60 MCQs on Contemporary Literature : Answers with Explanations
MCQs on Contemporary Literature for UGC NET ENGLISH JUNE 2025
1. Which of the following authors is most closely associated with the concept of "magic realism" in contemporary literature?
Answer: B) Gabriel García Márquez
Gabriel García Márquez, especially with his novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, is a seminal figure in the development and popularization of magic realism, a literary genre where magical elements are woven into a realistic setting.
2. Arundhati Roy's Booker Prize-winning novel, The God of Small Things, primarily explores themes related to:
Answer: C) Caste, love, and social taboos in Kerala
The God of Small Things delves into the intricate social fabric of Kerala, exploring forbidden love across caste lines and the devastating consequences of breaking societal rules.
3. Which of the following literary theories gained significant prominence in contemporary literature, focusing on the experiences of colonized peoples and their cultures?
Answer: C) Postcolonialism
Postcolonialism emerged as a critical lens to analyze the legacies of colonialism, examining themes of identity, displacement, resistance, and the impact of colonial rule on literature and culture.
4. Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children is notable for its use of:
Answer: C) Magic realism and historical allegory, tracing India's independence
Midnight's Children employs magic realism to tell the story of Saleem Sinai, born at the exact moment of India's independence, with his life mirroring the nation's tumultuous history.
5. Which of the following is a key characteristic of Postmodern literature?
Answer: C) Pastiche, intertextuality, fragmentation, and skepticism towards grand narratives
Postmodernism is characterized by a playful and often ironic embrace of fragmentation, intertextuality (referencing other texts), pastiche (borrowing and combining elements from various sources), and a questioning of universal truths.
6. Toni Morrison's Beloved deals primarily with the harrowing impact of:
Answer: C) Slavery and its psychological aftermath on African Americans
Beloved is a powerful exploration of the trauma and lingering effects of slavery, focusing on the protagonist Sethe and her struggle with a ghostly past.
7. Kazuo Ishiguro, a Nobel laureate, is known for his novels that often explore themes of:
Answer: B) Memory, identity, and moral compromise
Ishiguro's works, such as The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go, frequently delve into unreliable narration, the nature of memory, the construction of identity, and the compromises individuals make.
8. Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale is a seminal work of:
Answer: C) Dystopian Fiction
The Handmaid's Tale portrays a totalitarian, theocratic society where women are stripped of their rights, making it a powerful example of dystopian literature that critiques societal control and gender inequality.
9. The term "metafiction" refers to:
Answer: C) Fiction that self-consciously draws attention to its own status as a constructed work of art
Metafiction is a common technique in Postmodernism, where the narrative acknowledges its own artificiality, often breaking the fourth wall or commenting on the act of storytelling itself.
10. J.M. Coetzee, a South African Nobel laureate, is often associated with themes of:
Answer: B) Apartheid, power dynamics, and the human condition in oppressive societies
Coetzee's works, like Disgrace and Waiting for the Barbarians, deeply explore the moral and psychological impacts of apartheid and colonial power structures.
11. Which Nigerian author wrote Things Fall Apart, a classic novel exploring the impact of colonialism on traditional African society?
Answer: B) Chinua Achebe
Things Fall Apart is a foundational text in postcolonial literature, vividly depicting the pre-colonial Igbo society and its eventual disruption by European missionaries and colonial rule.
12. The "Angry Young Men" were a group of British writers in the 1950s who often expressed:
Answer: C) Disillusionment with the traditional social and political establishments
Writers like John Osborne (Look Back in Anger) and Kingsley Amis (Lucky Jim) captured the frustration and anger of working-class and lower-middle-class youth with the existing class system and perceived hypocrisy of British society.
13. Zadie Smith's White Teeth is a prominent example of contemporary British literature that explores:
Answer: C) Multiculturalism, immigration, and identity in London
White Teeth vividly portrays the lives of several interconnected families in London, exploring themes of cultural clash, generational differences, and the search for identity in a diverse urban environment.
14. The term "campus novel" is often used to describe works like David Lodge's Small World which satirize:
Answer: B) Life and academia within universities
Campus novels are a subgenre of fiction that typically feature university settings, often satirizing the intellectual and social lives of academics and students.
15. Philip Roth's American Pastoral examines the disillusionment with the American Dream and the social upheaval of the:
Answer: B) 1960s
American Pastoral centers on the seemingly perfect life of Swede Levov, whose world unravels due to his daughter's radical political activism during the tumultuous 1960s.
16. The concept of "hybridity" in postcolonial theory, popularized by Homi K. Bhabha, refers to:
Answer: B) The blending and intermingling of cultures as a result of colonization
Hybridity suggests that colonial encounters do not simply lead to the dominance of one culture over another, but rather to new, mixed forms of cultural expression and identity.
