English Literature MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for English Literature - Download Free PDF

Last updated on Jul 9, 2025

Latest English Literature MCQ Objective Questions

English Literature Question 1:

Which of the following is the best description of "metre" in poetry?

  1. The use of repeating consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
  2. A rhetorical device where parts of a sentence are grammatically the same or similar in structure.
  3. The arrangement of words in a rhythmic pattern to create emphasis.
  4. A literary technique where two contrasting ideas are presented in close proximity.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : A rhetorical device where parts of a sentence are grammatically the same or similar in structure.

English Literature Question 1 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • In poetry, metre refers to the rhythmic structure of a verse, which is determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in lines.
  • Option 2 - "The arrangement of words in a rhythmic pattern to create emphasis" - accurately captures the essence of metre as it highlights the rhythmic pattern that forms the foundation of poetic structure.
  • Metre is a fundamental aspect of poetry, helping to create rhythm, mood, and musicality in a composition.
  • Examples of metre include iambic pentameter, trochaic tetrameter, and dactylic hexameter, which are common in English poetry.
  • Incorrect options like Option 1 (repeating consonant sounds) describe alliteration, while Option 4 relates to antithesis, not metre.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Alliteration: Refers to the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, as described in Option 1.
  • Parallelism: Discussed in Option 3, it refers to the use of grammatically similar sentence structures to create emphasis.
  • Antithesis: Highlighted in Option 4, it is the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in close proximity.

English Literature Question 2:

Which element is essential in "setting" a literary work?

  1. The conflict between characters.
  2. The physical and temporal location where the narrative occurs.
  3. The rhythm of the dialogue.
  4. The emotional relationship between characters.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : The physical and temporal location where the narrative occurs.

English Literature Question 2 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • The "setting" of a literary work refers to the physical and temporal location where the narrative occurs.
  • It establishes the time and place of the story, providing context for the events and characters' actions.
  • Setting is crucial as it shapes the atmosphere, influences the plot, and affects the characters' behavior and decisions.
  • For example, the setting of a story in a war-torn country will differ significantly from one set in a peaceful countryside, impacting the narrative's tone and themes.
  • Elements such as weather, social conditions, and historical context can also be part of the setting.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Conflict between characters is vital for developing the plot but is not part of the setting.
  • Option 3: The rhythm of the dialogue pertains to the style and tone of the narrative, not the setting.
  • Option 4: Emotional relationships between characters deal with character development, not the setting.

English Literature Question 3:

Parallelism in literature refers to:

  1. The use of repeating consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
  2. A rhetorical device where parts of a sentence are grammatically the same or similar in structure.
  3. The arrangement of words in a rhythmic pattern to create emphasis.
  4. A literary technique where two contrasting ideas are presented in close proximity.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : A rhetorical device where parts of a sentence are grammatically the same or similar in structure.

English Literature Question 3 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • Parallelism in literature refers to a rhetorical device where parts of a sentence are grammatically the same or similar in structure.
  • This technique is used to create rhythm, balance, and emphasis in writing, enhancing the overall aesthetic and clarity of the text.
  • Examples of parallelism include phrases like "easy come, easy go" or "like father, like son," where the structure of the sentence mirrors itself.
  • It is commonly employed in speeches, poetry, and prose to reinforce meaning and make the text more memorable.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Refers to alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, not parallelism.
  • Option 3: Describes rhythm in literature but does not specifically define parallelism.
  • Option 4: Refers to antithesis, a literary technique that contrasts ideas, distinct from parallelism.

English Literature Question 4:

Prosody in poetry refers to:

  1. The visual elements that contribute to the mood of the poem.
  2. The patterns of rhythm, meter, and intonation in poetry.
  3. The narrative structure and plot.
  4. The figurative language used in the text.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : The patterns of rhythm, meter, and intonation in poetry.

English Literature Question 4 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • Prosody in poetry refers to the patterns of rhythm, meter, and intonation in a poem.
  • It deals with the sound and structure of the poem, including the arrangement of syllables and stresses in each line.
  • Prosody plays a key role in determining the musicality and emotional impact of a poem.
  • Understanding prosody helps readers and writers analyze how rhythm and sound contribute to the overall meaning and mood of the poem.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Refers to visual elements, which are not related to prosody but rather the poem's imagery or layout.
  • Option 3: Discusses narrative structure and plot, which are relevant in storytelling but not in the context of prosody.
  • Option 4: Refers to figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, which are separate from the patterns of sound in poetry.

