English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1321. Which one of the following poets was appointed Poet Laureate in the year 1813?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Southey.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The appointment of Poet Laureate in 1813 is a specific historical fact in English literature.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the appointment years of Southey and Tennyson.

Explanations: Robert Southey was appointed Poet Laureate in 1813, following the death of Henry James Pye. This position was later held by William Wordsworth and Alfred Tennyson in subsequent years.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tennyson was appointed Poet Laureate in 1850, not 1813.
Option B: Byron was a prominent poet but was never appointed Poet Laureate.
Option C: Southey was appointed Poet Laureate in 1813, making this the correct answer.
Option D: Wordsworth was appointed Poet Laureate in 1843, after Southey's death.

Mnemonic: Southey in '13, then Tennyson in '50.

1322. " Art for arts sake" found its true adherent in:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Wilde.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The phrase "Art for art's sake" emphasizes the intrinsic value of art, advocating for art created solely for its own beauty and without a moral or practical purpose.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Oscar Wilde with other poets like Wordsworth or Byron, who were associated with different literary movements.

Explanations: Oscar Wilde was a leading proponent of the Aestheticism movement, which championed the idea that art should be created for its own sake. His works, such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray," exemplify this belief by focusing on beauty and artistry without overt moral lessons.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Wordsworth was a Romantic poet emphasizing emotion and nature, not Aestheticism.
Option B: Byron was a Romantic poet known for dramatic and emotional works, not "Art for art's sake."
Option C: Browning was a Victorian poet with moral and psychological themes, unlike Wilde's aesthetic focus.
Option D: Wilde was a leading figure in Aestheticism, advocating for art's intrinsic value.

Mnemonic: "Wilde's Aestheticism: Art for Art's Sake."

1323. 'Waiting for Godot' is written by-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Samuel Beckett.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The play 'Waiting for Godot' is a significant work in absurdist theatre, authored by Samuel Beckett.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Samuel Beckett and other authors with similar names, such as Samuel Butler or Samuel Heaney.

Explanations: Samuel Beckett wrote 'Waiting for Godot,' a play that is a cornerstone of absurdist theatre, exploring themes of existentialism and the human condition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Samuel Beckett is the author of 'Waiting for Godot.'
Option B: Incorrect. Edward Albee wrote plays like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" not 'Waiting for Godot.'
Option C: Incorrect. Samuel Butler was an essayist and satirist, not associated with this play.
Option D: Incorrect. Samuel Heaney is a contemporary poet, unrelated to this play.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1324. According to Aristotle pity and fear are evoked by

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Tragedy.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Aristotle's theory of tragedy states that it evokes pity and fear, leading to catharsis.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the emotional effects of different literary genres.

Explanations: Aristotle's Poetics explains that tragedy arouses pity and fear, resulting in a cathartic experience. This distinguishes it from other genres like comedy, satire, and melodrama, which evoke different emotions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Comedy evokes laughter and joy, not pity or fear.
Option B: Tragedy evokes pity and fear, aligning with Aristotle's theory.
Option C: Satire uses irony and criticism, not the specific emotions of tragedy.
Option D: Melodrama focuses on heightened emotions, not the structured evocation of pity and fear.

Mnemonic: Tragedy Triggers Tears and Tremors

1325. The term "Civil Disobedience" was coined by which author?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Henry David Thoreau.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The term "Civil Disobedience" originates from Henry David Thoreau's essay.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Thoreau and other authors or figures.

Explanations: Henry David Thoreau coined the term "Civil Disobedience" in his 1849 essay, advocating for nonviolent resistance against unjust laws.

Option Analysis:

Option A: William Gates is unrelated to literature or the term.
Option B: Henry David Thoreau authored the essay where the term was coined.
Option C: Booker T. Washington was an educator, not associated with this term.
Option D: Alain Locke was a philosopher, not linked to "Civil Disobedience."

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1326. Chaucer acted as a controller of custom during.....?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) 1374 to 1385.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of Geoffrey Chaucer's administrative roles, specifically his tenure as Controller of Customs.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the dates of his literary works with his administrative roles.

Explanations: Geoffrey Chaucer held the position of Controller of Customs in the Port of London from 1374 to 1385. This role was part of his administrative career, which also included other positions such as Comptroller of the Customs and Justice of the Peace. The other options do not align with the specific years he served in this capacity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Chaucer was Controller of Customs from 1374 to 1385.
Option B: Incorrect. This period is too early and does not correspond to his tenure in this role.
Option C: Incorrect. This period is too broad and includes years after his tenure ended.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in Option A.

1327. In the line " O wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?" the mood of the poet is one of.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Optimism.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem expresses hope that difficult times will be followed by better ones.

Common Mistakes: Misinterpreting the metaphor as a sign of despair rather than hope.

Explanations: The phrase uses winter as a metaphor for hardship and spring for renewal, indicating a hopeful outlook.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The poem does not express despair or hopelessness.
Option B: The tone is not sad or discouraging.
Option C: The metaphor suggests hope and renewal.
Option D: The poem does not convey surrender or defeat.

Mnemonic: Wind brings Spring, so Shelley's mood is bright.

1328. Which of the following writers authored the poem "Dulce et Decorum Est?"

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Wilfred Owen.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "Dulce et Decorum Est" is a poem by Wilfred Owen, a renowned World War I poet known for his anti-war sentiments.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Wilfred Owen with other war poets like Siegfried Sassoon or Rupert Brooke.