17. Which of the following authors is known for her contributions to "Chick Lit," a genre often focusing on young, single women's urban lives and relationships?
Answer: B) Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones's Diary)
Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary is a quintessential example of Chick Lit, characterized by its humor, focus on modern female experiences, and often a romantic storyline.
18. The "Beat Generation" in American literature (1950s-1960s) is associated with:
Answer: C) Rejection of mainstream values, experimentation, and bohemian lifestyles
Key figures like Jack Kerouac (On the Road) and Allen Ginsberg (Howl) challenged social norms, explored drug use, sexuality, and Eastern philosophy, and experimented with literary forms.
19. Which author wrote The White Tiger, a satirical novel about India's class struggle and globalization, winning the Man Booker Prize in 2008?
Answer: C) Aravind Adiga
The White Tiger offers a cynical and darkly humorous portrayal of India's economic boom from the perspective of a self-made entrepreneur from a poor village.
20. The rise of "Cli-fi" (climate fiction) in contemporary literature reflects a growing concern with:
Answer: C) Environmental issues and climate change
Cli-fi is a subgenre of science fiction or dystopian fiction that explores the potential impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on human societies and the planet.
21. Which contemporary author is known for her highly stylized and intricate prose, often exploring themes of love, grief, and the creative process, as seen in The Waves and To the Lighthouse?
Answer: C) Virginia Woolf
While The Waves and To the Lighthouse are typically classified under Modernism, Woolf's influence on contemporary literature and her innovative narrative techniques make her a significant figure for study in the broader context of post-early 20th century literature.
22. The term "narrative unreliability" is often a feature of contemporary novels, where:
Answer: C) The reader cannot fully trust the narrator's account due to bias, delusion, or intentional deception
Unreliable narration challenges the reader to actively interpret the story and question the presented reality, a common postmodern technique.
23. Amitav Ghosh's The Glass Palace primarily explores the historical and political landscape of:
Answer: B) Colonial Burma and India
The Glass Palace spans several generations and explores the impact of British colonialism on Burma (Myanmar) and India, particularly focusing on the lives of a Burmese royal family and an Indian boy who becomes a successful timber merchant.
24. The literary movement that reacted against the perceived certainties and grand narratives of modernism, embracing fragmentation, irony, and pastiche, is known as:
Answer: B) Postmodernism
Postmodernism is often seen as a reaction to modernism, questioning the possibility of objective truth and often employing self-reflexivity and playful deconstruction of established forms.
25. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah explores themes of:
Answer: B) Race, immigration, identity, and cultural differences between Nigeria and America
Americanah follows the journey of a young Nigerian woman to America, offering keen observations on the complexities of race, identity, and belonging in both countries.
26. The "global novel" as a contemporary literary trend often focuses on:
Answer: B) Stories that transcend national boundaries, exploring transnational issues and diverse cultural contexts
The global novel reflects increasing interconnectedness, focusing on themes like migration, cultural exchange, globalization, and the interconnectedness of world events.
27. Ali Smith's Seasonal Quartet (Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer) is known for its:
Answer: B) Experimental form and engagement with contemporary political and social issues (e.g., Brexit)
Ali Smith's quartet, published rapidly after current events, directly engages with the political and social climate of contemporary Britain, particularly in the wake of Brexit, using innovative narrative structures.
28. The emergence of "Graphic Novels" as a significant literary form in contemporary literature indicates:
Answer: C) The growing recognition of visual and sequential art as a valid and sophisticated literary medium
Graphic novels like Art Spiegelman's Maus or Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis have gained critical acclaim for their ability to convey complex narratives and themes through the combination of text and illustrations.
29. Alice Munro, a Nobel laureate, is primarily celebrated for her mastery of:
Answer: B) The short story form
Alice Munro is renowned for her meticulously crafted short stories, often focusing on the lives of women in rural Ontario and exploring the complexities of human relationships and the subtle nuances of everyday life.
30. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen is a prominent example of contemporary American literature that often satirizes and analyzes:
Answer: B) The complexities of the modern American family and consumerism
The Corrections offers a sprawling, satirical, and insightful look into the lives of the dysfunctional Lambert family, exploring themes of aging, regret, consumerism, and the challenges of contemporary American life.
31. Which of the following postcolonial critics introduced the concept of "mimicry" as a complex and ambivalent colonial strategy?
Answer: C) Homi K Bhabha
Homi K Bhabha, a key figure in postcolonial theory, articulates "mimicry" as a strategic imitation of the colonizer by the colonized, which simultaneously signals deference and resistance, creating an unsettling resemblance.
32. Jeanette Winterson's 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' is often read as a postmodern novel and a:
Answer: B) Bildungsroman with strong autobiographical elements and feminist undertones
The novel follows the coming-of-age of a young girl in an English Pentecostal community, exploring themes of sexuality, religion, and identity with a distinctive, often playful, narrative voice.
