MH SET Paper 2 Mock Test - 4 (English) - MAHA TET MCQ

The correct answer is 'The transience of human life'.

 Key Points

• Tennyson's "Break, Break, Break" is a meditation on the transience of human life and the inevitability of death.
• The speaker reflects on the death of his beloved and the realization that all things must eventually pass away.
• The poem is full of images of the sea, which is a symbol of the vastness and mystery of life and death.
• Tennyson's "Break, Break, Break" also explores the themes of grief and longing.
• The speaker's repeated use of the word "break" emphasizes the sense of fragmentation and loss.
• The poem is written in a simple, yet evocative style, which contributes to its emotional impact.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Additional Information

• The poem is also known for its use of assonance and alliteration, which create a sense of rhythm and flow. 

A Vision: An Explanation of Life Founded upon the Writings of Giraldus and upon Certain Doctrines Attributed to Kusta Ben Luka, privately published in 1925, was a book-length study of various philosophical, historical, astrological, and poetic topics by the Irish poet William Butler Yeats. Yeats wrote this work while experimenting with automatic writing with his wife Georgie Hyde-Lees. It serves as a meditation on the relationships between imagination, history, and the occult. 

The correct answer is 'Bhasa'.

Key Points

• "Swapnavasavadattam" is an early Sanskrit drama attributed to Bhasa. It tells the story of king Udayana and his queen Vasavadatta.
• Kalidasa, another significant figure in ancient Indian literature, is known for his works like "Abhijnanasakuntalam" and "Meghadutam" but didn't write "Swapnavasavadattam".
• Shudraka is credited with the play "Mricchakatika", and Vishakhadatta is known for "Mudrarakshasa", neither of them wrote "Swapnavasavadattam".

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

The correct answer is 'It disregards the intricate structure and unity of the poem.'

Key Points

• Cleanth Brooks, a prominent figure in the New Criticism movement, argues against the simplification of poetry through paraphrase, highlighting how this practice can miss the inherent complexity of poetic works.
• He asserts that a poem's meaning cannot be divorced from its form; the structure, rhythm, imagery, and word choice all contribute to its overall significance and emotional impact.
• Paraphrasing a poem into prose, according to Brooks, strips it of its poetic qualities and unity, reducing a multifaceted work to a mere summary of its content.
• Brooks emphasizes the integral unity of form and content within poetry, arguing that the unique arrangement of words and the specific choices made by the poet are essential to the poem's meaning.
• He suggests that the act of paraphrasing fails to capture the nuances and subtleties that give a poem its depth and resonance, effectively flattening the rich texture of the original work.
• For Brooks, the beauty and power of poetry lie in its ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in an inseparable blend of content and form, a quality that paraphrasing inherently undermines.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Additional Information

• Option 1: Incorrect because Brooks's argument centers not on the author's intention but on how paraphrasing fails to capture the poem's formal qualities.
• Option 3: Incorrect as Brooks does not limit his critique to aesthetic aspects; he focuses on the structural and interpretative aspects of poetry.
• Option 4: Incorrect because Brooks believes paraphrasing diminishes, rather than enhances, understanding by ignoring the poem's formal complexity.

The error of interpreting a literary work by referring to evidence outside of itself, such as the design and purpose of the author is called Intentional fallacy.

'Intentional fallacy' is a term used in 20th-century literary criticism to describe the problem involved in trying to assess a work of art by assuming the intent or purpose of the artist who created it. The idea was introduced by W.K. Wimsatt, Jr., and Monroe C. Beardsley in The Verbal Icon (1954).

There are two integral parts to a play script: the lines, and the stage directions. Whereas the former indicates what the actor is to "say" on stage, the latter indicates what the performer must "do". Often appearing as italics in the script, stage directions are in integral element of live theatre, existing entirely to serve the cast and crew as instructions for the live production.

Nissim Ezekiel - Hymns in Darkness, Kamala Das - The Sirens,

 R. Parthasarthy -- Rough passage ,A. K. Ramanujan -  The Striders

The correct answer is 'The priest's struggle to reconcile his religious beliefs with the harsh realities of the world he lives in.'

Key Points

• The central conflict of the novel is the priest's struggle to reconcile his religious beliefs with the harsh realities of the world he lives in.
• The priest is torn between his commitment to his faith and the challenges he faces in a society that is hostile to religion.
• He grapples with doubts and temptations, questioning the existence of God and the efficacy of his own ministry.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Additional Information

• Option 1: While the priest does struggle to maintain his faith, this is not the central conflict of the novel.
• Option 2: The priest's conflict with the authorities is a significant aspect of the novel, but it is not the central conflict.
• Option 3: The priest's inner turmoil is explored in the novel, but it is not the primary focus.

