English Literature MCQ – Change your future

1396. Which poem is written by Walt Whitman?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Song of myself.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Walt Whitman is known for his poem "Song of Myself," which is a central work in his collection "Leaves of Grass."

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Whitman's "Song of Myself" and Blake's "Songs of Innocence and Experience."

Explanations: Walt Whitman wrote "Song of Myself," which is a key poem in his work. It explores themes of self-expression and individuality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Song of Myself" is by Walt Whitman.
Option B: Incorrect. "Song of Innocence" is by William Blake.
Option C: Incorrect. "Song of Experience" is also by William Blake.
Option D: Incorrect. "Song of Myself" is a valid poem by Whitman.

Mnemonic: Whitman's "Song of Myself" - Self-expression, self-celebration.

1397. In "Ivy Day in the Committee Room, " which historical national figure is celebrated?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Charles Stuart Parnell.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The story revolves around the celebration of Charles Stuart Parnell, a significant historical figure in Irish politics.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the characters from "Ulysses" with those in "Ivy Day in the Committee Room."

Explanations: Charles Stuart Parnell is the central historical figure celebrated in the story. The narrative focuses on his influence and the impact of his death on Irish nationalism. The other options are incorrect because they refer to characters from different works or unrelated historical figures.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Leopold Bloom is a character from "Ulysses," not related to this story.
Option B: Molly Bloom is also from "Ulysses," unrelated to the historical context here.
Option C: Charles Stuart Parnell is the correct answer, as the story centers on his celebration and legacy.
Option D: Wolf Tone is a different historical figure, not relevant to this story.

Mnemonic: "Parnell's legacy in the committee room."

1398. Who is the author of Aurora Leigh?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Elizabeth Barret Browning.

Exam Relevance: None

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: "Aurora Leigh" is a major work by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a key figure in Victorian literature.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between the Rossetti siblings or with Tennyson, who are also prominent Victorian poets.

Explanations: "Aurora Leigh" is a novel in verse by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, published in 1856. It is a significant work that explores themes of gender, class, and social issues through the narrative of its protagonist, Aurora Leigh.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tennyson is known for works like "In Memoriam" and "The Lady of Shalott," not "Aurora Leigh."
Option B: Elizabeth Barrett Browning authored "Aurora Leigh," a major work in Victorian literature.
Option C: D. G. Rossetti wrote "The House of Life" and other Pre-Raphaelite works, not "Aurora Leigh."
Option D: Christina Rossetti is known for "Goblin Market" and other poems, not "Aurora Leigh."

1399. Robert Herrick's lyric deals with the theme of sadness at the brief life of the flowers on a fruit tree.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) To Blossoms

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "To Blossoms" by Robert Herrick deals with the theme of the transient nature of life, focusing on the brief existence of blossoms on a fruit tree.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing "To Blossoms" with "To Flowers," which is another poem by Herrick but deals with a different theme.

Explanations: "To Blossoms" specifically addresses the fleeting beauty of blossoms, symbolizing the brevity of life. The poem laments their short existence, making it the correct choice for the theme described.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "To Flowers" is a different poem that focuses on the beauty of flowers in general, not their brief life.
Option B: "To Blossoms" correctly addresses the theme of the brief life of blossoms on a fruit tree.
Option C: "To Autumn" deals with the imagery of autumn, unrelated to the theme of brief life.
Option D: "To Plants" does not address the specific theme of the brief life of blossoms.

Mnemonic: Blossoms are brief, so choose B.

1400. The poem "London" can be best understood as .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) A protest against social inequality.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poem "London" by William Blake critiques the social inequalities and moral decay of 18th-century London.

Common Mistakes: Misunderstanding the poem's focus on social issues rather than aesthetic aspects or historical examination.

Explanations: William Blake's "London" uses vivid imagery to depict the suffering of the poor and the exploitation of children, reflecting his protest against social inequality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The poem does not celebrate the city's beauty; it highlights its ugliness and the suffering within it.
Option B: The poem protests against social inequality through its depiction of poverty, exploitation, and moral decay.
Option C: The poem does not focus on the city's past but on contemporary issues of Blake's time.
Option D: The poem is not an attack on William Wordsworth but a social critique.

