100 Important MCQs on Fiction in English Literature
Friday, May 09, 2025 |
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100 MCQs Answers on Fiction (Novels & Short Stories) - English Literature
1. In Robinson Crusoe, what is the main reason Crusoe decides to leave home?
A) His desire to seek adventure and fortune
B) A desire to escape from his parents' control
C) His passion for the sea and sailing
D) A personal conflict with his friends
Answer: A) His desire to seek adventure and fortune
Explanation: Crusoe is driven by a strong desire for adventure and the hope of making his fortune, which leads him to leave home despite his family's objections.
2. In Robinson Crusoe, how does Crusoe initially survive on the island?
A) By using tools he finds on the island
B) By learning from the local natives
C) By relying on his previous sailing experience
D) By receiving aid from other shipwrecked survivors
Answer: C) By relying on his previous sailing experience
Explanation: Crusoe survives by applying his resourcefulness and knowledge gained from his previous sailing experiences, learning how to hunt, build, and sustain himself on the island.
3. In Tom Jones, what role does Squire Allworthy play in Tom’s life?
A) He is Tom’s biological father
B) He is a strict guardian who punishes Tom
C) He is Tom’s benefactor and a father figure
D) He is Tom’s rival for the affections of Sophia
Answer: C) He is Tom’s benefactor and a father figure
Explanation: Squire Allworthy is Tom Jones's guardian and a benefactor who treats Tom like his own son, offering him guidance and support throughout his life.
4. In Pride and Prejudice, what is Elizabeth Bennet’s primary concern about Mr. Darcy?
A) His arrogance and pride
B) His wealth and social standing
C) His interest in her sister Jane
D) His past relationships with women
Answer: A) His arrogance and pride
Explanation: Elizabeth initially judges Mr. Darcy harshly because of his pride and perceived arrogance, which causes her to misinterpret his true character.
5. In Wuthering Heights, what is the central relationship in the novel?
A) The bond between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff
B) The rivalry between Heathcliff and Edgar Linton
C) The friendship between Catherine Earnshaw and Nelly Dean
D) The relationship between Hindley Earnshaw and his father
Answer: A) The bond between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff
Explanation: The intense, passionate, and ultimately destructive relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff drives the plot of Wuthering Heights.
6. In Hard Times, what does Thomas Gradgrind emphasize in his educational philosophy?
A) The importance of emotional intelligence
B) The value of creative expression
C) The necessity of facts and practicality
D) The need for spiritual development
Answer: C) The necessity of facts and practicality
Explanation: Gradgrind's philosophy in Hard Times is based on the belief that education should focus solely on facts and practical knowledge, neglecting imagination and emotion.
7. In The Mill on the Floss, what is the main conflict between Tom and Maggie Tulliver?
A) Tom’s jealousy of Maggie’s intellectual pursuits
B) Maggie’s romantic relationships and their consequences
C) Tom’s desire to leave the family mill
D) Maggie’s disobedience to their parents
Answer: B) Maggie’s romantic relationships and their consequences
Explanation: The conflict between Tom and Maggie arises primarily from her romantic entanglements and the social consequences of her actions, which cause a rift between the siblings.
8. In Tess of the d'Urbervilles, how does Tess feel about her past relationship with Alec d'Urberville?
A) She feels proud of her love for him
B) She is ashamed and guilt-ridden
C) She is indifferent about it
D) She believes it was a mistake, but not something to regret
Answer: B) She is ashamed and guilt-ridden
Explanation: Tess’s relationship with Alec is one of the central sources of her shame and guilt, contributing to her tragic downfall.
9. In Sons and Lovers, what is Paul Morel's primary struggle?
A) His struggle to gain independence from his mother
B) His desire to become a successful artist
C) His conflict with his father over their social status
D) His affair with a married woman
Answer: A) His struggle to gain independence from his mother
Explanation: Paul Morel’s primary conflict is his struggle to break free from the overpowering influence of his mother, which affects his personal relationships and future choices.
10. In Nana, what is the character of Nana primarily concerned with?
A) Achieving fame through political activism
B) Gaining power and wealth through her beauty and sexuality
C) Promoting social reforms for women’s rights
D) Pursuing a career in the arts
Answer: B) Gaining power and wealth through her beauty and sexuality
Explanation: Nana uses her physical attractiveness and sexuality as tools to gain power, wealth, and influence, while navigating the social systems around her.
11. In To the Lighthouse, what central theme is explored?
A) The struggle between social classes
B) The passage of time and its effects on human relationships
C) The dangers of industrialization
D) The conflict between nature and civilization
Answer: B) The passage of time and its effects on human relationships
Explanation: The novel explores how time affects the characters' perceptions of themselves and their relationships, particularly through the lens of memory and change.