The correct answer is Dubliners.Key Points

• Dubliners is a collection of fifteen short stories by James Joyce, first published in 1914.
• It presents a naturalistic depiction of Irish middle class life in and around Dublin in the early years of the 20th century.
• Joyce's intention in writing Dubliners, in his own words, was to write a chapter of the moral history of his country.
• The concluding and the most famous story in Dubliners, 'The Dead' is the longest, and qualifies almost as a 'novella' as much as a short story.

Therefore, 'option 2' is the correct answer. Additional Information

• James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was an Irish novelist, poet and literary critic.
• He contributed to the modernist avant-garde movement and is regarded as one of the most influential and important writers of the 20th century.
• For Joyce's three major themes in Dubliners are paralysis, corruption, and death.

Lyrical Ballads, with a Few Other Poems is a collection of poems by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, first published in 1798 and generally considered to have marked the beginning of the English Romantic movement in literature.The immediate effect on critics was modest, but it became and remains a landmark, changing the course of English literature and poetry.

The correct answer is "a - III, b - IV, c - I, d - II".

Key Points

• "The Death of the Author" is a 1967 article by Roland Barthes, a French literary critic and theorist.
  • Barthes' essay criticizes the traditional literary criticism approach of depending on an author's intentions and biography to definitively explain the "ultimate meaning" of a text.
• "On the Knocking at the Gate in Macbeth" is a Shakespearean criticism article written by English author Thomas De Quincey, originally published in The London Magazine in October 1823.
• Francis Bacon's article Of Friendship highlighted the intimacy between friends that are subjected to both prosperity and hardship without succumbing to clouds of doubt and jealousy.
  • Toby Matthew, his friend, requested that he write the essay.
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak's essay "Can the Subaltern Speak?" transformed the analysis of colonialism through an eloquent and uncompromising argument that affirmed Marxism's contemporary relevance while employing deconstructionist methods to investigate the international division of labour and capitalism's "worlding" of the world.
  • Spivak's essay focuses on the historical and ideological forces that prevent persons on the periphery from being heard.
  • It is a thorough examination of what it means to be a political subject, to have access to the state, and to bear the burden of difference in a capitalist system that promises equality but withholds it at every turn.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

The correct answer is 'Through the transformative relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy'.

Key Points

• Austen employs irony in Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s relationship by initially presenting seemingly insurmountable misunderstandings and differences, only to reveal how these obstacles lead to a deeper knowledge and love.
• The progression of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s relationship from mutual misunderstandings and prejudice to eventual marriage underscores the ironic overturning of the notion that less knowledge is preferable in marriage.
• The eventual happiness and understanding shared between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy refute the idea posited in the quote by demonstrating that true felicity in marriage can stem from deep mutual comprehension and growth beyond initial defects.
• The irony in their relationship development also serves to critique societal expectations of marriage, challenging the reader's assumptions about love and compatibility.
• Austen's narrative strategy employs the irony of their evolving relationship to highlight the importance of knowledge, communication, and transformation within a successful marriage, opposing the sentiment that ignorance is bliss in matrimonial matters.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Additional Information

• Option 1 ('Through the successful marriage of Lydia and Wickham') is ironic for different reasons, largely showcasing the potential pitfalls of ignorance in marriage rather than challenging the quote’s perspective positively.
• Option 2 ('By highlighting the happiness of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's marriage') employs irony in depicting their marriage but underscores the complications stemming from a lack of understanding, rather than challenging the quote’s viewpoint.
• Option 4 ('By the financial stability brought to Charlotte by her marriage') illustrates pragmatic considerations over romantic ones, aligning more closely with the sentiment of the quote rather than challenging it.

The correct answer is 'Elizabeth Bennet'.

Key Points

• Elizabeth Bennet's journey in the novel illustrates the value of understanding and overcoming initial prejudices and misconceptions, leading to a deeper connection and eventual marriage with Mr. Darcy, based on mutual respect and love.
• Her initial dislike and misunderstanding of Mr. Darcy's character are transformed as she learns more about his true nature, including his virtues and flaws, indicating the importance of understanding one's partner.
• Her evolving relationship with Mr. Darcy underscores the theme that deeper knowledge of each other's character, including defects, is crucial for a fulfilling relationship.
• The realizations Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy reach about their own and each other's characters highlight the growth and self-awareness required for a successful and happy marriage, directly challenging the quote's claim.
• Her experiences demonstrate that understanding and acceptance of each other's faults can strengthen a relationship, leading to genuine happiness in marriage.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'.

