UGC NET English: Practice Set 1 ( Q.1 to Q. 30)

A set of 30 multiple-choice questions covering UGC NET English :

You are welcome to utilize these difficult multiple-choice questions and their explanations in order to improve your knowledge of the History of English Literature themes and your preparation for UGC NET English or the like exams.

1. Which literary work is an example of an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism?

a) "1984" by George Orwell

b) "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

c) "Animal Farm" by George Orwell

d) "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

Reasoning: The political allegory "Animal Farm" by George Orwell mocks the events leading up to the 1917 Russian Revolution and the early years of the Soviet Union. The animals' uprising against human tyranny and the eventual corruption of power are a reflection of the time's historical events.

2. The term "cultural hegemony," as introduced by Antonio Gramsci, refers to:

a) The dominance of one social class over another

b) The spread of popular culture across different societies

c) The impact of technological advancements on culture

d) The interaction between different cultural groups

Reasoning: "Cultural hegemony" is a concept developed by Antonio Gramsci to describe the dominance of a ruling social class over other classes by means of cultural institutions and ideologies. It involves the imposition of the ruling class's values, norms, and beliefs on society, which helps maintain their control and authority.

3. The play "The Cherry Orchard" by Anton Chekhov is considered an example of:

a) Expressionist drama

b) Absurdist theatre

c) Symbolist theatre

d) Realist drama

Reasoning: "The Cherry Orchard" is a classic example of realist drama. Anton Chekhov is known for his realistic portrayal of characters and situations, and this play explores the decline of the Russian aristocracy and the societal changes of the time in a naturalistic manner.

4. The literary term "apostrophe" refers to:

a) A punctuation mark used to indicate possession

b) A sudden change in narrative perspective

c) The addressing of an absent or inanimate object as if it were present and capable of responding

d) The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words

Reasoning: "Apostrophe" in literature is a figure of speech where a speaker addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object as if it were present and could respond. This rhetorical device is often used to convey strong emotions or create a sense of dramatic intensity.

5. The novel "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin primarily explores themes of:

a) Class struggle and economic inequality

b) Racial identity and spirituality within an African American family

c) Political activism and social change

d) Gender roles and societal expectations

Reasoning: "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin is a semi-autobiographical novel that focuses on the experiences of an African American family and their struggles with religious beliefs, racial tensions, and personal identity, making it primarily concerned with themes of racial identity and spirituality.

6. The term "hermeneutics" in literary theory refers to:

a) The study of historical linguistics

b) The analysis of literary forms and structures

c) The interpretation and understanding of texts, especially sacred or philosophical writings

d) The exploration of intertextual relationships between different works of literature

Reasoning: "Hermeneutics" refers to the theory and practice of interpreting texts, especially those that are complex, ambiguous, or have deeper meanings. It involves understanding the context, cultural factors, and linguistic elements to derive meaning from a text, often applied to religious or philosophical works.

7. The novel "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro is notable for its exploration of:

a) Magical realism in a contemporary setting

b) The effects of war on society

c) The unreliable narrator and the theme of memory

d) The challenges faced by immigrants in a foreign land

Reasoning: "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro features an unreliable narrator who reflects on his past as a butler and grapples with the theme of memory. The novel raises questions about the reliability of memory and the impact of personal choices on one's life.

8. The term "homodiegetic narrator" refers to:

a) A narrator who is not a character in the story but provides an external perspective

b) A first-person narrator who is also a participant in the events of the narrative

c) A narrator who reveals the inner thoughts and emotions of all characters

d) A narrator who speaks from an omniscient and all-knowing perspective

Reasoning: A "homodiegetic narrator" is a first-person narrator who is also a participant in the events of the story they are narrating. This type of narrator provides insight into their own thoughts, experiences, and actions while engaging with the plot.

9. The term "syllogism" in literature refers to:

a) A type of metaphorical comparison

b) A form of narrative structure

c) A deductive reasoning pattern consisting of two premises and a conclusion

d) The use of repetition for rhetorical effect

Reasoning: A "syllogism" is a deductive reasoning pattern that consists of two premises followed by a conclusion. In literature, it can be used to present logical arguments or draw conclusions that contribute to the thematic development of a work.

10. The novel "The Dispossessed" by Ursula K. Le Guin is known for its exploration of:

a) Time travel and parallel universes

b) Gender roles and feminist themes

c) Post-apocalyptic scenarios

d) Historical events and political intrigue

Reasoning: "The Dispossessed" by Ursula K. Le Guin is renowned for its exploration of anarchist and utopian ideologies, focusing on the societal and cultural contrasts between two worlds. While it touches on themes like gender roles, its primary emphasis is on political and philosophical ideas.