12. In A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, what is Stephen Dedalus’s major internal conflict?
A) His desire to gain fame through writing
B) His tension between religious duty and personal freedom
C) His rivalry with other artists
D) His confusion about love and relationships
Answer: B) His tension between religious duty and personal freedom
Explanation: Stephen Dedalus’s conflict revolves around his struggle to reconcile his devout Catholic upbringing with his desire for intellectual and artistic freedom.
13. In A Passage to India, what is the central theme of the novel?
A) The complexities of friendship across cultural divides
B) The exploration of British colonialism in India
C) The conflict between the Indian independence movement and British rule
D) The exploration of modernity in India
Answer: B) The exploration of British colonialism in India
Explanation: The novel addresses the tensions between British colonial authorities and Indian society, particularly the racial and cultural divide.
14. In The Scarlet Letter, how does Hester Prynne’s public punishment shape her identity?
A) It leads her to renounce her former life and embrace her new identity
B) It makes her more obedient to societal norms
C) It causes her to feel deeply ashamed of her actions
D) It compels her to leave the town and never return
Answer: A) It leads her to renounce her former life and embrace her new identity
Explanation: Hester’s punishment forces her to reevaluate her role in society, ultimately allowing her to embrace a new sense of self, independent of societal expectations.
15. In Lucky Jim, how does Jim Dixon’s attitude toward his academic career evolve?
A) He becomes increasingly dedicated to his studies
B) He seeks to distance himself from academia entirely
C) He grows disillusioned with the pretentiousness of his colleagues
D) He decides to pursue a career in politics instead
Answer: C) He grows disillusioned with the pretentiousness of his colleagues
Explanation: Jim Dixon, the protagonist, becomes disillusioned with the insincerity and pretension of his academic environment, leading him to question his future in academia.
16. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, what does the term "doublethink" refer to?
A) The belief in contradictory ideas at the same time
B) A process of forgetting uncomfortable truths
C) The ability to simultaneously love and hate
D) The government's constant surveillance of citizens
Answer: A) The belief in contradictory ideas at the same time
Explanation: "Doublethink" is the concept in *Nineteen Eighty-Four* of holding two contradictory beliefs simultaneously, which allows the Party to control reality and manipulate truth.
17. In Huckleberry Finn, what is Huck’s attitude toward society?
A) He believes in the importance of law and order
B) He feels constrained by the expectations of society
C) He desires to become a respected member of society
D) He values tradition and follows social norms
Answer: B) He feels constrained by the expectations of society
Explanation: Huck Finn constantly struggles with the constraints placed on him by society and seeks freedom from these expectations, particularly in his relationship with Jim.
18. In The Portrait of a Lady, what is Isabel Archer’s primary motivation throughout the novel?
A) Her quest for love and marriage
B) Her desire to maintain her independence and freedom
C) Her need to gain wealth and social status
D) Her ambition to pursue a career in art
Answer: B) Her desire to maintain her independence and freedom
Explanation: Isabel Archer values her independence highly, which influences many of her decisions, including her marriage and the way she navigates the world around her.
19. In A Farewell to Arms, how does the novel portray the impact of war on the protagonist, Lt. Frederic Henry?
A) It strengthens his sense of duty and patriotism
B) It causes him to abandon his romantic relationships
C) It leads him to become disillusioned and emotionally numb
D) It inspires him to become a leader in the military
Answer: C) It leads him to become disillusioned and emotionally numb
Explanation: Lt. Frederic Henry’s experience in World War I leaves him disillusioned, disconnected from his emotions, and ultimately seeking escape from the horrors of war.
20. In The Color Purple, how does Celie’s relationship with Shug Avery change her life?
A) It helps Celie discover her voice and assert her independence
B) It causes Celie to abandon her family and run away
C) It leads Celie to become more religious
D) It isolates Celie from her community
Answer: A) It helps Celie discover her voice and assert her independence
Explanation: Shug Avery plays a key role in Celie’s transformation, helping her to realize her worth, challenge oppressive forces in her life, and embrace her independence.
21. In Kanthapura, how is Gandhian ideology portrayed?
A) As irrelevant to rural life
B) As a force of social and political awakening
C) As a threat to traditional customs
D) As a Western import with little effect
Answer: B) As a force of social and political awakening
Explanation: Gandhian principles are shown to inspire resistance and unite the villagers in Kanthapura, symbolizing India's struggle for independence.
