: The romance genre is classified into three major categories: The Matter of France, The Matter of Britain, and The Matter of Rome. These categories are based on the geographical and cultural origins of the stories. The Matter of Germany is not a recognized category within the romance genre.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Matter of Germany is not a recognized category in the romance genre.
Option B: The Matter of Rome is a recognized category.
Option C: The Matter of Britain is a recognized category.
Option D: The Matter of England is a recognized category.

Mnemonic: "France, Britain, and Rome are the three key themes in romance, not Germany."

1293. Using words or letters to imitate sounds

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Onomatopoeia.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT, GCSE English

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Onomatopoeia refers to words that imitate or represent sounds.

Common Mistakes: Confusing onomatopoeia with alliteration or simile.

Explanations: Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate sounds, such as "hiss," "clang," or "giggle." These words directly mimic the sounds they describe, making them vivid and engaging in literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Alliteration involves the repetition of initial consonant sounds, not imitating sounds. Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers."
Option B: Simile is a comparison using "like" or "as," not sound imitation. Example: "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
Option C: Onomatopoeia correctly describes words that imitate sounds. Example: "The bees buzzed around the flowers."
Option D: Incorrect because onomatopoeia is the correct term.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic needed.

1294. When was William Shakespeare baptized?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) 26 April 1564.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recall of William Shakespeare's baptism date, a key fact in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the baptism date with other significant dates in Shakespeare's life, such as his birth or death.

Explanations: William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, as recorded in the baptismal registry of Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. This date is widely accepted and documented in historical records.

Option Analysis:

Option A: April 16, 1564, is incorrect as it does not match the documented baptism date.
Option B: April 26, 1564, is correct as it aligns with historical records.
Option C: August 26, 1564, is incorrect as it is not associated with Shakespeare's baptism.
Option D: July 24, 1564, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the baptism date.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1295. The word "genre" means.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) A kind or type.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Genre refers to a category or type of artistic composition, particularly in literature, music, or film.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the term "genre" as referring to an animal, food, or genius.

Explanations: Genre is a term used to classify works of art, literature, or music into specific categories based on shared characteristics. In English literature, common genres include romance, mystery, science fiction, and drama.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as "genre" does not refer to an animal.
Option B: Correct, as "genre" refers to a kind or type of artistic composition.
Option C: Incorrect, as "genre" does not relate to food.
Option D: Incorrect, as "genius" refers to a person with exceptional intellectual ability, not a category or type.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1296. Etymologically ballad means a.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Dancing song.

Exam Relevance: GRE, SAT Literature

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The term "ballad" originates from the Italian word "ballare," meaning "to dance."

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the etymology as relating solely to singing rather than dance.

Explanations: "Ballad" comes from "ballare," meaning "to dance," indicating its origin as a song accompanying dance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as it reflects the dance origin.
Option B: Incorrect, too narrow.
Option C: Incorrect, overlooks dance.
Option D: Incorrect, answer is A.

Mnemonic: Ballad - "Ballare" means dance.

1297. How do Marxist theorists react to ideology?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) They subject all ideologies to critique in order to expose biased interests.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Marxist theory examines how ideologies reflect and reinforce power structures, often serving the ruling class.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding that Marxists accept ideology as neutral or essential.

Explanations: Marxist theorists analyze ideologies to reveal their role in maintaining social inequalities and power imbalances. By critiquing ideologies, they aim to expose how these belief systems can obscure exploitation and maintain the status quo.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Marxists do not accept ideology as essential; they critique it as a tool of oppression.
Option B: Correct. Marxists critique ideologies to expose underlying biases and power dynamics.
Option C: Incorrect. Marxists recognize ideology's real effects on shaping social structures and inequalities.
Option D: Incorrect. Not all options are correct; only B is accurate.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

1298. Which one is a femal fictional detective character of Agatha Christie's novel

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Miss Marple

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a fictional detective character from Agatha Christie's works.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Miss Marple with other female detectives from different authors.

Explanations: Miss Marple is a well-known female fictional detective created by Agatha Christie. She is featured in several of Christie's mystery novels and short stories. The other options are characters from different authors and literary works, not associated with Agatha Christie.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Anna Karenina is a character from Leo Tolstoy's novel "Anna Karenina," not related to Agatha Christie.
Option B: Jane Eyre is the protagonist of Charlotte Brontë's novel "Jane Eyre," not a Christie character.
Option C: Miss Marple is a fictional detective created by Agatha Christie, making this the correct answer.
Option D: Daisy Miller is a character from Henry James's novel "Daisy Miller," unrelated to Christie.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

1299. Antonio borrows money from.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Shylock.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play "The Merchant of Venice" features Antonio borrowing money from Shylock.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Shylock with other characters like Bassanio or Gratiano.

Explanations: In "The Merchant of Venice," Antonio borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, to help his friend Bassanio. This transaction leads to the central conflict of the play.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Gratiano is Antonio's friend, not a lender.
Option B: Shylock is the moneylender who lends Antonio the money.
Option C: Bassanio is the friend who needs the money, not the lender.
Option D: Lorenzo is another friend, not involved in lending.

Mnemonic: Shylock lends to Antonio, not his friends like Bassanio or Gratiano.