11. The term "archetypal criticism" in literary theory involves the study of:

a) The historical and biographical context of a work

b) The psychological motivations of characters

c) The universal symbols and recurring patterns in literature

d) The impact of technology on storytelling

Reasoning: "Archetypal criticism" focuses on identifying and analyzing recurring symbols, themes, and motifs that are universally present in myths, folklore, and literature across different cultures and time periods. It seeks to uncover the deeper, collective meanings and influences in storytelling.

12. The play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" by Edward Albee is celebrated for its:

a) Exploration of colonialism and its effects

b) Use of absurdist techniques and unconventional structure

c) Depiction of domestic and interpersonal conflicts

d) Satirical portrayal of societal norms and conventions

Reasoning: "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" by Edward Albee is known for its intense portrayal of a dysfunctional marriage and the bitter conflicts between the characters, highlighting the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations.

13. The literary concept of "mise en abyme" refers to:

a) A recurring motif in poetry

b) The representation of a story within a story, often with parallels and self-reflection

c) The use of ambiguity and multiple interpretations in a text

d) The poetic rhythm and meter of a sonnet

Reasoning: "Mise en abyme" refers to the technique of embedding a story, image, or narrative within another, creating a reflection or parallel between the two. This can lead to layered meanings and self-reflection, often used to explore themes of creativity, art, and storytelling.

14. The play "Death and the King's Horseman" by Wole Soyinka is influenced by the cultural traditions of:

a) Ancient Greece

b) India

c) Nigeria

d) Japan

Reasoning: "Death and the King's Horseman" by Wole Soyinka is deeply rooted in Nigerian Yoruba culture and traditions. The play explores themes of ritual, sacrifice, and the clash between colonialism and traditional beliefs in Nigeria.

15. The term "poststructuralism" in literary theory emphasizes:

a) The role of the author's intention in interpreting a text

b) The existence of universal and objective meanings in literature

c) The instability of language and the deconstruction of binary oppositions

d) The importance of linear narrative structures

Reasoning: "Poststructuralism" challenges the idea of stable meanings and binary oppositions in language and literature. It emphasizes the deconstruction of hierarchical structures, exploring how language constructs meaning and how texts can have multiple interpretations.

16. The poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" is an example of:

a) Romantic poetry

b) Imagist poetry

c) Metaphysical poetry

d) Modernist poetry

Reasoning: "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot is a hallmark of modernist poetry, characterized by its fragmented narrative, stream of consciousness, and exploration of urban alienation and existential angst.

17. The literary term "chiaroscuro" refers to:

a) A form of rhyme scheme in poetry

b) The balance between realism and idealism in a work of art

c) The use of contrasting light and shadow for dramatic effect

d) The juxtaposition of different narrative perspectives

Reasoning: "Chiaroscuro" is an artistic term that refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark elements to create a sense of volume, depth, and drama. In literature, it can metaphorically describe the interplay of contrasting elements for thematic or narrative impact.

18. The novel "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" by Haruki Murakami is known for its blending of:

a) Historical fiction and magical realism

b) Satire and social commentary

c) Absurdist humor and fantasy elements

d) Science fiction and dystopian themes

Reasoning: "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" by Haruki Murakami is notable for blending historical fiction, magical realism, and elements of surreal fantasy. The novel's narrative weaves together different realities, exploring both personal and historical dimensions.

19. The term "bildungsroman" is associated with a literary genre that focuses on:

a) Detective mysteries and crime-solving

b) Historical events and political intrigue

c) Coming-of-age and personal growth of the protagonist

d) Exploration of supernatural phenomena

Reasoning: "Bildungsroman" is a German term referring to a novel that follows the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to maturity. It often explores the character's development, challenges, and self-discovery.

20. The novel "Beloved" by Toni Morrison is notable for its exploration of:

a) Political allegory in a dystopian setting

b) African American history, slavery, and the trauma of the past

c) Psychological horror and supernatural elements

d) Existential themes and philosophical introspection

Reasoning: "Beloved" by Toni Morrison delves into the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American identity. It explores themes of trauma, memory, and the search for freedom, making it a powerful work of historical and social significance.

21. The term "paralipsis" in rhetoric refers to:

a) The repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis

b) The use of humor and satire to criticize societal norms

c) The deliberate mention of something by professing to omit it

d) The comparison of two unlike things using "like" or "as"

Reasoning: "Paralipsis" is a rhetorical device where the speaker draws attention to something by explicitly stating that they will not mention it. It creates a sense of irony and can be used to subtly emphasize a topic while feigning indifference.