22. In Untouchable, what challenge does Bakha face in society?
A) Poverty due to famine
B) Conflict with colonial rulers
C) Discrimination due to his caste
D) Exile from his village
Answer: C) Discrimination due to his caste
Explanation: Bakha, a young sweeper, faces systemic caste-based discrimination, reflecting the harsh realities of untouchability in pre-independence India.
23. In The Guide, what transformation does Raju undergo?
A) From a student to a politician
B) From a criminal to a saint-like figure
C) From a farmer to a teacher
D) From a servant to a businessman
Answer: B) From a criminal to a saint-like figure
Explanation: Raju transforms from a tour guide with a dubious past to a spiritual figure revered by villagers, reflecting themes of redemption and identity.
24. In The Shadow Lines, what does the concept of borders symbolize?
A) Religious boundaries only
B) Concrete geographical divisions
C) Illusory separations between people and nations
D) Colonial oppression
Answer: C) Illusory separations between people and nations
Explanation: The novel blurs personal and political boundaries, suggesting that borders are socially constructed and often meaningless in human relationships.
25. In That Long Silence, what is the central conflict faced by Jaya?
A) Her struggle with infertility
B) Her desire to pursue politics
C) Her conflict between societal expectations and personal voice
D) Her involvement in a legal scandal
Answer: C) Her conflict between societal expectations and personal voice
Explanation: Jaya wrestles with traditional gender roles and attempts to reclaim her voice and identity in a patriarchal society.
26. In Fasting, Feasting, how are gender roles portrayed across cultures?
A) As progressive in India but regressive in the U.S.
B) As universally oppressive, but differently so
C) As non-existent in modern society
D) As idealistic and empowering
Answer: B) As universally oppressive, but differently so
Explanation: The novel critiques gender expectations in both India and America, showing how women are restricted by familial and cultural norms in different ways.
27. In The Mistress of Spices, what is the role of magic and mysticism?
A) To deceive customers
B) To connect tradition with modern diaspora life
C) To ridicule old customs
D) To create fear in others
Answer: B) To connect tradition with modern diaspora life
Explanation: Tilo uses spices imbued with mystical powers to help her immigrant customers, blending magical realism with cultural tradition and identity.
28. In The Twyborn Affair, what theme is central to the novel?
A) Crime and punishment
B) Racial injustice
C) Gender identity and fluidity
D) Political activism
Answer: C) Gender identity and fluidity
Explanation: The novel explores the protagonist’s shifting gender identities, questioning binary norms and societal roles related to gender.
29. In The Handmaid’s Tale, what is the role of language in Gilead?
A) To express individuality
B) To promote gender equality
C) To enforce power and control
D) To preserve historical truths
Answer: C) To enforce power and control
Explanation: Language is manipulated to control thought and behavior, restricting communication and reinforcing the authoritarian regime’s ideology.
30. In Things Fall Apart, how does Okonkwo react to colonial rule?
A) He welcomes it as progress
B) He ignores it completely
C) He resists it violently and refuses compromise
D) He becomes an interpreter for the British
Answer: C) He resists it violently and refuses compromise
Explanation: Okonkwo cannot accept the changes brought by colonial rule and missionary influence, leading to his tragic downfall.
31. In Karmabhumi, what major theme is explored?
A) India's technological revolution
B) The struggle between spiritual and worldly duties
C) Political freedom through violent rebellion
D) Environmental degradation
Answer: B) The struggle between spiritual and worldly duties
Explanation: The protagonist wrestles with ethical choices in a changing India, torn between non-violence, personal duty, and national responsibility.
32. In A House for Mr. Biswas, what does Mr. Biswas yearn for?
A) Fame as a writer
B) A peaceful marriage
C) Independence through owning a home
D) Emigration to England
Answer: C) Independence through owning a home
Explanation: Mr. Biswas’s struggle to own a house symbolizes his quest for identity, self-worth, and autonomy in a postcolonial setting.
33. In Midnight’s Children, what unique trait does Saleem Sinai possess?
A) Ability to control time
B) Power to read minds and connect with other children born at midnight
C) Power to become invisible
D) Ability to manipulate political outcomes
Answer: B) Power to read minds and connect with other children born at midnight
Explanation: Saleem is telepathically linked to other children born at the exact moment of India’s independence, symbolizing the hopes and chaos of the new nation.
34. In The Gift of the Magi, what do Jim and Della sacrifice?
A) Their wedding rings
B) Their home and savings
C) Their most prized possessions for each other’s gift
D) Their relationship for personal dreams
Answer: C) Their most prized possessions for each other’s gift
Explanation: Jim sells his watch to buy combs for Della’s hair, and Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch, symbolizing selfless love.
