English Literature MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for English Literature - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• Thomas Mann’s novella “Death in Venice” is a cornerstone of modernist literature, reflecting the tension between two opposing forces: Apollonian restraint (order, reason, discipline) and Dionysian passion (chaos, emotion, desire).
• The story follows Gustav von Aschenbach, an aging writer, as he becomes infatuated with a young boy, Tadzio, during his stay in Venice, highlighting the conflict between rational self-control and uncontrollable desire.
• Mann draws heavily on the philosophical framework of Friedrich Nietzsche, who introduced the concepts of the Apollonian and Dionysian dichotomy in his work The Birth of Tragedy.
• The narrative explores themes of artistic creation, beauty, obsession, and the dissolution of societal norms, central to modernist aesthetics.
• “Death in Venice” is celebrated for its psychological depth, philosophical underpinnings, and exploration of the human condition.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• While the novella is set against the backdrop of Venice and its cultural allure, it is not primarily a commentary on political turbulence (Option 2), economic modernization (Option 3), or scientific rationalism (Option 4).
• The central focus remains on the internal struggle of the individual and the philosophical exploration of aesthetics.
• Thomas Mann is one of the foremost German authors, known for other celebrated works such as The Magic Mountain and Buddenbrooks.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• Jorge Luis Borges’ “The Aleph” is a short story that delves into themes of infinity, perception, and the limits of human understanding.
• The Aleph, a point in space that contains all other points, symbolizes the infinite nature of knowledge and challenges traditional epistemological frameworks.
• Borges problematizes the human ability to comprehend and articulate the infinite, a concept central to postmodern thought.
• The story invites readers to reflect on the boundaries of perception and the paradoxes inherent in attempting to grasp the totality of existence.
• By exploring these themes, Borges engages with philosophical questions about representation, reality, and human cognition.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• Borges is one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century, known for his works that blend philosophy, metaphysics, and literature.
• Other notable works by Borges include “Ficciones” and “Labyrinths,” which similarly explore themes of infinity and the nature of reality.
• His writing is often associated with magical realism and postmodernism, both of which emphasize the interplay between reality and imagination.

The correct answer is An existential critique of alienation and absurdity within modern capitalist society.

Key Points

• Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” is a seminal work of modernist literature, exploring themes of alienation, absurdity, and the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalist society.
• The protagonist, Gregor Samsa, transforms into a giant insect, symbolizing his loss of individuality and value in a society that prioritizes productivity over personal identity.
• Kafka critiques the alienation experienced in modern capitalist systems, where individuals are often reduced to mere tools for economic output.
• The story reflects existential concerns, such as the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
• The narrative highlights the estrangement within family relationships, exacerbated by societal pressures and economic hardships.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• Option 1: The story does not endorse social conformity; rather, it critiques societal expectations and their oppressive nature.
• Option 3: While some interpretations may draw political parallels, the text is more focused on existential and psychological themes than on historical allegory.
• Option 4: Although family dynamics are a part of the narrative, the work is not primarily a romantic or sentimental exploration of family relationships.

The correct answer is The superficiality and social ambition of the bourgeoisie, exposing materialism’s cost on identity.

Key Points

• Guy de Maupassant’s short story “The Necklace” is a classic example of irony and social critique.
• The story revolves around a woman, Mathilde Loisel, who yearns for wealth and social status beyond her means.
• Her desire for material possessions and social recognition leads her to borrow a necklace for a high-society event, which she later loses.
• In her quest to replace the necklace, she and her husband endure years of financial hardship, only to discover that the original necklace was a fake.
• The story highlights the superficial values and ambitions of the bourgeoisie, showing how materialism can distort identity and lead to unnecessary suffering.
• The ironic twist at the end underscores the futility of Mathilde’s aspirations and critiques societal emphasis on appearances and material wealth.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

• The story is one of Maupassant’s most famous works and is often studied for its use of irony and its critique of societal values.
• It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and the pursuit of superficial goals.
• The story also reflects the rigid class distinctions of 19th-century French society.

