English Literature MCQ – Change your future

121. " Post-structuralism was a product of that blend of euphoria and disillusionment, liberation and dissipation carnival and catastrophe, which was 1968" . Who defined Post-structuralism in these terms?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Terry Eagleton

Exam Relevance: GRE Subject Test in Literature, Cambridge English Literature exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of post-structuralist theory and its historical context, specifically the influence of the 1968 events.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Terry Eagleton with other post-structuralist thinkers like Foucault or Kristeva, who did not specifically frame post-structuralism in the context of 1968.

Explanations: Terry Eagleton is known for his analysis of post-structuralism in relation to the cultural and political upheavals of 1968. His work highlights the blend of euphoria and disillusionment characteristic of that period, making him the correct identifier of post-structuralism in these terms.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Terry Eagleton correctly identified post-structuralism in the context of 1968's blend of euphoria and disillusionment.
Option B: Jacques Lacan was a psychoanalyst, not directly associated with defining post-structuralism in this context.
Option C: Michel Foucault was a key post-structuralist thinker, but he did not specifically frame it in terms of 1968.
Option D: Julia Kristeva was a literary theorist, but her work does not focus on the 1968 context as described.

Mnemonic: Eagleton's 68 Blend

122. Who wrote " Ten Little Niggers?"

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Agatha Christie

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of a famous literary work and its author.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Agatha Christie with other mystery authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Explanations: "Ten Little Niggers" is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1939. It is one of her most famous works, known for its complex plot and use of the nursery rhyme "Ten Little Soldiers."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the Sherlock Holmes series, not "Ten Little Niggers."
Option B: Irvine Welsh is known for contemporary Scottish literature, not this mystery novel.
Option C: Agatha Christie is the correct author of "Ten Little Niggers."
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct answer is Agatha Christie.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

123. Writers of 1890s like concentrated upon the beauties of an elaborated prose style and themes in their stories.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Oscar Wilde

Exam Relevance: AQA English Literature GCSE

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of 19th-century English authors known for their elaborate prose and thematic focus.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the time periods of the authors listed.

Explanations: Oscar Wilde was a prominent writer in the 1890s, known for his elaborate prose style and exploration of themes such as beauty, decay, and morality in works like "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The other authors listed were active in later periods.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Oscar Wilde was active in the 1890s and focused on elaborate prose and themes.
Option B: Incorrect. E. Coppard was active in the early 20th century, not the 1890s.
Option C: Incorrect. H. E. Bates was a 20th-century author, known for his rural themes.
Option D: Incorrect. Hugh Walpole was active in the early to mid-20th century.

Mnemonic: "Wilde in the 90s for style."

124. What is the significance of the "Green Knight"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) He represents the link with Celtic mythology.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Green Knight in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight symbolizes the integration of Celtic mythology into Arthurian legend.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the cultural and mythological origins of the Green Knight's characteristics.

Explanations: The Green Knight's green hue and mysterious origins link him to Celtic otherworldly beings, reflecting the poem's blend of Arthurian and Celtic traditions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; the Green Knight embodies knightly themes, not their absence.
Option B: Incorrect; he does not reference an Anglo-Saxon ruler.
Option C: Correct; the Green Knight connects to Celtic mythology through his green color and otherworldly nature.
Option D: Incorrect; while he has pagan elements, he primarily represents Celtic mythology.

Mnemonic: Green = Celt; Knight = Myth.

125. In "Paradise Lost, " Milton calls his Muse by which of the following names?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Urania.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the Muse invoked by Milton in "Paradise Lost."

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Urania with other Muses like Calliope or Calypso.

Explanations: In "Paradise Lost," Milton addresses Urania, the Muse of astronomy, to guide him in his epic poem. This choice reflects Milton's focus on celestial themes and his invocation of a Muse traditionally associated with the heavens.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Uriel is an archangel in "Paradise Lost," not a Muse.
Option B: Urania is the correct Muse invoked by Milton.
Option C: Calypso is a nymph in Greek mythology, unrelated to the Muses.
Option D: Calliope is the Muse of epic poetry, but Milton invoked Urania instead.