35. In The Tell-Tale Heart, what drives the narrator to commit murder?
A) Desire for wealth
B) Revenge for past wrongs
C) Obsession with the old man’s eye
D) Hatred of old age
Answer: C) Obsession with the old man’s eye
Explanation: The narrator becomes obsessed with the old man’s “vulture eye,” which he believes drives him to madness and ultimately to murder.
36. In The Garden Party, what realization does Laura come to by the end?
A) She must host more grand events
B) Death levels all social distinctions
C) Her family is right about class superiority
D) Parties are the most important part of life
Answer: B) Death levels all social distinctions
Explanation: After visiting the house of a dead laborer, Laura begins to see the artificiality of class differences and the universal truth of mortality.
37. In The Necklace, what is Madame Loisel’s tragic flaw?
A) Her excessive pride
B) Her dishonesty
C) Her belief in equality
D) Her kindness
Answer: A) Her excessive pride
Explanation: Madame Loisel desires a luxurious lifestyle and borrows a necklace to appear wealthy, leading to years of hardship when it is lost—only to learn it was fake.
38. In The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World, how do the villagers change after discovering the drowned man?
A) They become fearful of the sea
B) They decide to build a stronger harbor
C) They begin to imagine a grander and more compassionate way of life
D) They close off their village to outsiders
Answer: C) They begin to imagine a grander and more compassionate way of life
Explanation: The drowned man, Esteban, becomes a symbol of inspiration, prompting the villagers to expand their vision of beauty and possibility.
39. In Kabuliwala, what does the relationship between the Kabuliwala and Mini signify?
A) Political tension
B) A conflict of cultures
C) A fatherly affection transcending boundaries
D) The evils of colonialism
Answer: C) A fatherly affection transcending boundaries
Explanation: The Kabuliwala’s bond with Mini reflects deep paternal affection, bridging gaps of culture, age, and nationality.
40. In The Blue Umbrella, what lesson does Binya learn by the end of the story?
A) That revenge is satisfying
B) That material possessions are more important than relationships
C) That kindness and forgiveness bring true happiness
D) That competition always leads to success
Answer: C) That kindness and forgiveness bring true happiness
Explanation: Binya learns that forgiving the jealous shopkeeper and giving away the umbrella brings her greater inner joy than owning the beautiful item.
41. In The Shroud (Kafan), what is shocking about the behavior of Ghisu and Madhav?
A) They refuse to bury the dead body
B) They spend the funeral money on food and liquor
C) They donate the body to science
D) They abandon their village
Answer: B) They spend the funeral money on food and liquor
Explanation: Instead of using the funds to buy a shroud for the dead woman, the two men use it for self-indulgence, highlighting themes of poverty and desensitization.
42. In Robinson Crusoe, what is Crusoe’s initial attitude towards slavery?
A) He is vocally opposed to it
B) He tries to abolish it
C) He accepts and participates in it
D) He joins a group of slaves
Answer: C) He accepts and participates in it
Explanation: Crusoe shows little moral conflict regarding slavery, reflecting the colonial mindset of the time.
43. In Tom Jones, how is Tom’s character initially portrayed?
A) As a perfect gentleman
B) As a villain
C) As a kind-hearted but flawed young man
D) As a scholarly recluse
Answer: C) As a kind-hearted but flawed young man
Explanation: Tom is generous and well-meaning but impulsive and prone to mistakes, which makes his journey a classic bildungsroman.
44. In Pride and Prejudice, what is the main reason for Elizabeth's initial dislike of Darcy?
A) His lack of wealth
B) His physical appearance
C) His pride and dismissive attitude
D) His interest in Jane
Answer: C) His pride and dismissive attitude
Explanation: Elizabeth is put off by Darcy’s initial arrogance and the way he insults her and her family at the ball.
45. In Wuthering Heights, what drives Heathcliff’s actions throughout the novel?
A) Desire for wealth
B) Ambition to travel
C) Revenge and obsessive love for Catherine
D) Political power
Answer: C) Revenge and obsessive love for Catherine
Explanation: Heathcliff’s motivations are largely fueled by his enduring love for Catherine and his desire to exact revenge on those who wronged him.
46. In Hard Times, what philosophy dominates Mr. Gradgrind’s approach to education?
A) Romanticism
B) Utilitarianism
C) Existentialism
D) Mysticism
Answer: B) Utilitarianism
Explanation: Mr. Gradgrind emphasizes facts and measurable outcomes, neglecting imagination and emotional development.
47. In The Mill on the Floss, how is Maggie Tulliver portrayed?
A) As a passive and obedient girl
B) As a rebellious and emotional young woman
C) As a wealthy and arrogant heiress
D) As an ambitious political activist
Answer: B) As a rebellious and emotional young woman
Explanation: Maggie defies societal expectations and yearns for intellectual and emotional fulfillment, making her a tragic heroine.
