UGC NET English: Practice Set 5 (Q.121 to Q.150)

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 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.

121. Which Shakespearean play revolves around the misadventures of a group of Athenian lovers in a magical forest?

a) "Twelfth Night"
b) "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
c) "Macbeth"
d) "Hamlet"
Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) A Midsummer Night's Dream." The play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" involves the romantic entanglements and magical interventions of Athenian lovers in a whimsical forest setting.

William Shakespeare

122. In Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," who delivers the soliloquy beginning with the lines "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow"?

a) Macbeth b) Lady Macbeth c) Banquo d) Macduff Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Macbeth." Macbeth delivers this famous soliloquy in Act 5, Scene 5, reflecting his sense of despair and the futility of life after the death of his wife, Lady Macbeth.

123. Which Shakespearean play features a character named Viola who disguises herself as a man and serves as a page to Duke Orsino?

a) "The Tempest" b) "Othello" c) "Twelfth Night" d) "Romeo and Juliet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Twelfth Night." In "Twelfth Night," Viola disguises herself as the male page "Cesario" and enters the service of Duke Orsino, leading to a series of mistaken identities and romantic complications.

124. The character Iago's manipulation and deceit lead to the downfall of which character in "Othello"?

a) Desdemona b) Othello c) Cassio d) Roderigo Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Othello." Iago's manipulation and deceit lead to Othello's tragic downfall, as he becomes consumed by jealousy and mistrust, ultimately leading to the deaths of Desdemona and himself.

125. In "Hamlet," what is the name of Hamlet's close friend, who is fact comissioned to spy Hamlet by Hamlet's uncle, King Claudius?

a) Polonius b) Laertes c) Horatio d) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern." Horatio is Hamlet's loyal friend who remains by his side throughout the play. While he survives the events of the play, Hamlet's other friends and family members meet tragic fates. Claudius recruits Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to escort Hamlet to England, providing them with a letter for the King of England instructing him to have Hamlet killed.

126. Which Shakespearean play explores themes of jealousy and mistrust through the characters Leontes and Hermione?

a) "Macbeth" b) "Othello" c) "The Winter's Tale" d) "Julius Caesar" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) The Winter's Tale." In "The Winter's Tale," King Leontes' unwarranted jealousy and mistrust lead to tragic consequences, including the apparent death of his wife, Hermione.

127. The character Malvolio is a prominent figure in which Shakespearean play?

a) "Hamlet" b) "Macbeth" c) "Twelfth Night" d) "King Lear" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Twelfth Night." Malvolio is a steward in "Twelfth Night" who falls victim to a prank orchestrated by other characters. His humorous subplot contributes to the play's comedic elements.

128. Which Shakespearean play features the character Prospero, a magician and former Duke of Milan?

a) "The Tempest" b) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" c) "Macbeth" d) "Othello" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Tempest." Prospero is a central character in "The Tempest," where his magical abilities and desire for revenge shape the events of the play on a remote island.

129. In "Julius Caesar," what is the significance of the phrase "Beware the Ides of March"?

a) It warns Caesar of a potential assassination plot. b) It foreshadows a coming storm. c) It predicts a successful military campaign. d) It symbolizes Caesar's rise to power. Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) It warns Caesar of a potential assassination plot." The phrase "Beware the Ides of March" is a warning given to Julius Caesar, foreshadowing his assassination on March 15th.

130. The character Puck is known for his mischievous antics in which Shakespearean play?

a) "The Tempest" b) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" c) "Macbeth" d) "Romeo and Juliet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) A Midsummer Night's Dream." Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous fairy who plays a central role in the magical and comedic events of "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

131. In "Romeo and Juliet," what is the role of Friar Laurence in the tragic events of the play?

a) He serves as a loyal friend to Romeo. b) He marries Romeo and Juliet in secret. c) He delivers the news of Tybalt's death to Juliet. d) He seeks revenge for Mercutio's death. Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) He marries Romeo and Juliet in secret." Friar Laurence plays a significant role by secretly marrying Romeo and Juliet, leading to a series of events that ultimately contribute to the tragic outcome of the play.

132. In "Macbeth," what is the significance of the line "Out, out, brief candle!"?

a) It reflects Lady Macbeth's desire for light in a dark moment. b) It foreshadows a coming storm. c) It symbolizes Macbeth's longing for a peaceful life. d) It expresses Macbeth's view of life as short and fleeting. Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) It expresses Macbeth's view of life as short and fleeting." This line is spoken by Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 5, as he contemplates the brevity of life and the futility of his actions, illustrating his sense of despair.

133. In "Hamlet," what is the purpose of the play-within-a-play performed for King Claudius?

a) To entertain the court b) To reveal Hamlet's true intentions c) To mock King Claudius d) To recreate a historical event Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) To reveal Hamlet's true intentions." Hamlet arranges the play-within-a-play, called "The Mousetrap," to gauge Claudius's reaction and confirm his guilt in the murder of Hamlet's father.

134. Which Shakespearean play features a character named Mercutio, known for his wit and humor?

a) "Macbeth" b) "Romeo and Juliet" c) "Othello" d) "Twelfth Night" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Romeo and Juliet." Mercutio is a close friend of Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet" and is known for his playful wit and humor. His character adds depth and comedic elements to the play.

