UGC NET English: Practice Set 6 ( Q.151 to Q.180)

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 on George Bernard Shaw and your preparation for UGC NET English or the like exams.

151. Which George Bernard Shaw play features a character named Eliza Doolittle, who undergoes a transformation in her speech and manners?


George Bernard Shaw 

a) "Arms and the Man"

b) "Man and Superman"

c) "Pygmalion"

d) "Major Barbara"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Pygmalion." In "Pygmalion," Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower girl, undergoes a linguistic and social transformation under the guidance of Professor Henry Higgins, illustrating Shaw's themes of class and identity.

152. What term did George Bernard Shaw use to describe his plays that were meant to provoke thought and challenge conventions?

a) Comedic dramas

b) Thoughtful comedies

c) Problem plays

d) Social satires

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Problem plays." Shaw referred to his plays as "problem plays" because they were designed to address and challenge societal issues, often using satire and wit to provoke thought and discussion.

153. In "Arms and the Man," which character expresses anti-romantic sentiments and challenges conventional ideals of heroism?

a) Bluntschli

b) Raina

c) Sergius

d) Catherine

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Bluntschli." Captain Bluntschli is the character in "Arms and the Man" who expresses anti-romantic sentiments and challenges traditional notions of heroism in war. He views practicality and survival as more important than heroic ideals.

154. Which George Bernard Shaw play features a character named Undershaft, a wealthy armaments manufacturer?

a) "Major Barbara"

b) "You Never Can Tell"

c) "Mrs. Warren's Profession"

d) "Saint Joan"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Major Barbara." Andrew Undershaft is a central character in "Major Barbara" and is known for his unapologetic views on the arms industry, contrasting with his daughter Barbara's commitment to social activism.

155. In "Man and Superman," what term did George Bernard Shaw use to describe the underlying natural instinct for procreation?

a) Life force

b) Eros

c) Will to power

d) Creative energy

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Life force." In "Man and Superman," Shaw introduces the concept of the "Life Force," representing the underlying natural instinct for procreation and the perpetuation of life.

156. Which George Bernard Shaw  play features the character Candida, who becomes the object of affection for two men?

a) "Candida"

b) "Misalliance"

c) "The Devil's Disciple"

d) "Heartbreak House"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Candida." The play "Candida" revolves around the character Candida, who becomes the center of a romantic rivalry between her husband, Rev. James Morell, and a young poet named Eugene Marchbanks.

157. In "Mrs. Warren's Profession," what is the controversial profession that Mrs. Warren is revealed to be involved in?

a) Politics

b) Medicine

c) Law

d) Prostitution

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Prostitution." In "Mrs. Warren's Profession," Mrs. Kitty Warren's profession as a brothel owner is revealed, leading to discussions about morality, society, and the choices individuals make.

158. Which George Bernard Shaw play presents a humorous exploration of social conventions and misunderstandings at a seaside resort?

a) "Getting Married"

b) "You Never Can Tell"

c) "Back to Methuselah"

d) "Captain Brassbound's Conversion"


Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) You Never Can Tell." "You Never Can Tell" is a comedic play set at a seaside resort and revolves around mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, showcasing Shaw's wit and social commentary.

159. Which George Bernard Shaw  play follows the life of a wealthy and unconventional woman named Lady Cicely Waynflete?

a) "The Philanderer"

b) "Man and Superman"

c) "Fanny's First Play"

d) "Candida"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Philanderer." "The Philanderer" is a satirical comedy that explores the character of Lady Cicely Waynflete, who challenges societal norms and conventions.

160. In "Saint Joan," which historical figure is the central character of the play and is portrayed as a courageous and visionary young woman?

a) Joan of Arc

b) Queen Elizabeth I

c) Catherine de' Medici

d) Mary Stuart

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Joan of Arc." "Saint Joan" is a play that dramatizes the life of Joan of Arc, depicting her bravery, conviction, and eventual martyrdom.

161. What were some of the major themes addressed in George Bernard Shaw's plays?

A) Romance and fantasy

B) Religion and politics

C) Adventure and mystery

D) Horror and suspense

Correct Answer: B) Religion and politics

Reasoning:  Shaw's plays dealt with topics such as religion, politics, money, science, marriage, and art.

162. Which organization did Shaw join and contribute to from 1884 to 1911?

A) The Royal Society

B) The Fabian Society

C) The Shakespearean Guild

D) The Victorian Writers' Union

Correct Answer: B) The Fabian Society

Explanation: Shaw joined the Fabian Society, a middle-class socialist group, and served on its executive committee from 1885 to 1911.

163. Which play by George Bernard Shaw  transformed the Don Juan legend into a play-within-a-play?

A) The Doctor's Dilemma

B) Major Barbara

C) Pygmalion

D) Man and Superman

Correct Answer: D) Man and Superman

Explanation:Shaw's play "Man and Superman" transformed the Don Juan legend into a play-within-a-play structure.

164. In "Pygmalion," what does Professor Henry Higgins do to Eliza Doolittle?

A) Teaches her to dance

B) Teaches her to speak properly

C) Teaches her to paint

D) Teaches her to play the piano

Correct Answer: B) Teaches her to speak properly

Explanation: The essay mentions that Professor Henry Higgins teaches Eliza Doolittle to speak properly as part of a bet.

165. What was the main theme of Shaw's play "Heartbreak House" (1920)?

A) Romantic love and relationships

B) The decay of civilization after World War I

C) Comedy and farce

D) Musical performances and entertainment

Correct Answer: B) The decay of civilization after World War I

Explanation: The essay discusses how "Heartbreak House" exposed the spiritual bankruptcy of the generation before World War I and symbolized the decay of civilization.