22. The play "Mother Courage and Her Children" by Bertolt Brecht is associated with which theatrical concept?

a) Expressionist theatre

b) Naturalist theatre

c) Absurdist theatre

d) Epic theatre

Reasoning: "Mother Courage and Her Children" by Bertolt Brecht is a prime example of "Epic theatre," a style that seeks to distance the audience emotionally from the characters and events, encouraging critical reflection on social and political issues rather than emotional identification.

23. The term "diegesis" in literature refers to:

a) A narrative technique that alternates between two different storylines

b) The use of dramatic monologue in a play

c) The representation of a character's inner thoughts and emotions

d) The total world of the story, including events, characters, and setting

Reasoning: "Diegesis" refers to the fictional world or narrative universe of a story, encompassing all its elements such as characters, events, and setting. It distinguishes the world within the story from elements like dialogue, narration, and commentary that exist outside the narrative.

24. The novel "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez is often associated with which literary movement?

a) Romanticism

b) Magical realism

c) Existentialism

d) Naturalism

Reasoning: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez is a quintessential work of magical realism, a literary movement that blends fantastical elements with a realistic narrative. The novel is known for its imaginative and dreamlike storytelling.

25. The term "ekphrasis" in literature refers to:

a) The use of extreme exaggeration for rhetorical effect

b) The portrayal of idealized characters in a story

c) The description of a work of art within a work of literature

d) The exploration of subconscious desires in a character's psyche

Reasoning: "Ekphrasis" is a literary description of a work of visual art, often used to create a vivid and detailed mental image for the reader. It serves to enhance the reader's sensory experience and can contribute to the overall thematic and emotional depth of the narrative.

26. The play "The Iceman Cometh" by Eugene O'Neill is notable for its portrayal of characters:

a) Struggling with existential questions and isolation

b) Engaged in political activism and social change

c) Pursuing material wealth and success

d) Confronting supernatural forces and mystical experiences

Reasoning: "The Iceman Cometh" by Eugene O'Neill focuses on characters who grapple with existential questions and isolation. The play explores the illusions that people create to avoid facing the harsh realities of life, highlighting themes of disillusionment and the human condition.

27. The term "ekphrastic poetry" refers to poetry that:

a) Focuses on expressing personal emotions and experiences

b) Celebrates the beauty of nature and landscapes

c) Describes or responds to a work of visual art

d) Utilizes complex rhyme schemes and meter

Reasoning: "Ekphrastic poetry" refers to poems that vividly describe or respond to a work of visual art, allowing the reader to experience the art through the medium of poetry. This form of poetry often seeks to capture the essence and emotions evoked by the artwork.

28. The novel "To the Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf is known for its innovative narrative technique, which includes:

a) A linear and chronological plot structure

b) Frequent use of flashback sequences

c) A stream-of-consciousness narrative and introspective character perspectives

d) A focus on external events and action-driven plot

Reasoning: "To the Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf is celebrated for its stream-of-consciousness narrative technique, where the thoughts and emotions of characters are presented in a continuous flow, reflecting the inner workings of their minds and the passage of time.

29. The term "feminine rhyme" in poetry refers to:

a) Rhyming words that have similar consonant sounds but different vowel sounds

b) Rhyming words with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable

c) Rhyming words with the same vowel and consonant sounds

d) Rhyming words with a stressed syllable at the beginning of a line

Reasoning: "Feminine rhyme" refers to rhyming words that have the same stressed syllable followed by one or more unstressed syllables. It contrasts with "masculine rhyme," where the rhyme involves only a single stressed syllable.

30. The novel "The Trial" by Franz Kafka explores themes of:

a) Romantic love and passion

b) Political revolution and rebellion

c) Bureaucratic oppression and the absurdity of the legal system

d) Religious devotion and spiritual enlightenment

Reasoning: "The Trial" by Franz Kafka broods over themes of bureaucratic oppression and the absurdity of the legal system. The novel follows the protagonist's bewildering experiences as he is put on trial for an unspecified crime, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy.

Ardhendu De

References:

1. The new feminist criticism : essays on women, literature, and theory : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/newfeministcriti0000unse

2. T. S. Eliot: a collection of criticism : Wagner-Martin, Linda, comp : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/tseliotcollectio0000wagn

3. Practical Criticism : Richards,I.A. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/practicalcritici030142mbp

4. ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.