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

Last updated on Jun 30, 2025

Latest English Literature MCQ Objective Questions

English Literature Question 1:

Which Indian Diaspora writer’s works often explore the tension between the home and the host country, and the impacts of globalization and migration?

  1. Vikram Seth
  2. Bharati Mukherjee
  3. Kamala Das
  4. Amitav Ghosh

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Bharati Mukherjee

English Literature Question 1 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Bharati Mukherjee.

Key Points

  • Bharati Mukherjee was an Indian-American author whose works often explore themes related to migration, globalization, identity, and the tension between the home and host country.
  • Her writing is notable for reflecting the experiences of the Indian diaspora and the challenges faced in adapting to new cultural environments.
  • One of her most celebrated works, "The Middleman and Other Stories," won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1988.
  • Her novel "Jasmine" is a powerful exploration of a young woman's journey from India to America, highlighting the complexities of migration and cultural assimilation.
  • Through her works, Mukherjee delves into the struggles of immigrants, particularly women, as they navigate between tradition and modernity.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Vikram Seth: Known for his novel "A Suitable Boy," his works often explore themes of love, family, and society but do not focus heavily on diaspora-related tensions.
  • Kamala Das: A prominent Indian poet and writer whose works primarily delve into themes of love, identity, and feminism rather than diaspora experiences.
  • Amitav Ghosh: While his novels often explore historical and cultural themes, such as in "The Shadow Lines" and "Sea of Poppies," diaspora-related issues are not his primary focus.

English Literature Question 2:

Which author’s The Inheritance of Loss delves into themes of loss, identity, and the aftermath of colonialism in post-colonial India?

  1. Kiran Desai
  2. Vikram Seth
  3. Arundhati Roy
  4. Salman Rushdie

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Kiran Desai

English Literature Question 2 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Kiran Desai.

Key Points

  • Kiran Desai is an acclaimed Indian author whose novel The Inheritance of Loss won the Man Booker Prize in 2006.
  • The book explores themes such as the aftermath of colonialism, identity, displacement, and cultural conflict in post-colonial India.
  • Set in Kalimpong in the foothills of the Himalayas, the narrative intricately weaves the lives of its characters, including Sai, an orphaned girl, and her grandfather, a retired judge.
  • It delves into the emotional and psychological struggles stemming from globalization and migration.
  • The novel poignantly portrays the tension between the fading colonial legacy and the changing socio-political landscape of India.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • Vikram Seth: Renowned for his epic novel A Suitable Boy, which explores post-independence India.
  • Arundhati Roy: Famous for her Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things, which examines family dynamics and social issues in Kerala, India.
  • Salman Rushdie: Known for his novel Midnight's Children, which delves into India's history and identity post-independence.

English Literature Question 3:

In which novel by Amitav Ghosh is the theme of migration and diaspora explored through a historical narrative intertwined with contemporary issues?

  1. The Glass Palace
  2. Sea of Poppies
  3. The Shadow Lines
  4. The Hungry Tide

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Sea of Poppies

English Literature Question 3 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Sea of Poppies.

Key Points

  • Sea of Poppies is a novel by Amitav Ghosh that explores the themes of migration and diaspora through its historical narrative intertwined with contemporary issues.
  • The book is the first installment in the Ibis trilogy, which delves into the opium trade and its far-reaching impact during the 19th century.
  • Set against the backdrop of colonial India and China, it depicts the lives of diverse characters from different cultural and social backgrounds.
  • The novel vividly portrays the forced migration of indentured laborers and their struggles, emphasizing the human cost of global trade and exploitation.
  • Through its rich storytelling, "Sea of Poppies" examines identity, displacement, and the effects of colonialism on individuals and societies.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • The Glass Palace: A novel by Amitav Ghosh that explores themes of colonialism and war, set in Burma and India during the British Empire.
  • The Shadow Lines: Focuses on questions of identity, memory, and nationalism, reflecting on the partition of India and its aftermath.
  • The Hungry Tide: Centers on ecological issues, human struggles, and the Sundarbans' unique environment.

English Literature Question 4:

Which poet's works are considered a critical voice in the Dalit literary movement, focusing on caste discrimination and social justice?

  1. Pa. Rajendra
  2. Vijay Tendulkar
  3. T. N. Pandit
  4. K.D. Khandekar

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : T. N. Pandit

English Literature Question 4 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is T. N. Pandit.

Key Points

  • T. N. Pandit was an influential voice in Dalit literature, contributing significantly to the Dalit literary movement in India.
  • His works focus on the lived experiences of Dalits, caste discrimination, and the quest for social justice and equality.
  • Through his writings, T. N. Pandit highlighted the systemic oppression faced by marginalized communities and emphasized the need for societal reform.
  • Dalit literature serves as a powerful medium for raising awareness and challenging the entrenched caste hierarchy in Indian society.
  • His contributions have inspired many writers and activists to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of Dalit communities.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

  • Pa. Rajendra: Known for his contributions to Tamil literature but not specifically associated with Dalit literature.
  • Vijay Tendulkar: A renowned Marathi playwright and social commentator, whose works often dealt with social and political themes but not specifically Dalit issues.
  • K.D. Khandekar: A writer known for his literary contributions, but not a prominent figure in Dalit literature.
  • Dalit literature is a critical and growing genre in Indian literature, focusing on the experiences of Dalits and addressing caste-based discrimination.

English Literature Question 5:

Which work is the first novel in Marathi literature to address Dalit issues explicitly?