English Literature Question 5:

The "soliloquy" in a drama is:

  1. A speech delivered by a character to the audience, revealing inner thoughts.
  2. A dialogue between two or more characters.
  3. A type of rhetorical figure used to influence the audience’s perception.
  4. A musical number inserted in the middle of a play.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : A speech delivered by a character to the audience, revealing inner thoughts.

English Literature Question 5 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

  • A soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks directly to the audience or themselves, revealing their inner thoughts and feelings.
  • It is often used to provide insight into the character's motivations, dilemmas, or state of mind.
  • One famous example of a soliloquy is Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech in Shakespeare's play Hamlet.
  • Unlike a dialogue, which involves multiple characters, a soliloquy is a solo performance.
  • It is a key technique in drama to build intimacy between the character and the audience.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Option 2: A dialogue involves two or more characters conversing, which is different from a soliloquy.
  • Option 3: Rhetorical figures are stylistic tools, not specific to soliloquies.
  • Option 4: A musical number in a play is unrelated to the concept of a soliloquy.

Top English Literature MCQ Objective Questions

By 'Scudding Hyades', Tennyson means

  1. Ocean currents
  2. Stormy weather
  3. A constellation
  4. An island.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : A constellation

English Literature Question 6 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

  • By "Scudding Hyades," Tennyson refers to the Hyades, a constellation in the night sky.
  • The Hyades cluster is part of the Taurus constellation and is associated with rain and storms in classical mythology.
  • The term "scudding" implies rapid movement, often used to describe clouds or celestial bodies moving swiftly.
  • Tennyson's poetic imagery often draws on nature and mythology to evoke emotion and set a vivid scene.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

  • The Hyades are one of the nearest open star clusters to Earth and play a significant role in celestial navigation.
  • Tennyson's works frequently blend scientific observations with poetic imagination, creating layers of meaning.
  • Other poetic references to the Hyades can be found in works by writers like Homer and Shelley, symbolizing stormy weather or change.

"Towards a Feminist Poetics" by Elaine Showalter

  1. Examines Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge through feminist critique
  2. Asserts that the publishing industry is women dominated
  3. Refers to seven phases of feminist literary criticism
  4. States that literary criticism is male dominated

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : States that literary criticism is male dominated

English Literature Question 7 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is States that literary criticism is male dominated.

Key Points

  • "Towards a Feminist Poetics" is a significant essay by Elaine Showalter, a prominent feminist literary critic.
  • Showalter argues that literary criticism has traditionally been dominated by male perspectives, which have marginalized women's contributions and experiences.
  • She proposes that feminist literary criticism should seek to understand and highlight the unique experiences and perspectives of women writers.
  • Showalter's essay categorizes feminist literary criticism into different phases, examining the evolution and goals of feminist theory in literature.
  • The work is a foundational text in feminist literary studies, influencing subsequent scholarship and approaches to reading and interpreting literature through a feminist lens.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

  • Elaine Showalter: An American literary critic, feminist, and writer, known for her work in the development of feminist literary theory.
  • Showalter's work often focuses on the representation of women in literature and the need for a distinct female literary tradition.
  • Her influential books include "A Literature of Their Own" which explores the evolution of women writers in England.

Who says, 'I wonder why London cannot keep its own fools at home!' ?

  1. Sir Charles Marlow
  2. Mrs. Hardcastle
  3. Mr. Hardcastle
  4. Tony Lumpkin.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Mr. Hardcastle

English Literature Question 8 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 'Mr. Hardcastle'.

Key Points

  • The line "I wonder why London cannot keep its own fools at home!" is indeed spoken by Mr. Hardcastle in Oliver Goldsmith's play She Stoops to Conquer.
  • Mr. Hardcastle says this line in a moment of frustration when he encounters the two young men from London, Marlow and Hastings, who behave awkwardly and foolishly in the countryside.
  • The remark highlights Mr. Hardcastle's disdain for the "city folk" and their perceived lack of manners and understanding of country life.
  • It reflects Mr. Hardcastle’s sense of superiority and his belief that the behavior of these Londoners is not fitting for his rural setting.
  • The line adds to the humor and irony of the play, where misunderstandings between the characters lead to comic situations.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Comprehension:

Read the following passage carefully, and answer the questions.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in 1999 set up a committee under Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla, member SEBI Board, to promote and raise the standards of good corporate governance. The primary objective of the committee was to view corporate governance from the perspective of the investors and shareholders and to prepare a 'Code' to suit the Indian corporate environment.