48. In Tess of the d’Urbervilles, what does the subtitle “A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented” suggest?
A) Tess is dishonest
B) Tess is idealized beyond reason
C) Tess remains morally pure despite her hardships
D) Tess is a symbol of feminism
Answer: C) Tess remains morally pure despite her hardships
Explanation: Hardy challenges Victorian morality by portraying Tess as pure in spirit, despite her victimization and social condemnation.
49. In Sons and Lovers, what is the central conflict Paul faces?
A) War and peace
B) Religion and science
C) Love for his mother versus romantic relationships
D) Class struggle
Answer: C) Love for his mother versus romantic relationships
Explanation: Paul’s intense emotional bond with his mother affects his ability to maintain healthy romantic relationships.
50. In Nana, how is the title character portrayed?
A) As a virtuous reformer
B) As a powerful courtesan who exposes societal decay
C) As a religious figure
D) As a war heroine
Answer: B) As a powerful courtesan who exposes societal decay
Explanation: Nana uses her sexuality to dominate men, revealing the moral corruption of the French bourgeoisie.
51. In To the Lighthouse, what narrative technique is prominently used?
A) Linear storytelling
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Third-person omniscient
D) Epistolary form
Answer: B) Stream of consciousness
Explanation: Woolf uses stream of consciousness to delve deeply into characters’ inner thoughts and perceptions.
52. In A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, what is Stephen Dedalus’s main struggle?
A) Financial instability
B) Escaping religious and national constraints
C) Finding a spouse
D) Defeating a political enemy
Answer: B) Escaping religious and national constraints
Explanation: Stephen seeks to forge his own identity, free from the imposed beliefs of church and country.
53. In A Passage to India, what does the Marabar Caves incident symbolize?
A) The success of British colonialism
B) The beauty of Indian geography
C) The misunderstanding and cultural gap between East and West
D) A literal crime
Answer: C) The misunderstanding and cultural gap between East and West
Explanation: The incident serves as a metaphor for the deep divisions and complexities in colonial relationships.
54. In The Scarlet Letter, what does the letter "A" come to represent over time?
A) Only adultery
B) America
C) Alienation
D) Multiple meanings including ability, anguish, and autonomy
Answer: D) Multiple meanings including ability, anguish, and autonomy
Explanation: The scarlet letter evolves in meaning, reflecting Hester's growth and societal transformation.
55. In Lucky Jim, what tone dominates the novel?
A) Tragic
B) Romantic
C) Satirical and comic
D) Gothic
Answer: C) Satirical and comic
Explanation: The novel humorously critiques academic life and middle-class pretensions through the misadventures of Jim Dixon.
56. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, what is the purpose of Newspeak?
A) To promote freedom of speech
B) To simplify communication
C) To limit thought and control minds
D) To improve education
Answer: C) To limit thought and control minds
Explanation: Newspeak is designed to eliminate personal expression and independent thought, reinforcing totalitarian control.
57. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, why does Huck decide to help Jim escape?
A) He wants a reward
B) He feels responsible for Jim’s enslavement
C) He chooses friendship over societal norms
D) He wants to sell Jim
Answer: C) He chooses friendship over societal norms
Explanation: Despite being raised in a racist society, Huck acts on his conscience and values his bond with Jim.
58. In The Portrait of a Lady, what is Isabel Archer’s greatest flaw?
A) Her greed
B) Her passive nature
C) Her independence
D) Her romantic idealism
Answer: D) Her romantic idealism
Explanation: Isabel’s belief in freedom and ideal love leads her to a disastrous marriage and deep personal conflict.
59. In A Farewell to Arms, what does rain symbolize?
A) Hope
B) Adventure
C) Death and despair
D) Military triumph
Answer: C) Death and despair
Explanation: Rain often accompanies tragic events, including Catherine’s death, serving as a motif of loss and fatalism.
60. In The Color Purple, how does Celie find her voice?
A) Through church teachings
B) Through her sister’s letters
C) Through Shug Avery’s support and self-discovery
D) Through her career in business
Answer: C) Through Shug Avery’s support and self-discovery
Explanation: Celie gains confidence and independence through relationships that affirm her worth, especially with Shug.
61. In Kanthapura, what is the primary narrative style?
A) Third-person omniscient
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Oral storytelling by a village elder
D) Diary entries
Answer: C) Oral storytelling by a village elder
Explanation: The novel is narrated by Achakka, an elderly woman, in the form of an oral history, reflecting traditional Indian storytelling.