  1. Jadunama by Daya Pawar
  2. Aravind Adiga by The White Tiger
  3. The Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand
  4. Shantata! Court Chalu Ahe by Vijay Tendulkar

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Jadunama by Daya Pawar

English Literature Question 5 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Jadunama by Daya Pawar.

Key Points

  • Jadunama by Daya Pawar is recognized as the first novel in Marathi literature that explicitly addresses Dalit issues.
  • The novel explores themes of caste-based oppression, social inequality, and the struggles of the Dalit community in India.
  • Daya Pawar was a prominent Dalit writer and activist who used his literary works to bring attention to the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities.
  • The narrative of Jadunama paved the way for a new wave of Dalit literature in Marathi and other Indian languages, giving voice to those who were historically silenced.
  • This work is considered a landmark in Indian literature for its bold and honest portrayal of caste discrimination.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga is a novel that critiques class disparities in contemporary India but does not focus specifically on Dalit issues.
  • The Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand is an English novel that explores caste issues but is not part of Marathi literature.
  • Shantata! Court Chalu Ahe by Vijay Tendulkar is a Marathi play that examines societal norms but does not center on Dalit issues.

Top English Literature MCQ Objective Questions

"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 6 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

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.

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 7 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

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 8 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF
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 9 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

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 10 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

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 11 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

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.

According to I. A. Richards The Waste Land puts on record

  1. The involvement of a whole generation
  2. The plight of a whole generation
  3. The movement of a whole generation
  4. The growth of a whole generation

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : The plight of a whole generation

English Literature Question 12 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is The plight of a whole generation.

Key Points

  • I. A. Richards was an influential English literary critic and rhetorician.
  • He is known for his pioneering work in the field of literary theory and criticism.
  • According to I. A. Richards, "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot records the plight of a whole generation.
  • "The Waste Land" is a landmark modernist poem that reflects the disillusionment and despair of the post-World War I generation.
  • The poem addresses themes of fragmentation, loss of faith, and the search for meaning in a shattered world.
  • Richards' interpretation highlights the poem's significance in capturing the existential crises and cultural decay experienced by the generation of its time.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • T. S. Eliot: Author of "The Waste Land," a significant figure in modernist literature.
  • Ezra Pound: An influential poet and critic who helped edit and shape "The Waste Land."
  • James Joyce: Another key modernist writer, known for works like "Ulysses" and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."

According to Aristotle, tragedy evokes in us

  1. Anxiety and passion
  2. Fear and disgust
  3. Pity and fear
  4. Pity and love

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Pity and fear

English Literature Question 13 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is Pity and fear.

Key Points

  • According to Aristotle, tragedy is a form of drama that evokes pity and fear in the audience.
  • These emotions are aroused through the unfolding of a tragic plot that leads to the downfall of the protagonist.
  • Aristotle discusses the concept of tragedy in his work "Poetics," where he analyzes the structure, purpose, and effect of tragedy in literature.
  • The aim of tragedy, as per Aristotle, is to achieve a catharsis, or a purging of these emotions, thereby providing a sense of relief and enlightenment to the audience.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

  • Anxiety and passion: These emotions are more related to modern interpretations of drama and not specifically highlighted by Aristotle.
  • Fear and disgust: While fear is part of Aristotle’s theory, disgust is not a primary emotion he associates with tragedy.
  • Pity and love: Love is not the primary emotion Aristotle focuses on in the context of tragedy.

What is T. S. Eliot's concept of tradition ?

  1. A fusion of past and present
  2. A sense of present temporarity
  3. An act of novelty
  4. An expression of personal emotion

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : A fusion of past and present

English Literature Question 14 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is A fusion of past and present.

Key Points

  • T. S. Eliot's concept of tradition involves the idea that the past and the present are intimately connected.
  • He believes that tradition is not a static set of works but a dynamic process where past works influence and are reinterpreted by the present.
  • According to Eliot, a poet must develop a historical sense, which involves a perception of the timeless as well as the temporal and of the timeless and the temporal together.
  • This historical sense compels a poet to write not merely with their own generation in mind but to consider the broader literary tradition.
  • Thus, tradition involves a fusion of past and present, where contemporary works converse with historical ones, enriching both.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

  • A sense of present temporarity (Option 2) suggests a focus on the current moment without the deep connection to the past that Eliot emphasizes.
  • An act of novelty (Option 3) implies creating something entirely new without reference to tradition.
  • An expression of personal emotion (Option 4) focuses on individual feelings, which Eliot believed should be subordinated to the larger tradition.

According to Ferdinand de Saussure, a linguistic sign is

  1. A link between a thing and a name
  2. A link between a concept and a sound pattern
  3. Not arbitrary
  4. A natural relationship between the signifier and the signified

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : A link between a concept and a sound pattern

English Literature Question 15 Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

  • According to Ferdinand de Saussure, a linguistic sign is a link between a concept (signified) and a sound pattern (signifier).
  • Saussure's theory forms the basis of structural linguistics and has influenced various fields including semiotics, anthropology, and literary theory.
  • He emphasized that the relationship between the signifier and the signified is arbitrary, meaning there is no inherent connection between the two.
  • This arbitrariness is a fundamental principle in understanding how language functions and evolves.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

  • Ferdinand de Saussure: A Swiss linguist whose ideas laid the groundwork for many developments in the study of language in the 20th century.
  • Noam Chomsky: An American linguist known for his theory of generative grammar, which revolutionized the field of linguistics.
  • Roman Jakobson: A Russian linguist and literary theorist who contributed significantly to structuralism and semiotics.
Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti master real cash teen patti joy mod apk teen patti real cash game teen patti online