The mandatory recommendations apply to the listed companies with paid up share capital of Rs. 3 crore and above. The composition of board of directors should be a combination of executive and non-executive directors. Audit committee should contain 3 independent directors with one having financial and accounting knowledge. The Board should hold at least 4 meetings in a year with a maximum gap of 4 months between 2 meetings to review operational plans, capital budgets, quarterly results, minutes of committee's meeting. The director shall not be member of more than 10 committee and shall not act as chairman of more than 5 committees across all companies.

The non-mandatory recommendations were to apply to all the listed private and public sector companies, their directors, management, employees and professionals associated with such companies. The committee recognizes that compliance with the recommendations would involve restructuring the existing boards of companies. It also recognizes that smaller ones will have difficulty in immediately complying with these conditions.

Which one of the following is not a part of mandatory recommendations?

  1. Audit committee should contain 3 independent directors with one having financial and accounting knowledge
  2. The Board should hold at least 4 meetings in a year with maximum gap of 4 months between 2 meetings to review operational plans
  3. Director shall not be a member of more than 10 committees and shall not act as chairman of more than 5 committees across all companies
  4. Auditor of the company must have experience of 10 years

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Auditor of the company must have experience of 10 years

English Literature Question 9 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Auditor of the company must have experience of 10 years

Key Points

  • Auditor of the company must have experience of 10 years:
    • This is not mentioned as a mandatory recommendation by the Kumar Mangalam Birla Committee in the passage.
    • The committee focused on board structure, audit committee composition, and meeting frequency, not specific auditor qualifications or years of experience.
    • In the context of financial enterprises, while auditor experience is important for accuracy and compliance, this criterion was not part of SEBI’s mandated governance reforms.
    • Mandatory guidelines emphasize oversight and independence over tenure-based eligibility, promoting transparency and investor confidence through board governance mechanisms rather than focusing on professional experience thresholds.

Additional Information

  • Audit committee should contain 3 independent directors with one having financial and accounting knowledge:
    • This is a correct mandatory recommendation according to the committee. It ensures financial expertise and independence in internal control, especially relevant for financial institutions where audit transparency is critical.
  • The Board should hold at least 4 meetings in a year with maximum gap of 4 months between 2 meetings to review operational plans:
    • Also a correct mandatory recommendation. Regular board meetings ensure continuous oversight and timely decision-making, vital in fast-changing financial markets.
  • Director shall not be a member of more than 10 committees and shall not act as chairman of more than 5 committees across all companies:
    • This is part of the mandatory norms to avoid overcommitment and ensure effective participation. It is crucial in financial enterprises where governance and risk management responsibilities are complex and demanding.

Boswell’s ‘Life of Johnson’ is dedicated to ________.

  1. Alexander Pope
  2. Edward Young
  3. Sir Joshua Reynolds
  4. Samuel Johnson

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Alexander Pope

English Literature Question 10 Detailed Solution

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It looks like there is an error in the provided data row. The correct answer should be option 3, not option 1. Here is the corrected version: ```csv Statement,Option 1,Option 2,Option 3,Option 4,Option 5 Boswell’s ‘Life of Johnson’ is dedicated to ________.,1)Alexander Pope,2)Edward Young,3)Sir Joshua Reynolds,4)Samuel Johnson,,The correct answer is option 3 ``` This correctly indicates that Boswell’s ‘Life of Johnson’ is dedicated to Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Happy Valley extends more or less from

  1. Moorang to Kambala
  2. Moorang to Midlands
  3. Kambala to Midlands
  4. Moorang to China

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Moorang to Kambala

English Literature Question 11 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Moorang to Kambala.