Mnemonic: Urania for the Universe: Milton's Muse of the Heavens.

126. Which famous play does the quote, "When shall we three meet again In thunder, lightning, or in rain?" come from?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Macbeth

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The quote is from the opening scene of Macbeth, where the three witches discuss their next meeting.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other Shakespeare plays involving weather or witches, like The Tempest or The Taming of the Shrew.

Explanations: The quote is iconic to Macbeth, where the witches set the tone for the tragic events that follow. Their meeting in thunder, lightning, or rain symbolizes the chaotic and ominous nature of the play.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Taming of the Shrew is a comedy without witches or such a quote.
Option B: King Lear deals with themes of power and family but doesn't include this quote.
Option C: The Tempest involves magic and a storm but doesn't feature this specific line.
Option D: Macbeth is the correct play, as the quote introduces the witches and the dark themes.

Mnemonic: Macbeth's witches meet in thunder, lightning, or rain.

127. Lucy's mother saw the of Lucy's feet in the snow.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Print

Exam Relevance: TOEFL, IELTS

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests vocabulary and context understanding, specifically the term "print" meaning an impression left by something.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the meaning of "print" as related to footwear rather than the impression left.

Explanations: "Print" refers to the impression left by Lucy's feet in the snow. The other options do not fit the context.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Shoe" refers to the footwear, not the impression. Incorrect.
Option B: "Print" correctly refers to the impression left in the snow. Correct.
Option C: "Shipper" is unrelated to the context. Incorrect.
Option D: "None of the above" is unnecessary since "print" is correct. Incorrect.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic needed.

128. What fundamental idea does psychoanalytic criticism hold about literary texts?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) Literary texts reveal secret elements of an author's unconscious.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Psychoanalytic criticism examines literary texts to uncover unconscious thoughts and desires of the author, influenced by Freudian theory.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding psychoanalytic theory as only reflecting conscious intentions or ignoring the role of the unconscious.

Explanations: Psychoanalytic criticism posits that authors may unconsciously project their inner conflicts and repressed emotions into their work. This approach allows readers to uncover hidden aspects of the author's psyche by analyzing the text's content and structure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as psychoanalytic criticism does suggest texts are projections of the author's psyche.
Option B: Incorrect, as it oversimplifies by ignoring unconscious elements.
Option C: Incorrect, as it misrepresents texts as orderly, unlike the chaotic nature of dreams.
Option D: Correct, as it identifies the psychoanalytic view of texts revealing unconscious elements.

Mnemonic: D for Depth: Exploring the deeper, unconscious layers in texts.

129. 'If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it, that Surfeiting The appetite may sicken and die? is a speech from

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Twelfth Night.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The quote is a famous soliloquy from "Twelfth Night," reflecting Duke Orsino's emotional state regarding love.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise if one associates the quote with other Shakespearean plays dealing with love themes.

Explanations: The quote is from Act II, Scene III of "Twelfth Night," where Duke Orsino expresses his desire to use music to cope with unrequited love. The other plays listed do not contain this specific speech or context.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The quote is from "Twelfth Night."
Option B: Incorrect. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" deals with lovers and fairies, not this soliloquy.
Option C: Incorrect. "As You Like It" is set in the Forest of Arden and does not include this quote.
Option D: Incorrect. "The Winter's Tale" focuses on jealousy and redemption, unrelated to the quote.

Mnemonic: Remember the phrase "food of love" as a clue pointing to "Twelfth Night."

130. Mary Anne Evans is the same person as George Eliot

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) True.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Mary Anne Evans used the pen name George Eliot.

Common Mistakes: Confusion between real names and pen names in literature.

