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Modern Literature MCQs for UGC NET English June 2025

Modern Literature MCQs for UGC NET English June 2025

Q No. Question Option A Option B Option C Option D Correct Answer Explanation
1 Which literary movement is often considered the starting point of Modernism? Romanticism Realism Symbolism Naturalism C Symbolism, with its emphasis on subjective experience and the evocative power of language, significantly influenced early Modernist writers.
2 "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot is characterized by its Linear narrative and clear thematic unity Traditional poetic forms and consistent meter Fragmentation, allusiveness, and multiple voices Optimistic tone and celebration of nature C "The Waste Land" is a seminal Modernist poem known for its disjointed structure, extensive literary and mythological allusions, and shifting perspectives.
3 Which novel by James Joyce employs the stream of consciousness technique most extensively? Dubliners A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Ulysses Finnegans Wake C "Ulysses" famously utilizes the stream of consciousness narrative style to depict the inner thoughts and experiences of its characters in minute detail.
4 The Theatre of the Absurd, associated with playwrights like Samuel Beckett and Eugène Ionesco, is characterized by Logical plots and well-developed characters Clear moral messages and social commentary Illogical situations, meaningless dialogue, and existential themes Realistic portrayals of everyday life C The Theatre of the Absurd reflects a belief in the inherent meaninglessness of existence through its unconventional dramatic structures and absurd scenarios.
5 Virginia Woolf's concept of "moments of being" refers to Extended periods of intense emotional experience Brief, luminous instants of heightened perception and understanding Significant historical events that shape individual lives The continuous flow of ordinary consciousness B Woolf explored how these fleeting moments of intense awareness could reveal deeper truths about oneself and the world.
6 Which American poet is known for his imagistic and concise style, often associated with the early Modernist movement? Walt Whitman Ezra Pound Robert Frost Langston Hughes B Ezra Pound was a key figure in the Imagist movement, emphasizing clarity, precision, and economy of language in poetry.
7 The Harlem Renaissance, a significant African American artistic and intellectual movement, primarily flourished during the Early 19th century Late 19th century 1920s and 1930s 1950s and 1960s C The Harlem Renaissance saw a surge of creativity in literature, music, and art within the African American community in Harlem, New York.
8 Bertolt Brecht's epic theatre aimed to Create emotional catharsis in the audience Encourage passive absorption of the dramatic action Promote critical thinking and social awareness Offer escapism and entertainment C Brecht's techniques, such as alienation effect (Verfremdungseffekt), aimed to distance the audience emotionally to encourage intellectual engagement with the social issues presented.
9 Which of the following novels by Joseph Conrad explores themes of colonialism, isolation, and the corrupting influence of power in the Congo? Lord Jim Heart of Darkness Nostromo The Secret Agent B "Heart of Darkness" is a powerful critique of European colonialism and its brutal impact on individuals and societies.
10 The term "lost generation" is often used to describe Victorian writers struggling to adapt to new social norms A group of American writers who came of age during World War I Post-colonial authors grappling with issues of identity Beat poets of the 1950s B Writers like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein, who experienced the disillusionment of World War I, are often associated with this term.
11 What is the significance of the "Wasteland" in T.S. Eliot's poem of the same name? It symbolizes a fertile and hopeful future It represents the spiritual and cultural decay of modern society It is a literal geographical location in London It refers to the beauty of the natural world B The barren landscape of the wasteland reflects the fragmentation, loss of meaning, and spiritual emptiness that Eliot perceived in post-World War I Europe.
12 Which playwright's works are often characterized by long pauses, silences, and a sense of existential angst? Oscar Wilde George Bernard Shaw Samuel Beckett Tennessee Williams C Beckett's plays, such as "Waiting for Godot," are renowned for their minimalist language, repetitive actions, and exploration of the human condition in an absurd universe.