Additional Information

• Lydia Bennet, option 1, experiences a rash marriage that underscores the perils of ignorance rather than promoting understanding.
• Jane Bennet, option 2, also undergoes relationship developments, but her storyline does not as directly counter the quote's notion as Elizabeth's does.
• Mr. Darcy, option 3, complements Elizabeth’s transformation but as a character does not individually symbolize the contradiction to the philosophy stated in the quote.

The correct answer is 'The critique of marriage as a social institution'.

Key Points

• The quote captures Austen's critique of marriage as a social institution, highlighting the skepticism around the notion that prior knowledge of one's partner ensures marital happiness.
• By suggesting happiness in marriage is "entirely a matter of chance," the novel critiques the societal pressures that prioritize economic and social gains over genuine compatibility and affection in marriage.
• The quote underscores the tension between romantic ideals and the pragmatic considerations that often govern matrimonial alliances, particularly for women during the Regency period.
• Austen uses the characters and their various approaches to marriage to explore and critique the institution's limitations, suggesting that the societal construct often fails to guarantee personal fulfillment and happiness.
• The acceptance of matrimonial dissatisfaction as a common outcome instead of the exception reflects a broader critique of how marriages were negotiated and perceived within the societal framework of her time.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 4'

Additional Information

• Option 1 ('The importance of social class') is a pervasive theme but does not directly relate to the quote’s emphasis on chance and happiness.
• Option 2 ('The role of chance in human affairs') partially intersects with the theme but is not primarily critiqued in this context.
• Option 3 ('The evolution of romantic relationships') is explored in the novel, but the quote specifically critiques marital institutions rather than focusing on romance’s development.

The correct answer is 'Charlotte Lucas'.

Key Points

• Charlotte Lucas's marriage to Mr. Collins is a practical arrangement rather than a romantic union, demonstrating her belief that happiness in marriage is not guaranteed but might be a fortunate occurrence.
• Her decision to marry Mr. Collins, despite not being in love with him, underscores her pragmatic view of marriage as a social contract rather than an emotional bond.
• Charlotte articulates a similar sentiment to Elizabeth, suggesting that it might be better for couples not to know each other too well before marrying, aligning with the quote's philosophy.
• Her perspective represents a common attitude towards marriage in the Regency era, where security and social standing often took precedence over romantic love.
• Charlotte's contentment in managing her household and her pragmatic approach towards her marriage with Mr. Collins illustrate her navigation of the limited choices available to women in her social context, embodying the notion that marital happiness is coincidental.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Additional Information

• Elizabeth Bennet, option 1, often challenges societal norms and values love in her view of marriage.
• Mr. Bennet, option 2, provides commentary on marriage but does not actively embody the quote's viewpoint.
• Lady Catherine de Bourgh, option 4, advocates for social class and advantageous marriages but does not represent this philosophy directly.

The correct answer is 'Political Indoctrination.'

 Key Points

• "Final Solutions" delves into the theme of political indoctrination, particularly the manipulation of religious identity for political purposes.
• Dattani explores how individuals and communities become pawns in the political chessboard, leading to communal tensions.
• The characters grapple with external forces that exploit religious differences to further their political agendas.
• The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangerous consequences of political manipulation based on religious identity.
• Through nuanced character interactions, Dattani highlights the insidious impact of political indoctrination on societal harmony.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3.'

 Additional Information

• Intergenerational Conflict: While societal conflicts are present, the central focus is on political indoctrination.
• Cultural Assimilation: While cultural themes may be explored, the primary thematic undercurrent is political indoctrination.
• Social Alienation: Social alienation may be a consequence, but the root cause explored is political indoctrination.

The correct answer is Francesco Petrarch.

Key Points

• Petrarch laid the foundation of Renaissance humanism through his writings and came to be known as the "Father of Humanism".
• Petrarch was an Italian poet who was prominent during 1304-1374 CE.
• Erasmus was a Dutch Renaissance Humanist, Catholic priest, social critic, teacher, and theologian known as the “Prince of the Humanists” for his influential scholarship and writings.
• In The Handbook of the Christian Soldier, Erasmus outlines the views of the normal Christian life.

Therefore the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good. 

Samuel Coleridge died in Highgate, London, United Kingdom.

Samuel Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher and theologian who, with his friend William Wordsworth, was a founder of the Romantic Movement in England and a member of the Lake Poets. He also shared volumes and collaborated with Charles Lamb, Robert Southey and Charles Lloyd.

The correct answer is 'Alliteration.'