Explanations: Mary Anne Evans is known by her pen name George Eliot. This is a factual identification in English literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Mary Anne Evans is George Eliot.
Option B: Incorrect. The names refer to the same person.
Option C: Incorrect. Both cannot be true as they are contradictory.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

131. Both the Gothic and sentimental fiction emphasize which of the following?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The power of feelings.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Gothic and sentimental fiction both emphasize the power of feelings, focusing on emotional experiences and reactions.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the genres' focus on emotions rather than reason or structure.

Explanations: Gothic fiction uses emotions like fear and suspense, while sentimental fiction emphasizes empathy and emotional depth. Both genres prioritize feelings over reason.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; both genres focus on emotions, not reason.
Option B: Incorrect; neither genre emphasizes aristocracy.
Option C: Correct; both genres prioritize the power of feelings.
Option D: Incorrect; adventure is not the central theme.

Mnemonic: Gothic and Sentimental: Feelings Always Lead.

132. In what ways did the railway reinforce differences of class?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Most of the passengers were wealthy in the early days of the railway; it was too expensive for the poorer classes (who might make only 10 shillings a week) to travel that way.

Exam Relevance: GCSE English Literature, A-Level History

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The railway reinforced class differences primarily through economic barriers, as only the wealthier classes could afford travel.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is focusing on the physical layout of the train rather than the economic cost as the main factor.

Explanations: In the early days of railways, travel costs were high, making it inaccessible to the poorer classes. This economic barrier reinforced existing class distinctions, as only the wealthy could afford to travel by train.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect; no evidence supports the claim about digestive issues.
Option B: Partially true but not the main reason for class reinforcement.
Option C: Correct; highlights the economic barrier to travel.
Option D: Incorrect; the railway did not democratize travel.

Mnemonic: "Railways were a rich ride, leaving the poor behind."

133. Which of the following is NOT considered a write for the Transcendentalism Movement?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Hawthrone.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Transcendentalism Movement emphasized individualism, nature, and intuition, with key figures like Emerson and Thoreau.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding Hawthorne's association with Romanticism rather than Transcendentalism.

Explanations: Hawthorne is linked to Romanticism and Dark Romanticism, focusing on themes like sin and guilt, unlike Transcendentalists who emphasized optimism and nature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Emerson is a central figure in Transcendentalism.
Option B: Hawthorne is associated with Romanticism, not Transcendentalism.
Option C: Thoreau is a key Transcendentalist writer.
Option D: Stewart contributed to Transcendentalist thought.

Mnemonic: Hawthorne's dark tales don't fit the Transcendentalist trail.

134. Which queen of England attended a number of William Shakespeare's play?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Queen Elizabeth I.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Queen Elizabeth I was a patron of the arts and attended Shakespeare's plays during the English Renaissance.

Common Mistakes: Confusion between Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II, as the latter lived much later.

Explanations: Queen Elizabeth I supported the arts and attended Shakespeare's performances. Historical records confirm her patronage of his work.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Elizabeth I attended Shakespeare's plays.
Option B: Incorrect. Elizabeth II lived long after Shakespeare's time.
Option C: Incorrect. Queen Anne reigned in the early 18th century.
Option D: Incorrect. Only Elizabeth I attended Shakespeare's plays.

Mnemonic: Elizabethean Era, Shakespeare's Star

135. With whom did John Keats have a love affair?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Fanny Brawne.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of John Keats' personal relationships, specifically his romantic involvement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be confusing Fanny Brawne with other literary figures of the time.

Explanations: John Keats had a love affair with Fanny Brawne, which is well-documented in his letters and is known to have influenced his poetry. The other options refer to individuals not romantically linked to Keats.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Fanny Brawne was the object of Keats' affection.
Option B: Incorrect. Dorothy Wordsworth was the sister of William Wordsworth and not involved with Keats.
Option C: Incorrect. Mary Shelley was married to Percy Bysshe Shelley and unrelated to Keats.
Option D: Incorrect. Mary Keats was John Keats' sister.

Mnemonic: Keats and Fanny, a poetic romance.

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 9”

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 9”

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