166. What was the collective title of the five linked plays Shaw wrote to explore the basis for human pessimism and grounds for optimism?

A) The Optimist Chronicles

B) The Evolutionary Odyssey

C) Back to Methuselah

D) The Hopeful Cycle

Correct Answer: C) Back to Methuselah

Explanation: The essay mentions that Shaw wrote five linked plays under the collective title "Back to Methuselah" to explore the basis for human pessimism and grounds for optimism.

167. For which play did Shaw receive the Nobel Prize in literature in 1925?

A) Major Barbara

B) The Doctor's Dilemma

C) Saint Joan

D) Heartbreak House

Correct Answer: C) Saint Joan

Explanation: The essay states that Shaw received the Nobel Prize in literature for his play "Saint Joan" in 1923.

168. What did Shaw's work bring back to the theater, according to the essay?

A) Historical accuracy

B) Wit and intelligence

C) Sentimental romance

D) Conventional characters

Correct Answer: B) Wit and intelligence

Explanation: The essay mentions that Shaw restored intellect and ideas to the theater, substituting witty dialogue for stale situations.

169. What did Shaw's work often do to conventional ideas?

A) Reinforce them

B) Ignore them

C) Reverse or twist them

D) Celebrate them

Correct Answer: C) Reverse or twist them

Explanation: The essay describes how Shaw's plays often inverted or twisted conventional ideas to shock the audience into a fresh awareness.

170. What was the subtitle of Shaw's play "Man and Superman"?

A) A Comedy of Manners

B) A Romantic Fantasy

C) A Comedy and a Philosophy

D) A Tragedy of Love

Correct Answer: C) A Comedy and a Philosophy

Explanation: The essay mentions that "Man and Superman" is subtitled "A Comedy and a Philosophy."

171. What was George Bernard Shaw 's stance during World War I?

A) He actively participated in the war effort.

B) He supported one side of the conflict.

C) He remained neutral and looked at the war objectively.

D) He strongly protested against the war.

Correct Answer: C) He remained neutral and looked at the war objectively.

Explanation: The essay states that Shaw remained neutral during World War I and looked at the war objectively, which made him unpopular in Britain.

172. Which play of Shaw's received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925?

A) Heartbreak House

B) Saint Joan

C) Major Barbara

D) Pygmalion

Correct Answer: B) Saint Joan

Explanation: The essay mentions that Shaw received the Nobel Prize in Literature for his play "Saint Joan" in 1925.

173. What did Shaw's play "Pygmalion" primarily explore?

A) The romantic relationship between two characters

B) The power struggle between social classes

C) The impact of war on society

D) The life of a famous historical figure

Correct Answer: B) The power struggle between social classes

Explanation: The essay describes how "Pygmalion" deals with issues of class and social power, exposing the power imbalance between characters from different social backgrounds.

174. How did Shaw's work contribute to the theater?

A) By promoting sentimental romance and idealized characters.

B) By emphasizing action and spectacle over dialogue.

C) By restoring intellect, ideas, and wit to the stage.

D) By adhering strictly to traditional conventions.

Correct Answer: C) By restoring intellect, ideas, and wit to the stage.

Explanation: The essay discusses how Shaw's work restored intellect and ideas to the theater, awakening the social conscience of his age.

175. What was the main theme of Shaw's play "Heartbreak House"?

A) Romantic love and relationships

B) The decay of civilization after World War I

C) A celebration of aristocratic life

D) The pursuit of material wealth

Correct Answer: B) The decay of civilization after World War I

Explanation: The essay states that "Heartbreak House" exposed the spiritual bankruptcy of the generation just before World War I and symbolized the decay of civilization.

176. How did Shaw view historical figures in his plays?

A) As perfect and unchanging symbols.

B) As individuals with flaws and complexities.

C) As distant and unrelatable characters.

D) As representations of ideal virtues.

Correct Answer: B) As individuals with flaws and complexities.

Explanation: The essay mentions that Shaw's work treated historical figures as human and interesting, showing their flaws and complexities.

177. What did Shaw's work accomplish through his wit and critical intelligence?

A) Reinforced Victorian conventions and beliefs.

B) Promoted conformity to societal norms.

C) Molded the thought of his and later generations.

D) Glorified the aristocratic way of life.

Correct Answer: C) Molded the thought of his and later generations.

Explanation: The essay states that Shaw's bold, critical intelligence and wit helped mold the thought of his own and later generations.

178. In "Man and Superman," how does Shaw reverse the standard notion of Don Juan?

A) Don Juan becomes a villainous character.

B) Don Juan becomes a reclusive scholar.

C) Don Juan becomes a man of virtue.

D) Don Juan becomes a cowardly figure.

Correct Answer: C) Don Juan becomes a man of virtue.

Explanation: The essay describes how Shaw's play "Man and Superman" reverses the standard notion of Don Juan, portraying him as a man of virtue.

179. Which societal organization does Major Barbara question in Shaw's play of the same name?

A) The Salvation Army

B) The education system

C) The medical profession

D) The military

Correct Answer: A) The Salvation Army

Explanation: The essay mentions that in "Major Barbara," Shaw questions the morality of the Salvation Army.

180. What was the primary focus of Shaw's later plays, such as "The Apple Cart" and "Village Wooing"?

A) Historical accuracy

B) Comedy and farce

C) Themes of self-governance and human potential

D) Romantic relationships

Correct Answer: C) Themes of self-governance and human potential

Explanation: The essay states that Shaw's later plays turned to the problem of how people might best govern themselves and release their potential.

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.

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