UGC NET English: Practice Set 4 (Q.91 to Q.120)

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

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

91. Which Shakespearean tragedy is centered around the character King, who divides his kingdom among his daughters, leading to betrayal, madness, and ultimately, his tragic downfall?

a) "Macbeth" b) "Othello" c) "King Lear" d) "Hamlet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) King Lear." The play explores themes of familial loyalty, deception, and the consequences of unchecked power and vanity.

92. In which play by Shakespeare does the character Iago appear?

a) Julius Caesar

b) Twelfth Night

c) Othello

d) The Tempest

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Othello." Iago is a central character in Shakespeare's play "Othello" and is known for his manipulation and deception that lead to tragic consequences.

93. The famous line "To be or not to be, that is the question" is from which play by Shakespeare?

a) Macbeth

b) Hamlet

c) King Lear

d) Richard III

Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Hamlet." The soliloquy containing the line "To be or not to be, that is the question" is from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet."

94. Which Shakespearean comedy involves mistaken identities and a pair of identical twins?

a) A Midsummer Night's Dream

b) Much Ado About Nothing

c) The Comedy of Errors

d) As You Like It

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) The Comedy of Errors." This comedy by Shakespeare features two sets of identical twins and the confusion that arises from their mistaken identities.

95. Which Shakespearean play explores themes of power, ambition, and political manipulation as the Protagonist murders his way to the throne of Scotland?

a) "Othello"

b) "Julius Caesar"

c) "Macbeth"

d) "King Lear"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Macbeth." The play delves into the psychological impact of unchecked ambition and the consequences of seeking power at any cost.

96. The play "The Tempest" by Shakespeare is often categorized as a:

a) Tragedy

b) Comedy

c) History

d) Romance

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Romance." "The Tempest" is classified as one of Shakespeare's romances, known for its themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and magic.

97. The title character of which play by Shakespeare is known for his manipulation and scheming to gain the throne of England?

a) King Lear

b) Henry IV

c) Richard III

d) Julius Caesar

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Richard III." The title character of "Richard III" is known for his cunning and manipulation in his quest for power and the throne of England.

98. Which Shakespearean play is set in the city of Verona and revolves around the tragic love story of two young lovers from feuding families?

a) Romeo and Juliet

b) Othello

c) Much Ado About Nothing

d) Antony and Cleopatra

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Romeo and Juliet." The play "Romeo and Juliet" is set in the city of Verona and tells the story of the ill-fated love between Romeo and Juliet, members of feuding families.

99. The character Falstaff is a notable figure in which Shakespearean plays?

a) Julius Caesar and Macbeth

b) A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Tempest

c) Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2

d) Twelfth Night and As You Like It

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2." Falstaff is a humorous and larger-than-life character who appears in both parts of Shakespeare's "Henry IV."

100. The play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Shakespeare features:

a) A tragic love story between two young nobles

b) A rivalry between two powerful rulers seeking control of a kingdom

c) Magical beings and a series of intertwined romantic misadventures

d) A political conspiracy to assassinate a ruler

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Magical beings and a series of intertwined romantic misadventures." "A Midsummer Night's Dream" involves magical elements, including fairies, and explores the comedic confusion that ensues due to the interplay of romantic relationships.

101. What is the term used to refer to the practice of assigning a specific meaning or interpretation to a passage or line of Shakespeare's text, often used by actors and directors to guide their performances?

a) Theatrical Revision

b) Textual Adaptation

c) Dramatic Rendering

d) Line Reading

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Line Reading." This term describes the process of interpreting and delivering a specific line of dialogue in a particular way to convey intended meaning.

102. In Shakespeare's play "King Lear," which character says the famous line "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!"?

a) Gloucester b) Kent c) King Lear d) Edgar Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) King Lear." This line is spoken by King Lear himself in Act 1, Scene 4. Lear expresses his frustration and disappointment at his daughter Goneril's ingratitude, likening it to the pain caused by a serpent's bite. This quote captures Lear's anguish as he faces the betrayal of his daughters and the loss of his authority.

103. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," what does the character Lady Macbeth famously ask to be "unsexed"?

a) Her conscience b) Her ambition c) Her femininity d) Her marriage Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Her femininity." In Act 1, Scene 5 of "Macbeth," Lady Macbeth implores the spirits to "unsex" her and fill her with cruelty in order to carry out her plans. This demonstrates her desire to cast aside traditional gender roles and embrace a more ruthless and masculine demeanor.

104. In which play by Shakespeare does the character Caliban appear as a native inhabitant of a remote island?

a) "The Tempest" b) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" c) "Twelfth Night" d) "Hamlet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Tempest." Caliban is a central character in Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," where he is depicted as a native of the magical island ruled by Prospero. His complex relationship with Prospero and themes of colonization and otherness are explored in the play.

105. Which Shakespearean play features a character named Rosalind who disguises herself as a man in the Forest of Arden?

a) "Romeo and Juliet" b) "Macbeth" c) "As You Like It" d) "Hamlet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) As You Like It." In "As You Like It," the character Rosalind disguises herself as a man named Ganymede and seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden. This disguise leads to comedic situations and explorations of gender roles and identity.

106. The character "Shylock" is a key figure in which Shakespearean play?

a) "The Merchant of Venice" b) "Richard III" c) "Antony and Cleopatra" d) "Othello" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Merchant of Venice." Shylock is a Jewish moneylender and a central character in "The Merchant of Venice." The play explores themes of prejudice, justice, and mercy in the context of Shylock's demand for a pound of Antonio's flesh.

107. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the ghost of which character appears and reveals secrets to Hamlet?

a) Polonius b) Claudius c) Ophelia d) King Hamlet Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) King Hamlet." The ghost that appears in "Hamlet" is the spirit of King Hamlet, Hamlet's father. The ghost reveals the truth about his murder and urges Hamlet to seek revenge against Claudius.

