UGC NET English: Practice Set 8 ( Q.211to Q.240)

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 History of English Literature themes and your preparation for UGC NET English or the like exams.

211. "Postcolonial Criticism" examines: a) The representation of supernatural and occult phenomena in literature b) The analysis of texts written during the colonial period c) The exploration of classical myths and their influence on modern literature d) How literature engages with the legacy of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural domination Reasoning: Postcolonial Criticism examines how literature engages with the legacy of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural domination. It often analyzes the effects of colonial history on identity, culture, and representation. 212. "Marxist Criticism" focuses on: a) The study of ancient epics and their cultural significance b) The analysis of socio-economic structures and class struggles in literature c) The exploration of utopian societies and idealized worlds d) Analyzing the psychological motivations of characters in literature Reasoning: Marxist Criticism focuses on analyzing socio-economic structures, class struggles, and power dynamics in literature. It often examines how literature reflects and critiques the inequalities and conflicts within society. 213. "Deconstruction" as a critical approach emphasizes: a) The study of classical myths and their influence on modern literature b) The analysis of texts written during the colonial period c) A critical approach that challenges binary oppositions and explores the instability of language and meaning d) The examination of post-colonial themes in literature Reasoning: Deconstruction emphasizes a critical approach that challenges binary oppositions, explores the instability of language, and reveals hidden meanings in a text. It often highlights the complexity and ambiguity of interpretations. 214. "Psychoanalytic Criticism" explores: a) The representation of supernatural and otherworldly phenomena in literature b) The analysis of psychological and emotional states of characters in literature c) The exploration of utopian societies and idealized worlds d) Analyzing the impact of technological advancements on society in literature Reasoning: Psychoanalytic Criticism explores the analysis of psychological and emotional states of characters in literature. It often draws on psychoanalytic theories to interpret characters' motivations, desires, and behaviors. 215. "New Historicism" as a critical approach focuses on: a) The study of ancient epics and their cultural significance b) The analysis of texts written during the colonial period c) Analyzing how literature engages with historical contexts and reflects cultural, social, and political influences d) The examination of psychological and emotional states of characters in literature Reasoning: New Historicism focuses on analyzing how literature engages with historical contexts and reflects cultural, social, and political influences of the time in which it was written. 216. "Cultural Studies" as a critical approach examines: a) The representation of supernatural and otherworldly phenomena in literature b) The analysis of religious and mythological themes in literature c) The exploration of utopian societies and idealized worlds d) The relationship between literature, culture, and society, including popular culture and everyday life Reasoning: Cultural Studies examines the relationship between literature, culture, and society, including popular culture and everyday life. It often analyzes how literature reflects and shapes cultural norms, values, and identities. 217. "Reader-Response Criticism" focuses on: a) The study of classical literature and its influence on modern works b) Analyzing how readers interpret and respond to literary texts, considering the role of individual experiences and perspectives c) The exploration of supernatural and occult phenomena in literature d) The examination of psychological and emotional states of characters in literature Reasoning: Reader-Response Criticism focuses on analyzing how readers interpret and respond to literary texts, considering the role of individual experiences, perspectives, and emotions in shaping the meaning of a work.

218. The critical theory known as "Feminist Criticism" focuses on:

a) The analysis of religious and mythological themes in literature

b) The study of ancient epics and their cultural significance

c) The exploration of gender roles, power dynamics, and representation of women in literature

d) The examination of historical contexts and political influences on literary works

Reasoning: Feminist Criticism is a critical approach that focuses on the examination of gender roles, power dynamics, and the representation of women in literature. It aims to uncover and challenge the patriarchal biases within literary works.

219. "Queer Theory" in literary criticism is concerned with:

a) The exploration of utopian societies and idealized worlds

b) The study of classical literature and its influence on modern works

c) Analyzing how literature portrays and constructs gender and sexuality, including non-normative identities

d) The examination of post-colonial themes in literature

Reasoning: Queer Theory is concerned with analyzing how literature portrays and constructs gender and sexuality, including non-normative identities. It critically examines how norms and assumptions about sexuality are represented and challenged in literature.

220. "Ecocriticism" as a critical approach focuses on:

a) The representation of supernatural and otherworldly phenomena in literature

b) The study of ancient myths and their influence on modern literature

c) Analyzing the relationship between literature and the environment, including ecological concerns

d) The examination of psychological and emotional states of characters in literature

Reasoning: Ecocriticism is concerned with analyzing the relationship between literature and the environment, including ecological concerns, nature, and the human impact on the natural world.

221. Which Old English poem is a riddle that describes a majestic creature soaring through the sky?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "The Dream of the Rood"

d) "Phoenix"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) Phoenix." The Old English poem "Phoenix" describes a phoenix, a mythical bird associated with rebirth, flying through the sky. This riddle-like poem uses vivid imagery to capture the bird's splendor.

222. Which Old English poem describes a dream vision of a cross appearing in the sky, radiating divine light?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "The Dream of the Rood"

d) "The Battle of Maldon"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) The Dream of the Rood." In "The Dream of the Rood," the speaker has a vision of a glorious cross adorned with jewels and radiating light, symbolizing the crucifixion of Christ and its significance.

223. What is the term for a literary work that uses exaggeration and irony to criticize or ridicule individuals, institutions, or society?

a) Satire

b) Elegy

c) Epic

d) Lyric

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Satire." Satire is a literary genre that employs humor, exaggeration, and irony to critique and expose flaws, often targeting individuals, groups, or societal norms.