Mnemonic: Blake's 'London' protests social wrongs, not beauty or past glories.

1401. Which of these Kings was the subject of a play by Marlowe?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Edward II

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of plays written by Christopher Marlowe and their historical subjects.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Marlowe's plays with those of Shakespeare, who wrote plays about Henry V, Richard III, and John.

Explanations: Christopher Marlowe wrote "Edward II," a play about the reign of King Edward II. The other kings listed were subjects of Shakespeare's plays, not Marlowe's.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Henry V was the subject of a play by Shakespeare, not Marlowe.
Option B: Richard III was the subject of a play by Shakespeare, not Marlowe.
Option C: Edward II was the subject of a play by Marlowe.
Option D: John was the subject of a play by Shakespeare, not Marlowe.

Mnemonic: Marlowe's Edward II is a play, not Henry or Richard in any way.

1402. Which devil is the main architect of Pandemonium?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Mulciber.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: In John Milton's "Paradise Lost," Pandemonium is the capital of Hell, and its construction is attributed to the devil Mulciber.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse Mulciber with other devils like Mammon or Moloch, who have different roles in Hell.

Explanations: Mulciber is specifically mentioned as the architect of Pandemonium in "Paradise Lost." He is described as a fallen angel with engineering skills, making him the primary builder of Hell's capital.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Mulciber is the architect of Pandemonium.
Option B: Incorrect. Mammon is associated with wealth and materialism, not architecture.
Option C: Incorrect. Moloch is a warlike figure, not an architect.
Option D: Incorrect. Belial is known for deceit and treachery, not construction.

Mnemonic: Mulciber Builds, Others Rule.

1403. 'Paradise Lost' was written by -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Milton.

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem by John Milton.

Common Mistakes: Confusing it with works by other poets like Shakespeare or Romantic poets.

Explanations: John Milton wrote 'Paradise Lost', an epic poem published in 1667.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shakespeare wrote plays and sonnets, not epic poems.
Option B: Milton wrote 'Paradise Lost'.
Option C: Coleridge wrote Romantic poetry, not epic poems.
Option D: Keats wrote odes, not epic poems.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1404. About William Bradford

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D) A and C.

Exam Relevance: AP US History

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: William Bradford's contributions to early American history include writing the Mayflower Compact and documenting the Plymouth Plantation.

Common Mistakes: Confusing William Bradford with other historical figures like John Smith, who founded Jamestown.

Explanations: William Bradford authored the Mayflower Compact, establishing governance for Plymouth Colony, and wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation," chronicling the colony's history. These contributions are factual and well-documented in historical records.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bradford wrote the Mayflower Compact, a foundational document for Plymouth Colony.
Option B: Incorrect. Jamestown was founded by the London Company, not William Bradford.
Option C: Correct. Bradford wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation," a key historical account.
Option D: Correct. Combines both accurate contributions of Bradford.

Mnemonic: "Bradford wrote both the Compact and Plantation, key texts for Plymouth's foundation."

1405. 'The God of Small Things' is written by.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) Arundhati Roy

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The question tests the recognition of the author of a well-known novel in English literature.

Common Mistakes: Confusion may arise between Arundhati Roy and other Indian authors like Vikram Seth, who are also known for their literary works.

Explanations: "The God of Small Things" is a renowned novel by Arundhati Roy, published in 1997. It is a significant work in contemporary English literature and won the Booker Prize that year.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vikram Seth is known for "A Suitable Boy," not "The God of Small Things."
Option B: John Galsworthy authored "The Forsyte Saga," unrelated to the given novel.
Option C: Arundhati Roy is the correct author of "The God of Small Things."
Option D: E.M. Forster wrote "A Passage to India," which is unrelated to the novel in question.

Mnemonic: Roy's 'Small Things' are big in literature.