108. Which Shakespearean play features a shipwreck that leads to a series of misunderstandings and romantic entanglements?

a) "King Lear" b) "The Tempest" c) "Othello" d) "Macbeth" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) The Tempest." "The Tempest" begins with a shipwreck that strands the characters on a remote island. The play explores themes of magic, forgiveness, and reconciliation while involving romantic entanglements and misunderstandings.

109. Which Shakespeare play is known for its portrayal of a Moorish general who faces jealousy and manipulation?

a) "Romeo and Juliet" b) "Othello" c) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" d) "Julius Caesar" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Othello." The play "Othello" features the character Othello, a Moorish general, who becomes a tragic figure due to the jealousy and manipulation orchestrated by the villainous Iago.

110. In Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," the famous line "Et tu, Brute?" is spoken by Caesar at the moment of his assassination. What does this line mean?

a) "And you, too, Caesar?" b) "Even you, Brutus?" c) "You as well, Caesar?" d) "You also, Brutus?" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Even you, Brutus?" The line "Et tu, Brute?" is a Latin phrase that means "Even you, Brutus?" It reflects Caesar's shock and betrayal upon realizing that even his close ally, Brutus, is involved in his assassination.

111. Which Shakespearean play features a character named Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario?

a) "Twelfth Night" b) "Hamlet" c) "The Tempest" d) "Macbeth" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Twelfth Night." In "Twelfth Night," the character Viola disguises herself as a man named Cesario. This leads to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic complications.

112. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," what does Lady Macbeth mean when she says, "Out, damned spot! Out, I say!"?

a) She is referring to a stain on her clothing. b) She is summoning evil spirits to aid her. c) She is expressing guilt over her role in King Duncan's murder. d) She is reciting a spell to protect her husband. Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) She is expressing guilt over her role in King Duncan's murder." In this famous scene from Act 5, Lady Macbeth is sleepwalking and attempting to wash imaginary bloodstains from her hands, symbolizing her overwhelming guilt and psychological torment.

113. The play "Hamlet" contains the phrase "To be or not to be." In which context is this phrase spoken?

a) Hamlet contemplates whether to marry Ophelia. b) Hamlet debates whether to confront his father's ghost. c) Hamlet reflects on the nature of existence and the contemplation of suicide. d) Hamlet ponders his options for escaping the kingdom. Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Hamlet reflects on the nature of existence and the contemplation of suicide." This iconic soliloquy appears in Act 3, Scene 1, as Hamlet contemplates the profound question of whether it is better to endure the hardships of life or to end it through death.

114. Which Shakespearean play features the character Portia, who disguises herself as a lawyer to defend Antonio in court?

a) "The Tempest" b) "The Merchant of Venice" c) "Much Ado About Nothing" d) "King Lear" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) The Merchant of Venice." Portia disguises herself as the young lawyer "Balthazar" to defend Antonio and uses her wit and legal knowledge to outsmart Shylock in court.

115. In "Romeo and Juliet," the character Juliet famously says, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." What is Juliet expressing in this line?

a) She is comparing Romeo's name to a fragrant rose. b) She is reflecting on the power of names and their influence on identity. c) She is lamenting her forbidden love for Romeo. d) She is questioning the value of romantic gestures. Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) She is reflecting on the power of names and their influence on identity." Juliet is expressing the idea that a name is just a label, and the essence of a person or thing remains the same regardless of the name it is given.

116. Which Shakespearean play features the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, who are childhood friends of the protagonist?

a) "Hamlet" b) "Macbeth" c) "Othello" d) "King Lear" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Hamlet." Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are childhood friends of Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." They are summoned by King Claudius to spy on Hamlet.

117. In Shakespeare's play "Othello," what is the relationship between Iago and Roderigo?

a) They are close friends and allies. b) Iago is Roderigo's father. c) They are business partners. d) Iago manipulates Roderigo for his own purposes. Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Iago manipulates Roderigo for his own purposes." Iago uses Roderigo's infatuation with Desdemona to manipulate him into carrying out his schemes, highlighting Iago's deceitful and cunning nature.

118. The character Cordelia is a central figure in which Shakespearean play?

a) "Macbeth" b) "Othello" c) "King Lear" d) "Romeo and Juliet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) King Lear." Cordelia is a significant character in "King Lear," where she is the youngest daughter of King Lear and plays a pivotal role in the themes of love, loyalty, and family relationships.

119. Which Shakespeare play features a character named Petruchio, who seeks to "tame" and marry the spirited Katherine?

a) "The Taming of the Shrew" b) "Twelfth Night" c) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" d) "Macbeth" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Taming of the Shrew." Petruchio is a central character in the play "The Taming of the Shrew," where he takes on the challenge of taming the headstrong Katherine and winning her as his wife.

120. In "Macbeth," what does the character Macbeth see before him, leading to his famous line, "Is this a dagger which I see before me"?

a) The ghost of Banquo b) A vision of the three witches c) A bloody handprint on the wall d) An apparition of King Duncan Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The ghost of Banquo." In Act 2, Scene 1 of "Macbeth," Macbeth sees a hallucination of a bloody dagger pointing him toward King Duncan's chamber, reflecting his inner turmoil and growing paranoia.

Ardhendu De

References:

1. A Companion to Shakespeare Studies : H et al Granville-Barker : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/companiontoshake0000heta

2. The Norton Shakespeare. (n.d.). The Norton Shakespeare | Stephen Greenblatt, Walter Cohen, Suzanne Gossett, Jean E Howard, Katharine Eisaman Maus, Gordon McMullan | W. W. Norton & Company. https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393264029

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.