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

• Anton Chekhov’s story “The Lady with the Dog” explores the intricate dynamics of human emotions and relationships against the rigid backdrop of societal expectations in late Russian realism.
• The narrative revolves around the tension between personal emotional authenticity and the constraints imposed by societal conventions.
• The protagonists, Dmitri Gurov and Anna Sergeyevna, grapple with their feelings of love and passion while being bound by the norms of their respective marriages.
• Chekhov’s approach exemplifies the subtleties and complexities of human experience, which often conflict with societal roles and expectations.
• This theme of emotional authenticity versus societal norms is a hallmark of Chekhov’s literary genius and a defining feature of late Russian realism.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• Option 2: Revolutionary political ideology is not the focus of this story, as Chekhov’s work is more concerned with the personal and psychological dimensions of human life.
• Option 3: Rural hardships as an allegory for national decline is not a theme in “The Lady with the Dog.” This theme might align more closely with other Russian literature, such as works by Tolstoy.
• Option 4: War and peace themes as central conflict are unrelated to the plot or themes of this story.

The correct answer is Auditor of the company must have experience of 10 years

Key Points

• Auditor of the company must have experience of 10 years:
  • This is not mentioned as a mandatory recommendation by the Kumar Mangalam Birla Committee in the passage.
  • The committee focused on board structure, audit committee composition, and meeting frequency, not specific auditor qualifications or years of experience.
  • In the context of financial enterprises, while auditor experience is important for accuracy and compliance, this criterion was not part of SEBI’s mandated governance reforms.
  • Mandatory guidelines emphasize oversight and independence over tenure-based eligibility, promoting transparency and investor confidence through board governance mechanisms rather than focusing on professional experience thresholds.

Additional Information

• Audit committee should contain 3 independent directors with one having financial and accounting knowledge:
  • This is a correct mandatory recommendation according to the committee. It ensures financial expertise and independence in internal control, especially relevant for financial institutions where audit transparency is critical.
• The Board should hold at least 4 meetings in a year with maximum gap of 4 months between 2 meetings to review operational plans:
  • Also a correct mandatory recommendation. Regular board meetings ensure continuous oversight and timely decision-making, vital in fast-changing financial markets.
• Director shall not be a member of more than 10 committees and shall not act as chairman of more than 5 committees across all companies:
  • This is part of the mandatory norms to avoid overcommitment and ensure effective participation. It is crucial in financial enterprises where governance and risk management responsibilities are complex and demanding.

The correct answer is Corporate Governance

Key Points

• Kumar Mangalam Birla Committee focused on Corporate Governance:
  • The passage clearly states that SEBI set up the committee to promote and raise the standards of good corporate governance.
  • The committee's objective was to develop a code tailored to the Indian corporate environment, ensuring accountability, transparency, and investor protection within corporate structures.
  • Corporate governance involves a set of systems, principles, and processes by which companies are directed and controlled to enhance stakeholder trust and long-term value.
  • For financial enterprises, sound corporate governance ensures operational integrity, promotes investor confidence, and mitigates risk by improving oversight and decision-making structures.

Additional Information

• Investors' Protection:
  • Although investor protection is an indirect goal, the report's direct and central theme was governance frameworks, not specific laws or measures focused solely on protecting investors’ rights.
• Investors and Shareholders Awareness:
  • This is inaccurate because the committee's mandate was not about conducting awareness campaigns or educational efforts for investors, but about improving the governance mechanisms within companies.
• SEBI Guidelines on Market Operations:
  • This option refers to the broader regulatory functions of SEBI concerning market conduct, trading mechanisms, etc. The Birla Committee’s focus was limited to governance issues within companies, not operational market guidelines.

The correct answer is Two categories

Key Points

• Kumar Mangalam Birla Committee's recommendations are divided into two categories:
  • The passage states that the recommendations are categorized into mandatory and non-mandatory guidelines.
  • Mandatory recommendations are binding for listed companies with paid-up capital of ₹3 crore and above, focusing on board composition, audit committees, board meetings, and limits on committee memberships.
  • Non-mandatory recommendations are intended for all listed private and public sector companies, aiming to promote good governance practices but without enforcement obligations.
  • This two-tier structure allows flexibility for smaller firms while ensuring essential governance standards are maintained for larger ones in financial enterprises.

Additional Information

• Three categories:
  • No mention in the passage of recommendations being split into three distinct categories.
  • This would be inaccurate as the text clearly highlights only mandatory and non-mandatory types.
• Four categories:
  • Incorrect assumption. The committee does not subdivide recommendations further into four sections such as audit, board structure, shareholders’ rights, etc.
• Five categories:
  • This is incorrect as there is no evidence or mention in the text supporting five separate recommendation types. The bifurcation is clearly limited to two.