Key Points

• Ezekiel employs alliteration prominently in "Night of the Scorpion."
• The repetition of consonant sounds enhances the rhythmic quality of the poem.
• Alliteration contributes to the creation of a vivid and immersive atmosphere in the poem.
• It adds a musical quality to the verses, emphasizing the emotional impact of the narrative.
• The use of alliteration helps convey the intensity of the night and the events surrounding the scorpion sting.
• Ezekiel's skillful use of alliteration contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the poem.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 1.'

Additional Information

• Enjambment: While present, enjambment is not the primary poetic device in focus; alliteration takes precedence.
• Symbolism: The poem does use symbolism, but alliteration is the more dominant poetic device.
• Oxymoron: The poem does not rely heavily on oxymorons, making alliteration a more noteworthy poetic device.

The correct answer is 'The exploration of intellectual and emotional dissonance.'

Key Points

• "Point Counter Point," published in 1928, is known for its rich character ensemble, through which Huxley explores a range of philosophical, scientific, and social ideas, reflecting the intellectual and emotional conflicts of the time.
• The novel employs a contrapuntal structure akin to a musical composition, where multiple characters' viewpoints and narratives intertwine, highlighting the dissonance between intellect and emotion, as well as between differing societal viewpoints.
• Characters such as Walter Bidlake, Marjorie Carling, and John Beavis are used to examine themes like the disconnection between love and physical desire, the search for spiritual meaning in a secular world, and the conflict between individual impulses and societal expectations.
• Huxley critically portrays the intellectual elite's discussions and debates as often disconnected from the emotional realities and hardships of the everyday lives of the working class.
• The book delves into the limitations of rational thought and the struggle for authentic human connection in a fragmented modern society.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Additional Information

• Option 1 is incorrect because the novel largely focuses on social and intellectual themes rather than the aesthetics of nature.
• Option 2, though Huxley explores the impact of science, the novel's primary theme is not centered on technology's societal impacts.
• Option 4 misinterprets the novel's focus, which is more on existential and philosophical debates than on the role of art.

The correct answer is " (i- b), (ii- c), (iii- d), (iv- a) ".

Key Points

•  The given works are critical works by the respective authors.
• 'Ars Poetica' is a poem by Horace. The poem is a critical work that deals with function and nature of poetry. Horace talks about three major part poesis (subject matter), poema (form), and poeta (the poet). 
• ​'Poetics' is a critical work on dramatic theory by Aristotle that discusses in details the structure of verse drama. 
• 'Institutio Oratorio' is a twelve volume-work by Quintillian that deals with the practice of rhetoric.
• 'Timber; or Discoveries' by Ben Jonson is a critique on the dramatic practice of his contemporary times.

Therefore the correct answer is "option 2". 

Additional Information

•  Horace was a Roman lyric poet during the time of Roman King Augustus. His notable works are 'Epistles', 'Epodes' and odes.
• Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and a student of Plato. He is the founder of Peripatetic School of philosophy. 
• Marcus Fabius Quintilianus or Quintillian was a Roman educator from Hispania. His works contributed to the education of his time and he also worked as an educator of Roman King Domitian.
• Ben Jonson was an English playwright and satirist during the Jacobean period. He popularized the genre comedy of humors. Some of his notable works are 'Volpone', 'Every Man in His Humor'. 

The correct answer is 'A Witness.'

 Key Points

• Miss Leela Benare is a pivotal character who functions as a witness in the courtroom drama.
• Her testimony becomes a catalyst for intense courtroom interactions and exposes societal prejudices.
• Tendulkar uses Benare's character to shed light on societal norms and expectations placed on women.
• As a witness, Benare challenges the traditional role assigned to women in society.
• Her character serves as a vehicle for Tendulkar to critique and question established gender norms.
• The interactions surrounding Miss Leela Benare contribute significantly to the play's exploration of social and gender dynamics.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2.'

 Additional Information

• A Prosecutor: The primary prosecuting role is held by the character of Public Prosecutor.
• A Judge: The role of the judge is distinct from that of a witness and is not played by Miss Leela Benare.
• A Journalist: While media and journalists may be mentioned, Miss Leela Benare primarily serves as a witness rather than a journalist.

Sahitya academy award winner, R. K. Narayana is one of the greatest novelists of Indian English Literature. The Man-Eater of Malgudi is one of those eminent novels he set in his fictional town malgudi. The story is about Natraj, a printer and his peaceful life which is disturbed with the entry of Vasu, a taxidermist in Malgudi. He came here in search of wildlife near Mempi Hills and start to live as a tenant in the upper storey of Natraja’s printing press. Vasu infringes on Nataraj’s life, plunders wildlife from Mempi hills and originates stench in the neighborhood through his malpractice of collecting dead animals in his room.