13 D.H. Lawrence's novels often explore themes of Political revolution and social reform The complexities of industrial society Human sexuality, instinct, and the alienation of modern life The idyllic beauty of the English countryside C Lawrence challenged the restrictive social and moral conventions of his time, focusing on the primal aspects of human relationships.
14 The concept of the "objective correlative," used to explain the emotional impact of poetry, is associated with which critic? Northrop Frye I.A. Richards T.S. Eliot Cleanth Brooks C Eliot argued that emotions in poetry should be evoked through a set of objects, a situation, or a chain of events that serve as a formula for that particular emotion.
15 Which novel by Virginia Woolf tells the story of Clarissa Dalloway's day and explores themes of memory, time, and the inner lives of individuals? To the Lighthouse Mrs. Dalloway Orlando A Room of One's Own B "Mrs. Dalloway" is a prime example of Woolf's modernist narrative style, focusing on the subjective experiences and interconnectedness of characters within a single day.
16 The "well-made play," a popular dramatic form in the late 19th century, is often seen as being challenged by the innovations of which modern playwright? Henrik Ibsen Arthur Miller Eugene O'Neill Tennessee Williams A Ibsen's realistic and often controversial plays, such as "A Doll's House," broke away from the formulaic structure and predictable resolutions of the well-made play.
17 Langston Hughes was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, known for his poetry that often Emphasized formal poetic structures and traditional themes Celebrated African American culture, music (especially jazz and blues), and the experiences of Black Americans Focused on abstract philosophical ideas and intellectual debates Adopted a detached and ironic perspective on social issues B Hughes's work gave voice to the joys, struggles, and cultural richness of the African American community.
18 Which of the following is NOT a characteristic typically associated with Modernist literature? Experimentation with form and style A rejection of traditional values and beliefs A focus on the inner lives and subjective experiences of characters A clear and omniscient narrative voice D Modernist writers often employed fragmented narratives, multiple perspectives, and unreliable narrators to reflect the complexities of modern experience.
19 The concept of "negative capability," the ability to exist in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact & reason," is associated with which Romantic poet, whose ideas influenced later Modernist writers? William Wordsworth Samuel Taylor Coleridge John Keats Lord Byron C While a Romantic concept, Keats's idea of negative capability resonated with Modernist writers who explored ambiguity and the limitations of human understanding.
20 Which of the following novels by E.M. Forster explores the complexities of relationships between individuals from different social and cultural backgrounds in India during the British Raj? A Passage to India Howards End A Room with a View Maurice A "A Passage to India" delves into themes of colonialism, prejudice, and the challenges of cross-cultural understanding.
21 The term "alienation effect" (Verfremdungseffekt) in Bertolt Brecht's theatre aims to Create a sense of empathy and identification with the characters Encourage the audience to emotionally invest in the plot Disturb the audience's sense of realism and promote critical reflection Provide a purely escapist and entertaining experience C Brecht used techniques like direct address to the audience, episodic structure, and placards to prevent emotional immersion and foster intellectual engagement.
22 Which Irish writer is known for his experimental novels that often play with language, history, and myth, such as "Finnegans Wake"? W.B. Yeats James Joyce Samuel Beckett Seamus Heaney B Joyce's later works, particularly "Finnegans Wake," pushed the boundaries of language and narrative structure to an unprecedented degree.
23 The "New Woman" in late 19th and early 20th-century literature often represented A traditional figure focused on domesticity and motherhood An educated, independent woman challenging patriarchal norms A romantic heroine seeking marriage and social status A passive and submissive character in male-dominated narratives B Writers like Virginia Woolf and Henrik Ibsen explored the aspirations and struggles of women seeking greater autonomy and intellectual fulfillment.
24 Which of the following poems by W.B. Yeats reflects his mystical and symbolic interests, often drawing from Irish mythology and folklore? "The Second Coming" "Sailing to Byzantium" "Easter, 1916" "Leda and the Swan" B "Sailing to Byzantium" uses the image of the ancient city as a symbol of artistic and spiritual transcendence.