33. Which of the following is NOT typically considered a characteristic of Post-structuralism, a theoretical movement influential in contemporary literary criticism?
Answer: B) Emphasis on the stable meaning of a text
Post-structuralism, in contrast to earlier structuralist approaches, generally rejects the idea of a fixed or stable meaning in a text, emphasizing the role of interpretation and the instability of language.
34. Derek Walcott's epic poem 'Omeros' reimagines Homer's 'Odyssey' in the context of:
Answer: B) Caribbean history and mythology
'Omeros' transports the epic journey to the Caribbean, blending classical elements with the history of slavery, colonialism, and the lives of ordinary islanders, showcasing Walcott's postcolonial perspective.
35. Which of the following literary critics is associated with the concept of "orientalism" and its critique of Western representations of the East?
Answer: C) Edward Said
Edward Said's groundbreaking work 'Orientalism' (1978) critically analyzes the Western academic and artistic tradition of representing the Middle East and Asia, arguing that it constructs a biased and often demeaning "Orient" for Western dominance.
36. Don DeLillo's 'White Noise' is a key work in American Postmodernism, known for its exploration of:
Answer: B) Media saturation, consumerism, and the fear of death in contemporary America
'White Noise' satirizes modern American life, focusing on a professor of Hitler studies whose mundane existence is disrupted by an "airborne toxic event," highlighting anxieties about technology, media, and mortality.
37. The 'New Sincerity' movement in contemporary literature and culture is often seen as a reaction against:
Answer: B) The irony and cynicism of Postmodernism
New Sincerity, though loosely defined, refers to a cultural trend (especially post-2000s) that embraces earnestness, direct emotion, and a genuine engagement with belief systems, moving away from postmodern detachment.
38. Which author is recognized for his contributions to the 'Kolkata Trilogy' (The Shadow Lines, The Calcutta Chromosome, The Hungry Tide), often blending history, science, and environmental themes?
Answer: C) Amitav Ghosh
Amitav Ghosh is known for his meticulously researched novels that often span continents and centuries, intertwining history, ecology, and the complexities of human experience, particularly in relation to South Asia and its diasporas.
39. The term "hyperreal" in contemporary theory, associated with Jean Baudrillard, suggests a condition where:
Answer: B) Simulations and copies become indistinguishable from, or even supersede, reality
Baudrillard's concept of the hyperreal argues that in postmodern society, models or simulations of reality become more real than reality itself, leading to a loss of the distinction between the two.
40. Dave Eggers' 'A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius' is a notable example of contemporary literature that blurs the lines between memoir and fiction, employing:
Answer: B) Overt metafiction and self-reflexivity
This memoir is highly experimental, featuring lengthy disclaimers, footnotes, and a narrator who constantly comments on the act of writing and the construction of his own story, characteristic of postmodern and autofiction.
41. Which of the following is most accurately described as a "trauma narrative" in contemporary literature, often associated with a focus on historical atrocities and their lasting psychological impact?
Answer: B) A novel exploring the psychological aftermath of genocide or other mass violence
Trauma narratives, a significant subgenre in contemporary literature, delve into the fragmentation of memory, the difficulty of representation, and the intergenerational effects of traumatic events like the Holocaust, slavery, or civil wars.
42. Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall' and 'Bring Up the Bodies' are historical novels that exemplify:
Answer: B) Postmodern historiographic metafiction
While historically accurate, Mantel's novels are also self-aware of their status as historical reconstructions, offering a psychological depth and speculative insight into the past that is characteristic of historiographic metafiction.
43. The "Unreliable Narrator" is a technique extensively used in postmodern and contemporary fiction. Which of the following authors is particularly known for mastering this technique, often leading to ambiguous and unsettling narratives?
Answer: B) Kazuo Ishiguro
Ishiguro's novels, such as 'The Remains of the Day' and 'An Artist of the Floating World', are prime examples where the narrators' perspectives are subtly or overtly skewed, forcing the reader to question the presented reality.
44. Which of the following critical approaches often examines the ways in which literature constructs and challenges conventional notions of masculinity and femininity?
Answer: C) Gender Studies/Feminist Criticism
These approaches critically analyze the portrayal of gender roles, power dynamics, and the construction of identity in literature, often challenging patriarchal norms.
45. Yann Martel's 'Life of Pi' gained significant attention for its blend of:
Answer: B) Adventure, philosophical inquiry, and meta-narrative ambiguity regarding truth and storytelling
The novel's ending famously presents two versions of events, prompting readers to consider the power of narrative, faith, and the subjective nature of truth.
46. The concept of "Afro-futurism" in contemporary literature and art often explores:
Answer: B) Speculative fiction that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism with Black history and culture
Afrofuturism envisions alternative futures and realities through a Black cultural lens, often addressing themes of race, technology, liberation, and identity, as seen in works by Octavia E. Butler or N.K. Jemisin.