1406. Wordsworth's Preface to the Lyrical Ballads is believed to be the Preamble to Romantic Criticism. In which year was it published?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) 1800.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature, Cambridge IGCSE English Literature

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Preface to the Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth is a foundational text in Romantic literary theory, outlining principles such as the use of common language and the importance of emotion.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse the publication year with the initial publication of the Lyrical Ballads in 1798, which did not include the Preface.

Explanations: The Preface was published in 1800 as part of the second edition of the Lyrical Ballads, where Wordsworth introduced his theories on poetry and Romanticism. This date is crucial as it marks the beginning of Romantic Criticism.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1798 is the year the first edition of the Lyrical Ballads was published, but the Preface was added in 1800.
Option B: 1800 is correct as it was the year the Preface was published with the second edition.
Option C: 1801 is incorrect; the Preface was already published by this time.
Option D: 1802 is incorrect; it is after the publication of the Preface.

Mnemonic: "1800: The Year of Romantic Preamble"

1407. Was the first Anglican Preacher.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Donne.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of key figures in Anglican preaching within English literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing John Donne with other poets like George Herbert or Andrew Marvell, who were contemporaries but not the first Anglican preacher.

Explanations: John Donne was the first Anglican preacher, known for his significant contributions to both poetry and theology. His sermons are celebrated for their depth and literary quality.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. John Donne was the first Anglican preacher.
Option B: Incorrect. George Herbert was a later Anglican poet and cleric.
Option C: Incorrect. Andrew Marvell was a metaphysical poet, not an Anglican preacher.
Option D: Incorrect. Donne is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Donne Dares to Deliver Devout Discourses

1408. " I heartily hate and detest that animal called man." These are the words of.....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A) Jonathan Swift.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The quote is from Jonathan Swift's satirical essay "A Modest Proposal," reflecting his critique of human nature.

Common Mistakes: Misattributing the quote to Alexander Pope, who wrote about human nature but not this specific quote.

Explanations: Jonathan Swift wrote the quote in his satirical essay, criticizing human behavior. Other authors listed are known for different works and do not include this quote.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as the quote is from Swift's essay.
Option B: Incorrect, Pope wrote about human nature but not this quote.
Option C: Incorrect, Steele's works focus on social commentary without this quote.
Option D: Incorrect, Arbuthnot is not associated with this quote.

Mnemonic: Swift's Swift Hatred

1409. The description of incidents in sequence is called -

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B) Chronology

Exam Relevance: SAT, GRE

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Chronology refers to the sequence of events in time.

Common Mistakes: Confusing chronology with other terms like archive or anthology.

Explanations: Chronology is the correct term for describing incidents in sequence. It involves arranging events in the order they occurred.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Archive refers to a collection of records, not the sequence of events.
Option B: Chronology correctly describes the sequence of events over time.
Option C: Anthology refers to a collection of literary works, not the order of events.
Option D: Antenna is unrelated to the sequence of events.

Mnemonic: No mnemonic.

1410. What is the name of the playlet Hamlet stages for Claudius?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C) The Murder of Gonzago.

Exam Relevance: AP English Literature and Composition

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The playlet "The Murder of Gonzago" is a key plot device in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," used to expose Claudius's guilt.

Common Mistakes: Students might confuse it with other plays or misremember the title.

Explanations: In "Hamlet," the protagonist stages "The Murder of Gonzago" to observe Claudius's reaction, thereby confirming his guilt in the king's murder. This playlet serves as a dramatic device to advance the plot and reveal Claudius's conscience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Slings and Arrows" is a phrase from Hamlet's soliloquy, not a playlet.
Option B: "Vice of Kings" is not associated with Hamlet's plot.
Option C: Correct, as it is the playlet used to trap Claudius.
Option D: "The Slaying of Lucianus" is part of the playlet's plot but not its title.

Mnemonic: Gonzago's Murder, Claudius's Burden

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10 thoughts on “English Literature MCQ - Set 94”

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 94”

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