25 The concept of the "absurd" in literature and philosophy emphasizes The inherent rationality and order of the universe The harmonious relationship between humanity and nature The conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the universe's apparent meaninglessness The potential for human progress and social improvement C Writers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre explored the implications of this fundamental conflict in their works.
26 Which American playwright is known for his intense, psychologically charged dramas that often explore themes of family dysfunction and the American Dream, such as "Death of a Salesman"? Eugene O'Neill Tennessee Williams Arthur Miller Edward Albee C Miller's plays frequently critique societal pressures and the disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of success.
27 The stream of consciousness narrative technique aims to represent A chronological and objective account of events The unfiltered flow of a character's thoughts, feelings, and perceptions A detached and analytical perspective on the narrative Dialogue and external actions without delving into inner thoughts B This technique often involves fragmented sentences, free associations, and a lack of traditional punctuation.
28 Which of the following novels by Joseph Conrad explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of moral choices in a maritime setting? Typhoon Lord Jim The Secret Sharer Victory B "Lord Jim" follows the journey of a young seaman grappling with the consequences of a moment of cowardice.
29 The Imagist movement in poetry, which influenced early Modernism, emphasized Long, narrative poems with elaborate descriptions Emotional expression and subjective feelings Clear, precise language and vivid sensory images Traditional poetic forms and rhyme schemes C Key figures like Ezra Pound and H.D. advocated for a poetry of hard, clear images.
30 Virginia Woolf's essay "A Room of One's Own" argues for The importance of traditional education for women The necessity of financial independence and personal space for women writers The superiority of male writers over female writers The confinement of women to the domestic sphere B Woolf asserted that "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction."
31 Which playwright is known for his poetic dramas that often explore themes of memory, illusion, and the fragility of human relationships, such as "The Glass Menagerie"? Eugene O'Neill Tennessee Williams Arthur Miller Edward Albee B Williams's plays are characterized by their lyrical language and sensitive portrayal of marginalized characters.
32 "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot is notable for its Heroic and confident speaker Straightforward and unambiguous language Themes of alienation, indecision, and social anxiety Celebration of romantic love and fulfillment C Prufrock's internal monologue reveals his feelings of isolation and his inability to connect with others.
33 Which novel by James Joyce tells the story of Stephen Dedalus's intellectual and artistic development? Dubliners A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Ulysses Finnegans Wake B This semi-autobiographical novel traces Stephen's journey from childhood to his decision to leave Ireland and pursue his artistic vocation.
34 The Theatre of Cruelty, associated with Antonin Artaud, aimed to Create a comfortable and familiar theatrical experience Appeal primarily to the intellectual sensibilities of the audience Shock the audience out of complacency and provoke visceral reactions Maintain traditional theatrical conventions and decorum C Artaud believed that theatre should be a transformative and even violent experience for both performers and audience.
35 Which of the following is a key characteristic of Postmodern literature? A strong belief in objective truth and universal meaning A clear distinction between high and low culture Fragmentation, metafiction, irony, and the questioning of grand narratives A straightforward and realistic representation of reality C Postmodernism often self-consciously reflects on its own construction and challenges traditional notions of authorship and interpretation.
36 Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is a significant work in postcolonial literature because it Celebrates the positive aspects of European colonialism in Africa Presents a Western perspective on African culture and society Depicts the impact of colonialism on traditional Igbo society from an African viewpoint Focuses solely on the personal struggles of individual characters, ignoring the broader historical context C Achebe's novel offers a powerful and nuanced portrayal of pre-colonial Igbo life and the disruptive effects of European intervention.
37 The Beat Generation, a literary movement of the 1950s, is known for its Emphasis on traditional poetic forms and academic discourse Rejection of mainstream American values and experimentation with drugs, jazz, and Eastern philosophies Focus on political activism and social reform through conventional means Celebration of suburban life and conformity B Writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg expressed their counter-cultural attitudes in their unconventional and often improvisational works.