The correct answer is A, B and D

Key Points

• Non-mandatory recommendations were to apply to listed private companies, listed public sector companies, and professionals associated:
  • The passage clearly mentions that these recommendations apply to listed private and public sector companies, along with their directors, management, employees, and professionals associated with them.
  • This ensures that voluntary compliance with governance standards is encouraged not just among large public entities, but also across smaller or privately held listed firms.
  • For financial enterprises, professionals such as auditors, compliance officers, and governance advisors are critical in applying such recommendations and fostering transparency and accountability.
  • Applying these recommendations to a broader range of participants ensures a culture of corporate ethics, especially vital in sectors dealing with public funds and investments.

Additional Information

• Shareholders are not included under non-mandatory recommendations:
  • The passage does not state that shareholders are part of the target audience for non-mandatory recommendations.
  • Shareholders benefit from corporate governance practices, but the application of these recommendations is focused on the internal structure of companies and associated professionals.
  • Therefore, including shareholders in the list is incorrect, making any answer option containing “C” invalid.
• The recommendations aim to improve internal governance rather than investor behavior:
  • While good governance indirectly protects investors, the non-mandatory code is about improving the conduct and structure within corporations, not imposing standards on shareholders themselves.

The correct answer is Postmodernism.

Key Points

• Postmodernism is a movement in literature and art that developed in the mid-20th century, characterized by a departure from modernist ideals.
• It embraces fragmented narrative forms, irony, and playfulness, often questioning traditional narratives and structures.
• Postmodern works often blur the boundaries between high and low culture and challenge the notion of objective reality.
• Authors and artists associated with postmodernism include Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, and Jean Baudrillard.
• Key themes in postmodernism include skepticism, relativism, and the rejection of grand narratives or universal truths.
• Postmodernism often employs techniques such as pastiche, metafiction, and intertextuality to engage with and critique cultural and social norms.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

• Realism: A literary movement focused on representing everyday life and society with an emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness.
• Modernism: An earlier movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break with traditional forms and techniques, and a focus on new ways of expression.
• Romanticism: A literary and artistic movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries that emphasized emotion, imagination, and the beauty of the natural world.

The correct answer is The failure of the borrower’s conscience.

Key Points

• In "On Umbrella Morals," Gardiner uses the anecdote of an umbrella lending situation to explore deeper ethical issues.
• He particularly focuses on the moral failure of the borrower, who neglects to return the umbrella, thus betraying the trust of the lender.
• This scenario is used to highlight how seemingly minor actions can reflect significant lapses in personal integrity and conscience.
• Gardiner's examination extends beyond the trivial act of not returning an umbrella, delving into the broader implications of trust and moral responsibility in everyday interactions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• The naivety of the lender: While this may be a minor point, it is not the primary focus of Gardiner's argument.
• The intricacies of modern-day trust: Although trust is a theme, Gardiner's main concern is the moral failure of the borrower.
• The triviality of minor theft: The essay suggests that even minor thefts have significant moral implications, rather than trivializing them.

The correct answer is B and E only.

Key Points

• The Gothic novel is a genre of literature that combines elements of both horror and romance.
• It often uses the medieval form of architecture as a setting, which creates an atmosphere of mystery and terror (statement B).
• The genre aims at evoking chilling terror by exploiting mystery and a variety of horrors (statement E).
• Gothic novels emerged in the 18th century, not the 14th century, and are part of European literature, not specifically American literature.
• While Gothic novels can include baroque elements, they are not defined as a form of baroque art, and they do not focus on mosaic and fresco wall painting.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

• The first Gothic novel is generally considered to be Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto," published in 1764.
• Other famous Gothic novelists include Mary Shelley, author of "Frankenstein," and Bram Stoker, author of "Dracula."

The correct answer is White Teeth by Zadie Smith.

Key Points

• White Teeth is a novel by Zadie Smith that explores the lives of two families in London over multiple generations.
• The novel delves into themes of cultural identity, immigration, and the blending of different cultural backgrounds.
• Allusions to "Ghalib" and "Rumi" in the novel symbolize the fusion of cultural identities in a contemporary setting.
• The book is known for its rich characterization and its examination of postcolonial themes.
• White Teeth was critically acclaimed and won several awards, establishing Zadie Smith as a significant literary voice.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy: A novel set in Kerala, India, dealing with themes of caste, love, and social discrimination.
• Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie: A magical realist novel that parallels the history of India’s independence and partition.
• The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai: A novel exploring the impact of colonialism and globalization on individuals in India and the US.