Key Points

  • Happy Valley is a region that extends from Moorang to Kambala.
  • The area is known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscape.
  • Moorang serves as the starting point, while Kambala marks the endpoint of Happy Valley.
  • Visitors often travel through this region to experience its natural attractions and cultural sites.
  • The correct description of Happy Valley's extent is crucial for geographical and travel-related information.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Option 2: Moorang to Midlands - This option is incorrect as it does not accurately describe the extent of Happy Valley.
  • Option 3: Kambala to Midlands - This option is incorrect as it does not accurately describe the extent of Happy Valley.
  • Option 4: Moorang to China - This option is incorrect as it does not accurately describe the extent of Happy Valley.
  • Happy Valley is specifically known to extend from Moorang to Kambala, making Option 1 the correct choice.

I. A. Richard's Principles of Literary Criticism can be regarded as an introduction to

  1. Literary formalism
  2. Post modernism
  3. Post colonialism
  4. Structuralism

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Literary formalism

English Literature Question 12 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Literary formalism.

Key Points

  • I. A. Richards' "Principles of Literary Criticism" is a foundational text in the field of literary formalism.
  • Literary formalism is a critical approach that emphasizes the form and structure of a literary work, rather than its content or context.
  • Richards' work focuses on the analysis of literary texts through close reading and attention to language, form, and technique.
  • His theories contributed significantly to the development of New Criticism, a movement that advocates for the close reading of texts to uncover meaning.
  • Richards' emphasis on the intrinsic elements of a text, such as imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, aligns with the principles of literary formalism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Post modernism: A broad movement in the late 20th century across philosophy, the arts, architecture, and criticism, marked by a departure from modernism.
  • Post colonialism: A critical theory framework that analyzes the cultural legacy of colonialism and imperialism.
  • Structuralism: An intellectual movement in humanities and social sciences, focusing on the structures underlying human culture and psychology.

Into how many parts S. T. Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is divided ?

  1. Five
  2. Seven
  3. Six
  4. Eight

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Seven

English Literature Question 13 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • S. T. Coleridge's "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is divided into seven parts.
  • This poem is one of Coleridge's most famous works and is a seminal piece in English literature.
  • It was first published in "Lyrical Ballads" in 1798, a collection of poems by Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
  • The poem narrates the story of an old mariner who recounts his adventures at sea and the supernatural events that befell him and his crew.
  • The work is known for its rich imagery and exploration of themes such as guilt, redemption, and the natural world.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a prominent English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian.
  • He, along with his friend William Wordsworth, founded the Romantic Movement in England.
  • Coleridge's other notable works include "Kubla Khan" and "Christabel."
  • His contributions to literary theory, particularly his concept of the "willing suspension of disbelief," have had a lasting impact on the study of literature.

'She hugged them to her bosom.' Here, 'them' refers to

  1. The fob chain and the gold watch
  2. The combs
  3. The combs and the watch
  4. The fob chain and the combs.

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : The combs and the watch

English Literature Question 14 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is indeed "The combs and the watch."

Key Points

  • In The Gift of the Magi, Della sells her hair to buy a fob chain for Jim's watch, and Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair.
  • When Della "hugs them to her bosom," she is referring to both the combs and the watch — the gifts exchanged between them.
  • This moment is full of deep emotional significance as it symbolizes the sacrifices they made for each other.

Therefore the correct answer is option 3.

'I had more pleasure in these busy-idle diversions.' 'Busy-idle' is an example of

  1. Transferred epithet
  2. Hyperbaton
  3. Oxymoron
  4. Zeugma

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Oxymoron

English Literature Question 15 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 'Oxymoron'.

Key Points

  • Busy-idle is an oxymoron because it combines two contradictory terms ("busy" and "idle") to describe the same thing.
  • An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite or contradictory ideas are joined to create an effect.
  • In this case, "busy-idle" suggests a paradoxical situation where something is both active and inactive, emphasizing a contradiction in terms to convey a deeper meaning.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Additional Information

  • Transferred epithet: This refers to when an adjective is applied to something it doesn’t logically modify, such as "sleeping car" (sleeping modifies the car, not the person), which does not apply here.
  • Hyperbaton: This involves altering the normal order of words in a sentence for emphasis or effect, but the phrase 'busy-idle' does not fit this definition.
  • Zeugma: This is when a single word governs or modifies two or more words, though they do not logically go together (e.g., "He stole my heart and my wallet"). This is not applicable in this case.
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