The title of the novel used by the narrator, Natraj for Vasu, a mighty man who destroy the peace of Malgudi, shot a number of wild animals and also killed himself in mysterious circumstances. The suspense of his death disclosed in the end that he attempt to crush a mosquito sitting on his forehead and injured one of his nerves with his powerful fist and died instantaneously. So Narayana applies the Bhasmasura myth in the novel to show that evil is self-disastrous.

Harold Bloom  is an American literary critic and Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University.Since the publication of his first book in 1959, Bloom has written more than forty books, including twenty books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and a novel. He has edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages.

The correct answer is ''3''.

Key Points

• The novel "Man-Eaters of Malgudi" was written by novelist R. K. Narayan and published in 1961.
• The story centers on the character of Nataraj, an Indian publisher who resides in the fictional town of Malgudi in the southern region of his country. 

​Therefore, Option 3 is the correct answer.

Additional Information

• The novel "Fire  on the Mountain" was written by Anita Desai in the year 1988, which is a different version of history that depicts the realm as it might have been.
• The novel "The Interpreter of Maladies" was written by Jhumpa Lahiri in the year 1999, which is a collection of nine short stories.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e Amitav Ghosh - The White Tiger.

Key Points

• ​Looking at the above options we find that:
  • All the books and authors are matched correctly except for the last one.
  • The book "The White Tiger" is written by Aravind Adiga and not by Amitav Ghosh.
  • The other options are all correctly matched, thus only option 4 is wrongly matched. 
• Hence the correct answer is Option 4 i.e Amitav Ghosh - The White Tigers as it is the wrongly matched pair. 

The correct answer is 'Excessive use of comedy'.

Key Points

• Samuel Johnson critiqued Shakespeare's tendency to intersperse comedic elements within his tragedies, a practice Johnson believed diluted the tragic impact and solemnity crucial to the genre.
• Johnson argued that the presence of comedy within a tragedy can disrupt the emotional trajectory and catharsis that audiences are meant to experience, leading to a mixed tonal experience that can detract from the work's overall gravitas.
• He maintained that while comedy has its place, its incorporation into tragedies risks undercutting the tension, pathos, and moral seriousness intended by such narratives.
• This criticism underscores Johnson's adherence to more classical notions of literary forms, where clear boundaries between genres are maintained to preserve their distinct effects and purposes.
• Johnson's view reflects broader 18th-century literary sensibilities, which favored more rigid genre distinctions compared to the more fluid genre conventions of the Elizabethan era, during which Shakespeare wrote.
• Ultimately, Johnson's critique of Shakespeare's use of comedy within tragedies is indicative of his broader concerns about maintaining the integrity and emotional purity of tragic narrative forms.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

Additional Information

• "Excessive use of prose" is not specifically what Johnson criticized; his concerns were more with the structural decisions about genre blending rather than stylistic choices.
• "Introduction of minor characters" was often seen as enriching the narrative tapestry rather than undermining the solemnity of tragedies.
• "Overemphasis on tragic flaws" was not the focal point of Johnson's critique regarding the blending of comedic elements in tragedies.

The Legend of Good Women is one of the longest creations, in the form of a dream vision by Geoffrey Chaucer. The work remained incomplete as the poet recounts ten stories of virtuous women in nine sections but only nine legends could have completed originally.

The legends are: Cleopatra, Thisbe, Dido, Hypsipyle, Medea, Lucrece, Ariadne, Philomela, Phyllis and Hypermnestra. Many of these love stories end with the suicide of the female resulting either from a broken heart at losing their true love or a broken heart at being seduced and abandoned.

The Cantos of Ezra Pound A Poem Including History 223. 26. Henri Labrouste. ... “Malatesta Cantos” identified as the "Watson Typescript" because it was sent ...Ezra Pound's critical approach to poetry, especially in .... identify the weakness and hypocrisy of a program that is necessarily ..... definition of an epic as a “poem including history” or “poem containing history” is.

The correct answer is ‘Gender identity'

Key Points

• In Mahesh Dattani's play "Bravely Fought the Queen," the central theme revolves around gender identity and societal expectations.
• The play explores the complexities of gender roles and expectations imposed by society.
• The narrative follows the life of a transgender protagonist, challenging traditional norms and prejudices.
• Mahesh Dattani is known for addressing contemporary social issues, including those related to gender and identity.
• "Bravely Fought the Queen" contributes to the discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and challenges stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 2'.

Additional Information

• Option 1: While caste discrimination may be addressed in other plays, it is not the central theme of "Bravely Fought the Queen."
• Option 3: Communal tension is not the primary focus of this play.
• Option 4: LGBTQ+ rights is the correct theme addressed in "Bravely Fought the Queen."