1300. In a play about Wallenstein's betrayal of the emperor, what is ironic about Butler's murder of both Count Terzky and Field-Marshal Illo?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Butler is no different than Wallenstein.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The play explores themes of betrayal and moral equivalence through the actions of Wallenstein and Butler.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the moral equivalence between Wallenstein and Butler.

Explanations: Butler's betrayal and murder of Count Terzky and Field-Marshal Illo mirror Wallenstein's betrayal of the emperor. Both characters act out of self-interest, revealing their moral similarity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. Butler's actions are not morally superior; they are driven by personal motives.
Option B: Incorrect. The focus is on Butler's actions, not Wallenstein's betrayal of the emperor.
Option C: Correct. Both characters engage in betrayal and murder, showing their moral equivalence.
Option D: Incorrect. There is no instance in the play where Gordon begs Butler to reconsider.

Mnemonic: Butler mirrors Wallenstein's betrayal.

1301. Rhymed decasyllables, nearly always in iambic Pentameters rhymed in Pairs are called:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Heroic Couplet.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Heroic couplets are pairs of rhyming lines in iambic pentameter, commonly used in epic poetry.

Common Mistakes: Confusing heroic couplets with blank verse, which is unrhymed iambic pentameter.

Explanations: Heroic couplets are defined by their structure: two lines of iambic pentameter that rhyme together. This form is often used in epic poetry to convey grand themes. For example, John Dryden's "Mac Flecknoe" uses heroic couplets effectively.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Heroic couplets are rhymed pairs of iambic pentameter lines.
Option B: Incorrect. Blank verse is unrhymed iambic pentameter.
Option C: Incorrect. Terza rima uses a three-line stanza with a different rhyme scheme.
Option D: Incorrect. Spenserian stanza is a nine-line stanza with a specific rhyme scheme.

Mnemonic: Heroic pairs rhyme together.

1302. Which one is the first tragedy play of Shakespeare

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Titus Andronicus

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The core concept is identifying Shakespeare's first tragedy, which requires knowledge of the order of his plays and the characteristics of tragedy.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Titus Andronicus with later tragedies like Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet, which are more famous but were written later.

Explanations: Titus Andronicus is considered Shakespeare's first tragedy because it was written before his other tragic works. It follows Senecan tragedy conventions, focusing on revenge and bloodshed.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Julius Caesar is a tragedy but was written later than Titus Andronicus.
Option B: Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy but was written after Titus Andronicus.
Option C: Hamlet is a famous tragedy but was written much later in Shakespeare's career.
Option D: Titus Andronicus is Shakespeare's first tragedy, written before his other tragic works.

Mnemonic: Titus Tragedy First

1303. With the accession of King James to the English throne, Lord Chamberlain's Man was renamed:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) King's Man

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The renaming of Lord Chamberlain's Men to King's Men reflects the change in royal patronage under King James I.

Common Mistakes: Confusing the name change with the titles of Shakespeare's plays or other unrelated terms.

Explanations: Lord Chamberlain's Men was the original name of Shakespeare's acting company. Upon King James I's accession in 1603, the company was renamed King's Men to reflect the new royal patronage. This change highlights the importance of royal support in the theater during the Jacobean era.

Option Analysis:

Option A: King Lear is a Shakespeare play, unrelated to the company's name.
Option B: Gentleman is a term without connection to the company's renaming.
Option C: King's Man is correct as it reflects the new royal patronage.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect since option C is correct.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic needed.

1304. Brutus killed Caesar because he thought that Caesar had become.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Ambitious.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge Literature Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests understanding of Brutus's motivations in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, focusing on the historical and literary portrayal of ambition as a driving factor for political assassination.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Brutus's fear of Caesar's ambition with other motives like personal jealousy or cruelty, which are less supported by the text and historical context.

Explanations: Brutus assassinates Caesar due to his belief that Caesar's ambition threatens the Roman Republic, fearing Caesar would become a tyrant. This is evident in Brutus's soliloquies and discussions with other conspirators in Shakespeare's play.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jealousy is not Brutus's primary motive; he admires Caesar but fears his ambition.
Option B: Ambition is the key factor, as Brutus believes Caesar seeks to rule as a dictator.
Option C: Autocratic rule is a consequence of Caesar's ambition, not the direct reason Brutus acts.
Option D: Cruelty is not a central motive; Brutus respects Caesar's leadership qualities.

Mnemonic: B for Brutus, B for Ambition.

1305. The last decade of the nineteenth century saw the development of a number of literary and cultural movements which amounted to a rejection of the principles of Victorianism because of which social transformations?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Both A and B.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge A-Level English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question examines the social transformations that led to the rejection of Victorianism in the late 19th century.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is overlooking the combined impact of industrialization and secularism, instead focusing on only one factor.

Explanations: Victorianism emphasized strict social norms, religious piety, and progress. The shift to industrial societies disrupted traditional agrarian life, leading to urbanization and changes in social structures. The decline of religious beliefs, influenced by science and secularism, further eroded Victorian values. These transformations together led to a rejection of Victorianism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Industrialization led to social changes that challenged Victorian norms.
Option B: Correct. Decline in religion contributed to questioning Victorian values.
Option C: Incorrect. It suggests a rise in traditional identities, contrary to the era's trend towards individualism.
Option D: Correct. Combines both A and B, accurately reflecting the social changes.

Mnemonic: D for Dual Drivers: Decline in Religion and Industrial Rise.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 87”

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 87”

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