62. In Untouchable, what is Bakha’s major internal conflict?
A) Choosing between two lovers
B) Religious doubt
C) Struggling with his low caste status and desire for dignity
D) Escaping to another country
Answer: C) Struggling with his low caste status and desire for dignity
Explanation: Bakha is deeply affected by the humiliation he faces as an untouchable and yearns for social respect and change.
63. In The Guide, what transformation does Raju undergo?
A) From saint to sinner
B) From corrupt tour guide to spiritual figure
C) From farmer to warrior
D) From teacher to writer
Answer: B) From corrupt tour guide to spiritual figure
Explanation: Raju evolves from a self-serving guide to a man venerated as a holy figure, raising questions about identity and redemption.
64. In The Shadow Lines, what theme is central to the novel?
A) Rural life
B) Religious fundamentalism
C) The fluidity of national borders and memory
D) Adventure and travel
Answer: C) The fluidity of national borders and memory
Explanation: The novel explores how personal and political histories intersect, and how borders are constructs that fail to contain human experience.
65. In That Long Silence, how does Jaya begin to redefine herself?
A) By rebelling violently
B) Through political activism
C) By reflecting on her silence and beginning to write again
D) Through religious devotion
Answer: C) By reflecting on her silence and beginning to write again
Explanation: Jaya’s introspection leads her to recognize the ways she’s suppressed herself, and writing becomes a form of empowerment.
66. In Clear Light of Day, what does the house symbolize?
A) A place of conflict
B) A symbol of colonial power
C) The permanence of family and memory
D) A religious center
Answer: C) The permanence of family and memory
Explanation: The old family house anchors the characters to their shared past, acting as a repository of memories and unresolved tensions.
67. In The Mistress of Spices, what role do the spices play?
A) Merely culinary
B) Magical tools linked to fate and healing
C) Weapons of war
D) Decorative elements
Answer: B) Magical tools linked to fate and healing
Explanation: The protagonist, Tilo, uses the spices for mystical purposes, offering guidance and healing to those in need.
68. In The Twyborn Affair, what is unique about the protagonist's identity?
A) The protagonist is a twin
B) The protagonist appears in three gendered identities
C) The protagonist is invisible
D) The protagonist is a reincarnated being
Answer: B) The protagonist appears in three gendered identities
Explanation: Patrick White's character transitions between different gender presentations, exploring fluidity and societal expectations.
69. In The Handmaid’s Tale, what is the Republic of Gilead based on?
A) Technocracy
B) Socialist principles
C) Theocratic dictatorship
D) Democracy
Answer: C) Theocratic dictatorship
Explanation: Gilead is a dystopian regime based on biblical fundamentalism, especially concerning women’s roles and reproduction.
70. In Things Fall Apart, what causes Okonkwo’s downfall?
A) Disease
B) Colonial invasion and personal pride
C) A failed marriage
D) Natural disaster
Answer: B) Colonial invasion and personal pride
Explanation: Okonkwo’s rigid masculinity and refusal to adapt to changing circumstances under British colonialism lead to his tragic end.
71. In Karmabhumi, what conflict does the protagonist Amarkant face?
A) Between science and religion
B) Between love and political activism
C) Between caste and class
D) Between capitalism and socialism
Answer: B) Between love and political activism
Explanation: Amarkant struggles with his ideals and personal desires, reflecting broader questions of moral and social duty.
72. In A House for Mr. Biswas, what is Mr. Biswas’s ultimate desire?
A) Wealth
B) Fame
C) Independence and owning a house
D) Spiritual enlightenment
Answer: C) Independence and owning a house
Explanation: The house symbolizes Mr. Biswas’s struggle for self-worth, autonomy, and stability in a postcolonial world.
73. In Midnight’s Children, what is Saleem Sinai’s connection to India’s independence?
A) He was born at the exact moment of independence
B) He leads the independence movement
C) He writes the constitution
D) He is Gandhi’s adopted son
Answer: A) He was born at the exact moment of independence
Explanation: Saleem’s life is symbolically tied to the nation’s destiny, making him a metaphor for post-independence India.
74. In The Gift of the Magi, how do Jim and Della demonstrate their love?
A) Through mutual sacrifice
B) By eloping
C) By writing poems
D) By attending a lavish dinner
Answer: A) Through mutual sacrifice
Explanation: Each gives up their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other, emphasizing the selflessness of true love.
75. In The Tell-Tale Heart, what reveals the narrator’s guilt?
A) A confession to police
B) A letter he leaves
C) The imagined sound of a beating heart
D) An eyewitness
Answer: C) The imagined sound of a beating heart
Explanation: The narrator’s guilt manifests as an auditory hallucination, symbolizing his descent into madness.
