MCQs

English Literature MCQs with Explanations

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641English LiteratureMedium

Which of the following is a true statement about Romanticism?

ABoth A and B

BCelebration of the individual

CInterest in the common man

DAge of reason

Correct answer

A. Both A and B

Explanation

The correct answer is Both A and B.

642English LiteratureMedium

One purpose of LITERARY CRITICISM is described below: A formalist approach might enable us to choose between a reading which sees the dissolution of society in Lord of the Flies as being caused by too strict a suppression of the “bestial” side of man and one which sees it as resulting from too little suppression. We can look to the text and ask: What textual evidence is there for the suppression or indulgence of the “bestial” side of man? Does Ralph suppress Jack when he tries to indulge his bestial side in hunting? Does it appear from the text that an imposition of stricter law and order would have prevented the breakdown? Did it work in the “grownup” world of the novel? What purpose does this prescribe to?

ATo enable to form judgments about literature.

BTo help resolve a question, problem, or difficulty in the reading.

CAll of the above answers are correct.

DTo help decide which is the better of two conflicting readings.

Correct answer

D. To help decide which is the better of two conflicting readings.

Explanation

The correct answer is To help decide which is the better of two conflicting readings..

643English LiteratureMedium

Let me for a few moments turn your attention to the reservations in the different states of New England, and, with but few exceptions, we shall find them as follows: the most mean, abject, miserable race of beings in the world – a complete place of prodigality and prostitution. What does “prodigality” mean?

ARedemption

BReturn from the dead

CPromiscuity

DWasteful extravagance

Correct answer

D. Wasteful extravagance

Explanation

The correct answer is Wasteful extravagance.

644English LiteratureMedium

The word “Jacobean” is derived from the ________ name Jacob, which is the original form of the English name James?

ABiblical Hebrew

BMishnaic Hebrew

CHebrew language

DSamaritan Hebrew language

Correct answer

C. Hebrew language

Explanation

The correct answer is Hebrew language.

645English LiteratureMedium

What does Judith Butler mean when she suggests that gender is “performed”?

AReal gender roles are scripted by excellent writers.

BGender roles do not exist.

COnly individuals who have the capacity to perform have gender.

DGender does not reflect an essential truth, but rather is a role people play based on their internalization of socially constructed gender roles.

Correct answer

D. Gender does not reflect an essential truth, but rather is a role people play based on their internalization of socially constructed gender roles.

Explanation

The correct answer is Gender does not reflect an essential truth, but rather is a role people play based on their internalization of socially constructed gender roles..

646English LiteratureMedium

To where Walton’s expedition was headed when he meets the gigantic figure and the emaciated Victor?

AAfrica

BNorth Pole

CGalapagos

DBermuda

Correct answer

B. North Pole

Explanation

The correct answer is North Pole.

647English LiteratureMedium

In “Hamlet,” what is Hamlet’s uncle’s name?

AHoratio

BFortinbras

CClaudius

DPolonius

Correct answer

C. Claudius

Explanation

The correct answer is Claudius.

648English LiteratureMedium

Which of the following best characterizes an Elizabethan masque?

AA horror play, featuring supernatural forces

BA drama, featuring players representing mythic or allegorical figures

CA sophisticated comedy with a surprising ending

DA performance of a classical play in contemporary language

Correct answer

B. A drama, featuring players representing mythic or allegorical figures

Explanation

The correct answer is A drama, featuring players representing mythic or allegorical figures.

649English LiteratureMedium

The Primary Narrator for Books Eleven and Twelve of “Paradise Lost,” who relates future events is which of the following?

ARaphael

BAdam

CMichael

DThe Son

Correct answer

C. Michael

Explanation

The correct answer is Michael.

650English LiteratureMedium

About the Pima________?

ALegend From the Houses of Magic

BMade houses of saplings bent into domes

CB and C

DIntroduced domestic animals to the Navajo

Correct answer

C. B and C

Explanation

The correct answer is B and C.

One purpose of LITERARY CRITICISM is described below: A formalist approach might enable us to choose between a reading which sees the dissolution of society in Lord of the Flies as being caused by too strict a suppression of the “bestial” side of man and one which sees it as resulting from too little suppression. We can look to the text and ask: What textual evidence is there for the suppression or indulgence of the “bestial” side of man? Does Ralph suppress Jack when he tries to indulge his bestial side in hunting? Does it appear from the text that an imposition of stricter law and order would have prevented the breakdown? Did it work in the “grownup” world of the novel? What purpose does this prescribe to?

ATo enable to form judgments about literature.

BTo help resolve a question, problem, or difficulty in the reading.

CAll of the above answers are correct.

DTo help decide which is the better of two conflicting readings.

Correct answer

D. To help decide which is the better of two conflicting readings.

Explanation

The correct answer is To help decide which is the better of two conflicting readings..

What does Judith Butler mean when she suggests that gender is “performed”?

AReal gender roles are scripted by excellent writers.

BGender roles do not exist.

COnly individuals who have the capacity to perform have gender.

DGender does not reflect an essential truth, but rather is a role people play based on their internalization of socially constructed gender roles.

Correct answer

D. Gender does not reflect an essential truth, but rather is a role people play based on their internalization of socially constructed gender roles.

Explanation

The correct answer is Gender does not reflect an essential truth, but rather is a role people play based on their internalization of socially constructed gender roles..

Which of the following best characterizes an Elizabethan masque?

AA horror play, featuring supernatural forces

BA drama, featuring players representing mythic or allegorical figures

CA sophisticated comedy with a surprising ending

DA performance of a classical play in contemporary language

Correct answer

B. A drama, featuring players representing mythic or allegorical figures

Explanation

The correct answer is A drama, featuring players representing mythic or allegorical figures.