Explanations: Wilfred Owen authored "Dulce et Decorum Est," a poem that critiques the glorification of war. The poem's title, meaning "It is sweet and honorable to die for one's country," contrasts with its graphic depiction of war's horrors.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Wilfred Owen wrote "Dulce et Decorum Est."
Option B: Incorrect. Siegfried Sassoon was a war poet but did not write this poem.
Option C: Incorrect. Rupert Brooke wrote patriotic war sonnets, not this poem.
Option D: Incorrect. Rudyard Kipling was a writer but not associated with this poem.

Mnemonic: Owen's "Dulce" opposes war's glory.

1329. Hawthorne's ancestors are associated with what historical American event?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) History of puritans.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Nathaniel Hawthorne's family history is deeply connected to the Puritans, influencing his literary themes.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Hawthorne's historical context or confusing him with other literary movements.

Explanations: Hawthorne's ancestors were prominent Puritans, and their legacy shaped his exploration of themes like guilt and moral judgment in works such as "The Scarlet Letter."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Hawthorne's family history is rooted in the Puritan era, influencing his writing.
Option B: Incorrect. Slavery is not a central theme in Hawthorne's work.
Option C: Incorrect. Transcendentalism was a later movement unrelated to Hawthorne's Puritan roots.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is A.

Mnemonic: Hawthorne's Heritage: Puritans and Their Legacy.

1330. Who wrote 'Where Angels Fear to Tread'?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) E. M. Forster.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of authors and their works in English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing E. M. Forster with other authors like Charles Dickens or Rudyard Kipling.

Explanations: 'Where Angels Fear to Tread' is a novel by E. M. Forster, published in 1905. It explores themes of love, marriage, and cultural differences. The other options are incorrect because they refer to authors known for different works and time periods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Charles Dickens is known for 19th-century novels like 'Great Expectations', not this work.
Option B: E. M. Forster is the correct author of 'Where Angels Fear to Tread'.
Option C: Rudyard Kipling is known for works like 'The Jungle Book', not this novel.
Option D: William Shakespeare was a playwright, not the author of this novel.

Mnemonic: Forster's 'Where Angels' is a tread of love and culture.

1331. What is the name of Dr. Nadkarni's young brother?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Ramdas

Exam Relevance: CBSE Class 10 English

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the ability to recall specific details from a literary text.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the names of different characters in the story.

Explanations: In the story "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry, Dr. S. R. Nadkarni has a young brother named Ramdas. This detail is explicitly mentioned in the text, making it a direct recall question.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ramnath is not mentioned in the story.
Option B: Rambihari is not a character in the story.
Option C: Ramdas is the correct name of Dr. Nadkarni's brother.
Option D: Ramlal is not a character in the story.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

1332. What do the Liosels eventually do?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) They pay off all their debts.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Liosels, a family in Charles Dickens' novel "Little Dorrit," face financial difficulties and eventually pay off all their debts.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is thinking they commit suicide, migrate, or declare bankruptcy, which are not accurate based on the novel.

Explanations: The Liosels face financial difficulties but ultimately pay off their debts, reflecting themes of perseverance and responsibility in Dickens' work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Liosels do not commit suicide; this is a misunderstanding of their character development.
Option B: Correct. The Liosels pay off their debts, showing their determination and resolve.
Option C: They do not migrate; their story focuses on overcoming financial struggles in their current setting.
Option D: They do not declare bankruptcy; instead, they work to settle their debts.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic

1333. Who wrote first?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Howard, Earl of Surrey.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the chronological order of English literary figures.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the timelines of Renaissance and Victorian writers.

Explanations: Howard, Earl of Surrey, was an early 16th-century poet whose work predates that of Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Eliot. His contributions to English literature, including translations and original poetry, establish him as an earlier writer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: George Eliot was a Victorian novelist, writing much later in the 19th century.
Option B: Christopher Marlowe was a contemporary of Shakespeare but came after Surrey.
Option C: Howard, Earl of Surrey, was an early 16th-century poet whose work predates the others.
Option D: William Shakespeare, while earlier than Eliot, came after Surrey.

Mnemonic: Surrey started, then Marlowe, Shakespeare, and Eliot followed.

1334. Which of the following statements demonstrates the use of pathos?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Every month in the United States, at least 100 children are wounded or killed as a result of unsecured handguns.

Exam Relevance: SAT, ACT

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Pathos is a rhetorical strategy that appeals to the audience's emotions to influence their thoughts or actions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing pathos with ethos or logos, which appeal to credibility and logic, respectively.

Explanations: Option C uses a statistic about children being injured or killed to evoke empathy and concern, which is characteristic of pathos.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This is a factual statement without emotional appeal.
Option B: This is a personal statement without emotional language.
Option C: This uses a statistic to evoke emotion, demonstrating pathos.
Option D: This is a logical argument without emotional appeal.

Mnemonic: Pathos = Emotion

1335. Which one is a great patriotic poem by Frost?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The Gift Outright

Exam Relevance: AP Literature, SAT Subject Tests

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The core concept is identifying patriotic themes in Robert Frost's poetry.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing patriotic themes with Frost's other recurring themes like nature or human relationships.

Explanations: "The Gift Outright" is a patriotic poem that reflects on American history and identity. It expresses themes of national pride and the essence of being American. The other poems by Frost do not focus on patriotic themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Mending Wall" focuses on the relationship between neighbors and the nature of walls, not patriotism.
Option B: "Birches" is about the beauty of nature and the imagination, not patriotic themes.
Option C: "The Gift Outright" is a patriotic poem that celebrates American identity and history.
Option D: "Directive" explores themes of personal and cultural heritage, not patriotism.

Mnemonic: Gift for Patriotic Frost

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 89”

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 89”

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