76. In The Garden Party, what causes Laura’s transformation?
A) A visit to the poor after the party
B) A quarrel with her sister
C) A storm ruining the event
D) A romantic proposal
Answer: A) A visit to the poor after the party
Explanation: Seeing the stark contrast between her life and that of a poor family awakens Laura’s social consciousness.
77. In The Necklace, what is the story’s ironic twist?
A) The necklace was stolen
B) The necklace was a family heirloom
C) The necklace was a fake
D) The necklace turned to gold
Answer: C) The necklace was a fake
Explanation: After years of hardship repaying debt, Madame Loisel learns the necklace she borrowed was not real, underscoring themes of vanity and misfortune.
78. In The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World, how do the villagers change?
A) They become violent
B) They decide to live more generously and dream bigger
C) They abandon their homes
D) They ban the sea
Answer: B) They decide to live more generously and dream bigger
Explanation: Inspired by Esteban, the villagers imagine a more expansive and empathetic way of living.
79. In Kabuliwala, what does the relationship between the Kabuliwala and Mini signify?
A) Economic rivalry
B) Generational conflict
C) Innocent, cross-cultural affection
D) Political alliance
Answer: C) Innocent, cross-cultural affection
Explanation: Their bond transcends cultural boundaries and reflects human empathy and connection across differences.
80. In The Blue Umbrella, what theme does the umbrella symbolize?
A) Political power
B) Beauty and pride
C) Materialism and generosity
D) Technological advancement
Answer: C) Materialism and generosity
Explanation: The blue umbrella initially causes envy, but ultimately teaches lessons about letting go and sharing.
81. In The Shroud (Kafan), what is the father's reaction to his son's wife death?
A) He is devastated and mourns deeply
B) He seeks revenge
C) He uses the funeral funds for food and drink
D) He organizes a protest
Answer: C) He uses the funeral funds for food and drink
Explanation: The story critiques social apathy and poverty; Ghisu and Madhav prioritize satisfying their hunger over performing the son’s wife last rites.
82. In Robinson Crusoe, what is Crusoe's attitude toward Friday initially?
A) He treats him as an equal
B) He sees him as a companion
C) He considers him a servant
D) He is afraid of him
Answer: C) He considers him a servant
Explanation: Crusoe imposes European superiority by teaching Friday English and Christianity, initially treating him as subordinate.
83. In Tom Jones, what literary technique is extensively used by Fielding?
A) Satirical commentary through the narrator
B) Dramatic monologues
C) Epistolary form
D) Allegorical figures
Answer: A) Satirical commentary through the narrator
Explanation: Fielding uses a self-aware, omniscient narrator to satirize society, morals, and literary conventions.
84. In Pride and Prejudice, what does Mr. Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth reflect?
A) His humility
B) His self-importance and social pride
C) His hatred of the Bennet family
D) His fear of rejection
Answer: B) His self-importance and social pride
Explanation: Darcy’s proposal is condescending, highlighting his initial arrogance and disregard for Elizabeth’s feelings.
85. In Wuthering Heights, how is the relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine characterized?
A) Rational and peaceful
B) Socially appropriate
C) Passionate and destructive
D) Sibling-like
Answer: C) Passionate and destructive
Explanation: Their bond is intense and turbulent, ultimately leading to suffering and vengeance.
86. In Hard Times, what is the main theme?
A) Fantasy and magic
B) Utilitarian education and industrial dehumanization
C) Love and marriage
D) Colonial politics
Answer: B) Utilitarian education and industrial dehumanization
Explanation: Dickens critiques the mechanical and fact-based education system and its effect on imagination and compassion.
87. In The Mill on the Floss, how is Maggie Tulliver portrayed?
A) As a shallow character
B) As an emotionally complex and intelligent woman
C) As an antagonist
D) As indifferent to family
Answer: B) As an emotionally complex and intelligent woman
Explanation: Maggie’s inner struggle between desire and duty reflects George Eliot’s exploration of gender and intellect.
88. In Tess of the d’Urbervilles, what does the subtitle "A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented" suggest?
A) Tess is deceitful
B) Hardy’s irony toward Victorian morality
C) Tess is rebellious
D) Tess is a mythological figure
Answer: B) Hardy’s irony toward Victorian morality
Explanation: The subtitle challenges social judgments, asserting Tess’s moral purity despite her societal condemnation.
89. In Sons and Lovers, what relationship is central to Paul Morel’s development?
A) His bond with his father
B) His romantic relationship with Miriam
C) His emotional dependence on his mother
D) His academic mentor
Answer: C) His emotional dependence on his mother
Explanation: Paul’s deep attachment to his mother shapes his romantic failures and psychological growth.