38 Which of the following novels by Salman Rushdie blends magical realism with historical fiction to explore themes of identity, migration, and postcolonial India? Midnight's Children The Satanic Verses Haroun and the Sea of Stories Joseph Anton A "Midnight's Children" tells the story of children born at the moment of India's independence who possess magical powers, weaving together personal narratives and national history.
39 The concept of "intertextuality" in literary theory refers to The relationship between a text and its author's biography The connections and references between different texts The historical and social context in which a text is produced The formal elements and structure of a text B Intertextuality highlights how texts are in dialogue with other texts, shaping their meaning and interpretation.
40 Which African playwright is known for his works that often blend Yoruba mythology, traditional African theatre, and Western dramatic forms, such as "Death and the King's Horseman"? Wole Soyinka Ngugi wa Thiong'o Athol Fugard Ama Ata Aidoo A Soyinka's plays explore the complexities of cultural identity and the clash between tradition and modernity in postcolonial Africa.
41 The term "metafiction" refers to Fiction that adheres strictly to realistic conventions Fiction that is primarily concerned with historical events Fiction that self-consciously draws attention to its own fictionality and narrative devices Fiction written in verse rather than prose C Metafictional works often break the fourth wall, comment on the act of storytelling, or feature narrators who are aware they are in a work of fiction.
42 Which of the following poems by Sylvia Plath is known for its intense emotionality, confessional style, and exploration of themes like death and female identity? "Daddy" "The Colossus" "Morning Song" "Mirror" A "Daddy" is a powerful and controversial poem that explores Plath's complex relationship with her deceased father.
43 Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a seminal work of Realism Naturalism Magical Realism Surrealism C The novel seamlessly blends realistic events with fantastical elements, creating a unique and captivating narrative world.
44 The Angry Young Men, a group of British writers in the 1950s, were known for their Conservative political views and traditional literary styles Expression of disillusionment with post-war British society and its class system Celebration of aristocratic values and the British Empire Focus on escapist themes and romantic narratives B Writers like Kingsley Amis and John Osborne often featured working-class protagonists who challenged the established social order.
45 Which of the following novels by Toni Morrison explores the devastating impact of slavery and racism on the lives of African American women? Beloved Song of Solomon The Bluest Eye Sula A "Beloved" is a haunting and powerful story about the legacy of slavery and its psychological trauma.
46 Postcolonial literature often deals with themes of The glorification of colonial powers and their achievements Nostalgia for the pre-colonial past without acknowledging its complexities Identity, displacement, cultural hybridity, and the legacy of colonialism The complete assimilation of former colonies into Western cultures C This body of literature explores the diverse experiences and perspectives of people living in the aftermath of colonial rule.
47 The concept of "gynocriticism," associated with Elaine Showalter, focuses on Analyzing female characters within male-authored texts Developing a specifically female framework for literary analysis and the study of women writers Applying psychoanalytic theory to the study of gender in literature Examining the portrayal of masculinity in women's writing B Gynocriticism seeks to understand women's writing on its own terms, rather than through male-centered literary models.
48 Which contemporary writer is known for her speculative fiction that often explores themes of gender, power, and environmentalism, such as "The Handmaid's Tale"? Margaret Atwood Alice Munro Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie J.M. Coetzee A Atwood's dystopian novels often serve as cautionary tales about the potential dangers of social and political extremism.
49 The term "magic realism" is often used to describe literature that Focuses solely on fantastical and supernatural events Presents a completely realistic portrayal of everyday life Integrates magical or fantastical elements into an otherwise realistic setting Adheres strictly to the conventions of traditional folklore and fairy tales C Writers like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende are prominent figures in this literary mode.
50 Which of the following is NOT generally considered a major characteristic of Modernist poetry? Experimentation with form and free verse A focus on urban life and industrialization The use of symbolism and imagery to convey meaning A consistent adherence to traditional rhyme schemes and meter D Modernist poets often broke away from traditional poetic structures to find new ways of expressing the complexities of modern experience.