47. Junot Díaz's 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' (2007) is significant for its blending of:
Answer: B) American immigrant experience, Dominican history, science fiction/fantasy tropes, and a unique narrative voice
The novel weaves together the story of a Dominican-American family, the history of the Trujillo dictatorship, and literary/genre references, all delivered through an energetic, often footnoted, voice.
48. The concept of "the archive" in contemporary literary theory (e.g., Foucault, Derrida) refers to:
Answer: B) The entire body of historical records and documents that shape knowledge and discourse
In critical theory, "the archive" is not just a collection of documents but a system that determines what is preserved, remembered, and considered knowledge, thus shaping power relations and historical narratives.
49. Ali Smith's 'How to be both' (2014) is structurally innovative for its:
Answer: B) Two distinct narratives that can be read in either order (beginning with 'George' or 'Francesco')
The novel is printed in two different editions, with the two main narratives (one contemporary, one historical) presented in reverse order, allowing for a multifaceted reading experience and playing with notions of perspective and time.
50. The term "Auto-fiction" prevalent in contemporary literature, refers to:
Answer: B) Fiction that extensively draws on the author's own life experiences but is presented as fiction, blurring autobiography and novel
Auto-fiction, or autofiction, is a genre that combines autobiographical elements with fictional ones, often exploring the author's personal experiences while maintaining a degree of narrative freedom and formal experimentation.
51. Which of the following is a key element of 'splatterpunk,' a subgenre of horror fiction that emerged in the 1980s?
Answer: B) Focus on extreme graphic violence, gore, and transgressive themes
Splatterpunk writers like Clive Barker and Richard Laymon pushed boundaries with explicit depictions of violence and taboo subjects, aiming for a visceral impact.
52. Annie Ernaux, Nobel laureate, is known for her autofictional works that delve into:
Answer: B) Sociological and personal memory, class, and gender roles in French society
Ernaux's work, often blending personal experience with sociological analysis, scrutinizes her own life and experiences as a woman from a working-class background, exploring themes of class mobility, memory, and desire.
53. 'Feminist Science Fiction' is a subgenre that uses speculative elements to:
Answer: B) Explore and critique gender roles, patriarchy, and societal inequalities from a feminist perspective
Authors like Ursula K. Le Guin ('The Left Hand of Darkness') and Joanna Russ ('The Female Man') use sci-fi settings to imagine alternative societies, challenge norms, and explore issues of gender and power.
54. The literary concept of "chrononormativity" examines how:
Answer: B) Societal norms impose particular expectations about age, temporality, and life stages
Coined by Elizabeth Freeman, chrononormativity refers to the ways in which societal forces normalize certain temporal experiences (e.g., getting married by a certain age, linear career progression), often privileging some bodies and experiences over others.
55. George Saunders' 'Lincoln in the Bardo' is innovative for its use of:
Answer: B) A chorus of ghostly voices and fragmented historical accounts to tell a story
The novel is set in a liminal space (the Bardo) where deceased spirits are trapped, and it uses a multi-vocal, collage-like structure, blending historical sources with imagined ghostly dialogues to explore grief and the afterlife.
56. The literary trend known as "New Weird" typically combines elements from:
Answer: B) Fantasy, science fiction, and horror, often with grotesque, unsettling, or alien themes
Authors like China Miéville are associated with New Weird, moving beyond traditional genre boundaries to create fantastical but often disturbing worlds with a strong emphasis on originality and often a rejection of traditional fantasy tropes.
57. Zadie Smith's essay collection 'Feel Free' (2018) exemplifies contemporary non-fiction's engagement with:
Answer: B) Culture, politics, literature, and personal experience in a highly analytical yet accessible manner
Smith's essays demonstrate the breadth of contemporary intellectual inquiry, blending personal observations with astute cultural commentary on topics ranging from social media to jazz music.
58. The phenomenon of "fan fiction" and its growing cultural prominence in contemporary times challenges traditional notions of:
Answer: B) Authorial ownership, originality, and the distinction between professional and amateur writing
Fan fiction involves readers writing their own stories using existing characters and settings, questioning copyright, the role of the author, and the collaborative nature of storytelling in the digital age.
59. Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' combines elements of:
Answer: B) Poetic prose, epistolary novel, and exploration of Vietnamese immigrant experience, trauma, and queer identity
Written as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother, the novel is a lyrical and poignant exploration of family history, the Vietnamese diaspora, and personal identity, often blurring genre lines.
60. The "Anthropocene" as a concept relevant to contemporary literature suggests a focus on:
Answer: B) The profound and irreversible impact of human activity on the Earth's geology and ecosystems
Literature responding to the Anthropocene often explores climate change, ecological degradation, extinction, and humanity's responsibility for shaping the planet, moving beyond purely human-centric narratives.
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