English Literature MCQs
English Literature MCQs encompass key literary periods, famous authors, genres, and literary techniques. Designed for university students and competitive exams like CSS and lecturers’ tests, these MCQs test knowledge on drama, prose, poetry, and criticism. Whether it's Chaucer, Shakespeare, Romantic poets, or modern literature, the questions help deepen literary analysis and appreciation. Perfect for academic revision and entrance test preparation.
Q: The Metaphysical poets were known for
A) Simplicity of language
B) Pastoral themes
C) Use of conceits
D) Folk ballads
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: They often used extended metaphors known as conceits, especially in love and religious poetry.
Q: The father of English tragedy
A) Christopher Marlowe
B) William Shakespeare
C) Thomas Kyd
D) Ben Jonson
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Thomas Kyd is often credited as the father of English tragedy due to his influential play "The Spanish Tragedy."
Q: The author who created the character Sherlock Holmes
A) H.G. Wells
B) Arthur Conan Doyle
C) Wilkie Collins
D) Edgar Allan Poe
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is known for creating the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.
Q: The period in which Chaucer wrote
A) Elizabethan
B) Victorian
C) Anglo-Saxon
D) Middle English
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Geoffrey Chaucer wrote during the Middle English period in the 14th century.
Q: The Romantic poet who died at a young age of tuberculosis
A) William Blake
B) Lord Byron
C) John Keats
D) Percy Shelley
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: John Keats died at age 25 from tuberculosis, leaving behind significant poetic works.
Q: The meaning of the term “epiphany” in literature
A) A long poem
B) A tragic flaw
C) A sudden realization
D) A flashback
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: In literature, an epiphany is a moment of sudden revelation or insight experienced by a character.
Q: The genre of Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"
A) Tragedy
B) History
C) Comedy
D) Epic
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" is classified as one of Shakespeare’s comedies, involving magical events and romantic misunderstandings.