135. The character Polonius is a counselor to which character in "Hamlet"?

a) Ophelia b) King Claudius c) Hamlet d) Laertes Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) King Claudius." Polonius is a counselor to King Claudius in "Hamlet." He is also the father of Ophelia and Laertes, and his actions contribute to the unfolding of the play's events.

136. In "Macbeth," which character famously declares, "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand"?

a) Lady Macbeth b) Macduff c) Banquo d) Duncan Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Lady Macbeth." Lady Macbeth speaks this line in Act 5, Scene 1, as she is tormented by guilt and hallucinations following her involvement in the murder of King Duncan.

137. Which Shakespearean play is set in the city of Venice and revolves around themes of racism and manipulation?

a) "The Merchant of Venice" b) "Othello" c) "As You Like It" d) "Twelfth Night" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Othello." "Othello" is set in the city of Venice and explores themes of racism, jealousy, and manipulation, particularly through the character Iago.

138. Which Shakespearean play features the character Portia, who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio from Shylock's bond?

a) "The Tempest" b) "The Merchant of Venice" c) "Much Ado About Nothing" d) "Hamlet" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) The Merchant of Venice." Portia disguises herself as the lawyer Balthazar and cleverly intervenes in the trial to save Antonio from Shylock's bond.

139. In "King Lear," which character's inability to flatter King Lear leads to his banishment?

a) Gloucester b) Kent c) Edgar d) Goneril Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Kent." Kent, the loyal servant of King Lear, is banished for his refusal to flatter Lear's ego and for speaking out against Lear's decision to divide his kingdom.

140. In "A Midsummer Night's Dream," what is the role of the character Puck?

a) He is a nobleman seeking true love. b) He is a mischievous fairy who creates chaos with love potions. c) He is the ruler of the fairy kingdom. d) He is a rival to Oberon, the fairy king. Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) He is a mischievous fairy who creates chaos with love potions." Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow, is a mischievous and magical character who uses a love potion to create confusion and comedic situations in the play.

141. Which Shakespearean play features the character Banquo, a friend of Macbeth?

a) "Hamlet" b) "Othello" c) "Macbeth" d) "King Lear"
Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Macbeth." Banquo is a friend and ally of Macbeth in "Macbeth." His character plays a significant role in the play's themes of ambition, power, and the supernatural.

142. Which of the following plays is considered one of William Shakespeare's tragedies, featuring a Moorish general who becomes consumed by jealousy and mistrust, leading to a tragic downfall?

a) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" b) "The Tempest" c) "Othello" d) "Twelfth Night" Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Othello." "Othello" is one of Shakespeare's renowned tragedies, exploring themes of jealousy, manipulation, and the destructive power of doubt.

143. What term is used to describe the collection of 154 sonnets attributed to William Shakespeare, exploring themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time?

a) "The Canterbury Tales" b) "Divine Comedy" c) "Sonnets to Laura" d) "Shakespeare's Sonnets" Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Shakespeare's Sonnets." This collection of sonnets is celebrated for its poetic beauty and exploration of human emotions and relationships.

144. Which play by William Shakespeare is known for its famous balcony scene and portrays the tragic love story of two young lovers from feuding families?

a) "Romeo and Juliet" b) "Julius Caesar" c) "Hamlet" d) "Macbeth" Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Romeo and Juliet." The play depicts the passionate love between Romeo and Juliet amidst the backdrop of familial conflict and leads to a tragic conclusion.

145. What term is often used to refer to the period of time during which William Shakespeare's works were first published and gained popularity, from the late 16th century to the early 17th century?

a) The Elizabethan Era b) The Restoration Period c) The Victorian Age d) The Renaissance Period Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Elizabethan Era." This era, named after Queen Elizabeth I, was a flourishing period of English literature, theater, and cultural innovation.

146. Which Shakespearean play features the character Prospero, a powerful magician and the rightful Duke of Milan, who uses his magical abilities to manipulate events on a remote island?

a) "A Midsummer Night's Dream" b) "The Tempest" c) "Twelfth Night" d) "As You Like It" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) The Tempest." "The Tempest" is known for its themes of power, forgiveness, and the transformative nature of art and illusion.

147. What is the title of the historical play by Shakespeare that portrays the tumultuous reign of King Richard III and his ruthless quest for power?

a) "Henry IV, Part 1" b) "Richard II" c) "Henry V" d) "Richard III" Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Richard III." The play dramatizes the rise and fall of Richard III and is known for its portrayal of a cunning and villainous monarch.

148. Which of Shakespeare's plays features the character Lady Macbeth, who becomes consumed by ambition and guilt as she and her husband commit heinous acts to secure power?

a) "King Lear" b) "Macbeth" c) "Antony and Cleopatra" d) "Coriolanus" Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Macbeth." The play explores themes of ambition, fate, and the corrupting influence of power on the human psyche.

149. What term refers to a play written by William Shakespeare that focuses primarily on humor, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements, often featuring complex plots and witty dialogue?

a) Tragedy b) History c) Comedy d) Romance Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Comedy." Shakespearean comedies, like "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," emphasize light-heartedness and happy resolutions.

150. Which famous work of literary criticism, published in 1765, introduced the concept of the "unities" and discussed the principles of dramatic structure, influencing interpretations of Shakespearean plays?

a) "An Essay on Man" by Alexander Pope b) "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" by Samuel Johnson c) "A Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson d) "The Rambler" by Samuel Johnson Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" by Samuel Johnson. This work contains critical insights into Shakespeare's plays and their impact on English literature.

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.

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