224. Which Old English poem presents a conversation between a warrior and his sword, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and valor?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Battle of Maldon"

c) "The Wanderer"

d) "Beowulf"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) The Battle of Maldon." In "The Battle of Maldon," a dialogue occurs between Byrhtnoth, the fallen warrior, and his loyal sword. This exchange highlights the themes of loyalty and honor in battle.

225.Which Old English poem features a solitary speaker who reflects on the hardships of a life at sea and the longing for a sense of belonging?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "The Dream of the Rood"

d) "Beowulf"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Seafarer." "The Seafarer" presents the perspective of a seafarer who grapples with the challenges of isolation, the dangers of the sea, and the yearning for a stable homeland.

226. What is the term for the Old English poetic device in which two half-lines are linked by alliteration and rhythmic patterns?

a) Kenning

b) Caesura

c) Alliterative meter

d) Enjambment

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Alliterative meter." Alliterative meter is a common feature of Old English poetry, where two half-lines are connected through alliteration and rhythmic patterns to create a distinct poetic structure.

227. In Old English poetry, what is a "flyting"?

a) A type of riddle

b) A form of epic storytelling

c) A poetic duel or verbal exchange of insults

d) A mournful lament

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) A poetic duel or verbal exchange of insults." A flyting is a type of poetic contest in which two individuals engage in a competitive and often humorous exchange of insults and challenges.

228. Which Old English poem describes the battle between the hero Beowulf and the dragon, highlighting themes of heroism and mortality?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "Beowulf"

d) "The Battle of Maldon"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Beowulf." "Beowulf" is an epic poem that narrates the heroic deeds of Beowulf, including his battle with a dragon in his old age, symbolizing the inevitable clash between heroism and mortality.

229.What is the term for the Old English poetic device in which a compound expression is used to replace a single word or name?

a) Alliteration

b) Caesura

c) Kenning

d) Assonance

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Kenning." A kenning is a figurative expression in Old English poetry where a compound word or phrase is used to replace a single noun, often creating a vivid and imaginative description.

230. In Old English poetry, what is a "scop"?

a) A type of warrior

b) A type of riddle

c) A type of ship

d) A professional poet or bard

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) A professional poet or bard." A scop was a skilled and respected poet in Old English society who composed and recited epic poems, often serving as a cultural storyteller and historian.

231. Which Old English poem features a brave warrior named Hildeburh, who experiences both victory and tragedy through her marriage alliance?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Battle of Maldon"

c) "Beowulf"

d) "The Wanderer"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) The Battle of Maldon." Hildeburh is a character in "The Battle of Maldon" who is married to the Frisian leader Finn. The poem narrates the tragic events that unfold as a result of their marriage alliance.

232. What is the Old English term for a heroic ideal or code of conduct that emphasizes values such as courage, loyalty, and honor?

a) Comitatus

b) Chivalry

c) Allegory

d) Parable

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Comitatus." Comitatus refers to the bond of loyalty and mutual obligations between a lord and his retainers in Old English heroic society, embodying ideals of bravery and honor.

233. Which Old English poem is a lament for a fallen warrior who reflects on the glory of battle and the honor of receiving a proper burial?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "The Ruin"

d) "The Battle of Maldon"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) The Battle of Maldon." "The Battle of Maldon" contains a lament for Byrhtnoth, the fallen warrior, who reflects on the honor of battle and the importance of a proper burial.

234. What is the Old English term for the distinctive poetic device of using repeated initial consonant sounds in nearby words?

a) Alliteration

b) Assonance

c) Rhyme

d) Metaphor

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Alliteration." Alliteration is a prominent feature of Old English poetry, where repeated initial consonant sounds in nearby words create rhythmic and melodic patterns.

235. Which Old English poem is a riddle that describes the characteristics and attributes of a specific creature, challenging the reader to guess its identity?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Dream of the Rood"

c) "The Wanderer"

d) "The Exeter Book Riddles"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "d) The Exeter Book Riddles." The Exeter Book contains a collection of riddles, each describing a particular object, creature, or concept in metaphorical and puzzling language.

236. In Old English poetry, what is the term for a pause or break within a line of verse, often marked by punctuation or a metrical pattern?

a) Alliteration

b) Assonance

c) Caesura

d) Enjambment

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) Caesura." Caesura is a common feature of Old English poetry, where a pause or break within a line of verse contributes to its rhythmic structure.

237. Which Old English poem uses the metaphor of a "dream vision" to present a conversation between a dreamer and a cross?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "The Dream of the Rood"

d) "The Battle of Maldon"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "c) The Dream of the Rood." "The Dream of the Rood" presents a dream vision where the speaker engages in a dialogue with the cross, providing a unique perspective on the crucifixion.

238. What is the term for a poetic line in Old English literature that consists of two half-lines, connected by alliteration and rhythm?

a) Couplet

b) Stanza

c) Quatrain

d) Octave

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) Couplet." In Old English poetry, a couplet is formed by two half-lines linked by alliteration and rhythmic patterns, creating a distinct unit of verse.

239. Which Old English poem uses the imagery of a sea journey to explore themes of spiritual longing and the challenges of life's journey?

a) "The Seafarer"

b) "The Wanderer"

c) "The Dream of the Rood"

d) "Beowulf"

Reasoning: The correct answer is "a) The Seafarer." "The Seafarer" uses the metaphor of a sea voyage to convey the speaker's reflections on the spiritual aspects of life's journey and the hardships faced along the way.

240.What is the Old English term for a type of metaphorical expression that replaces a simple word with a more elaborate and imaginative phrase?

a) Alliteration

b) Kenning

c) Caesura

d) Assonance

Reasoning: The correct answer is "b) Kenning." A kenning is a figurative expression in Old English poetry that uses a compound word or phrase to replace a single noun, often adding vivid and imaginative descriptions.

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.