90. In Nana, what does Zola use the character of Nana to symbolize?
A) Political revolution
B) Moral purity
C) The corruption of the French Second Empire
D) Religious devotion
Answer: C) The corruption of the French Second Empire
Explanation: Nana, a courtesan, represents the decadence and decline of society, consistent with Zola’s naturalistic critique.
91. In To the Lighthouse, what does the lighthouse represent?
A) A government institution
B) A symbol of loss and longing
C) A political movement
D) A place of fear
Answer: B) A symbol of loss and longing
Explanation: The lighthouse serves as a recurring motif of emotional distance, artistic vision, and personal aspiration.
92. In A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, how does Stephen Dedalus view religion?
A) As his ultimate salvation
B) As a tool for artistic expression
C) With increasing skepticism
D) With unwavering devotion
Answer: C) With increasing skepticism
Explanation: Stephen gradually rejects religious conformity in favor of individual artistic identity and freedom.
93. In A Passage to India, what event causes the major conflict?
A) A lost letter
B) A marriage proposal
C) An alleged assault in the Marabar Caves
D) A political uprising
Answer: C) An alleged assault in the Marabar Caves
Explanation: Adela’s accusation against Dr. Aziz fuels racial tensions and tests the limits of cross-cultural understanding.
94. In The Scarlet Letter, what does the letter "A" initially symbolize?
A) Adventure
B) Abandonment
C) Adultery
D) Ambition
Answer: C) Adultery
Explanation: Hester Prynne is condemned to wear the "A" as punishment for her affair, though it gains layered meanings over time.
95. In Lucky Jim, what is the tone of the novel?
A) Tragic
B) Melodramatic
C) Satirical and comic
D) Sentimental
Answer: C) Satirical and comic
Explanation: Amis’s novel pokes fun at academic pretensions and social awkwardness through irreverent humor.
96. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, what is the significance of "Newspeak"?
A) It encourages creativity
B) It promotes free speech
C) It limits thought and controls perception
D) It celebrates language diversity
Answer: C) It limits thought and controls perception
Explanation: Newspeak is a tool of the Party to reduce the range of thought, making rebellion linguistically impossible.
97. In Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, why does Huck struggle with helping Jim escape?
A) He fears Jim
B) He doesn't like Jim
C) He believes helping a slave is morally wrong
D) He is afraid of the river
Answer: C) He believes helping a slave is morally wrong
Explanation: Huck’s moral conflict reveals the ingrained racism of his society and his emerging individual conscience.
98. In The Portrait of a Lady, what quality best describes Isabel Archer?
A) Submissive
B) Greedy
C) Independent and idealistic
D) Careless
Answer: C) Independent and idealistic
Explanation: Isabel seeks freedom and self-determination, though her choices lead to complex personal consequences.
99. In A Farewell to Arms, what best characterizes Hemingway’s prose style?
A) Ornate and metaphorical
B) Abstract and theoretical
C) Sparse and direct
D) Lyrical and poetic
Answer: C) Sparse and direct
Explanation: Hemingway’s style, known as the “Iceberg Theory,” emphasizes understatement and clarity to evoke deeper meaning.
100. In The Color Purple, how does Celie reclaim her voice?
A) Through silence
B) Through her letters and sisterhood
C) By becoming a preacher
D) By leaving the country
Answer: B) Through her letters and sisterhood
Explanation: Celie gains self-worth and agency by expressing herself in letters and forming empowering relationships with other women.
Note: Most of these multiple-choice questions are based on the following novels/short stories -
Novels
1. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
2. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
5. Hard Times by Charles Dickens
6. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
7. Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
8. Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence
9. Nana by Émile Zola
10. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
11. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce
12. A Passage to India by E. M. Forster
13. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
14. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis
15. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
16. Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
17. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
18. A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
19. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
20. Kanthapura by Raja Rao
21. Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand
22. The Guide by R. K. Narayan
23. The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh
24. That Long Silence by Shashi Deshpande
25. Rosarita by Anita Desai
26. The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
27. The Twyborn Affair by Patrick White
28. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
29. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
30. Karmabhumi by Munshi Premchand
31. A House for Mr. Biswas by V. S. Naipaul
32. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
Short Stories1. "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
2. "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe
3. "The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield
4. "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant
5. "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World" by Gabriel García Márquez
6. "Kabuliwala" by Rabindranath Tagore
7. "The Blue Umbrella" by Ruskin Bond
8. "The Shroud" (Kafan) by Munshi Premchand
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