XII 4.1 History of Novel - MCQs with answer Key

1.      What does the word ‘novella’ originally mean?
A) Epic story
B) New
C) Short poem
D) Novelty in the idea

2.      A ‘novella’ is...
A) Longer than a novel
B) Shorter than a short story
C) Shorter than a novel
D) The same as a novel

3.      A ‘novella’ typically focuses on
A) Multiple plot lines
B) One incident and a couple of characters
C) Entire life of the protagonist
D) Random events in life

4.      The style of a novel refers to author’s
A) Setting
B) Language and techniques
C) Plot structure
D) Thematic content

5.      An author’s style affects
A) the incidents in the plot
B) Texture of narration
C) Number of characters
D) Title of the novel

6.      ‘Stream-of-consciousness’ narration is
A) Third-person objective
B) discussion with the therapist
C) Flow of a character’s thoughts
D) traditional storytelling technique

7.      Who coined the term, “stream of consciousness”?
A) Sigmund Freud
B) William Wordsworth
C) William James
D) Virginia Woolf

8.      Allegorical novel has …
A) Artificial characters
B) Symbolic meaning
C) Flashbacks of the characters
D) Direct speech narration

9.      Psychological novel treats ...
A) Internal thoughts of the characters
B) Internal and external factors related to characters
C) Illusions seen by the characters
D) Suspense around the characters

10.  Epistolary novels use
A) Stream of consciousness narratives
B) Letters or diary entries
C) Dream sequences of characters
D) Mythological references

11.  The term “epistolary” comes from
A) Greek word, “epistic”
B) Latin word, “epistola”
C) French word, “epistol”
D) German word, “epiostoidth”

12.  Autobiographical novels are
A) Non-fictional details of author’s life
B) Possible future life of the author
C) Based on author’s life with fictional elements
D) Highlights of the past

13.  Gothic novels highlight
A) History and culture
B) Horror, mystery & supernatural elements
C) Traveling experiences of the auther
D) Tragic incidents from the past

14.  Typical elements of Gothic novels include
A) Space travel and futuristic life
B) Haunted castles, ghosts & decay
C) Science experiments and inventions
D) Political battles between countries

15.  Utopian/Dystopian novels depict
A) Ideal or nightmarish societies
B) Mythological and historical romance
C) Children's bedtime stories
D) Wartime stories

16.  The English novel emerged in the
A) 16^th century
B) 18^th century
C) 20^th century
D) 15^th century

17.  Which of the following literary genres emerged in the 18th century?
A) Gothic stories
B) Periodical essays
C) Epic drama
D) Science fiction

18.  The origins of the genre, ‘novel’ lay in
A) Songs of the ancient cultures
B) Greek romances of 2^nd & 6^th century
C) Mythological stories
D) Dramas of the Elizabethan period

19.  Which of the following is not a part of novel’s elements?
A) Setting
B) Dialogue
C) Characters
D) Theme

20.  Plot is created by the ...
A) thoughts of the character
B) internal and external conflicts
C) general events happening around us
D) suspense in life

21.  Internal conflict in novel is...
A) character’s fight with negative elements
B) inside the mind of the character
C) natural thought process of the character
D) internal issues of a country

22.  External conflict involves
A) Thought processes of the characters
B) Other characters or external forces
C) extra-terrestrial animals
D) Flashbacks

23.  Setting includes all EXCEPT:
A) Place
B) Climate
C) Time
D) Conflict

24.  The first English novel written by an Indian was ...
A) Passage to India
B) Rajmohan’s Wife
C) Jungle book
D) Raja Ram Mohan Rai

25.  Author of “Rajmohan’s Wife” was ...
A) Sarojini Naidu
B) Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya
C) R.K. Narayan
D) Raja Rao

26.  Indian English novelists of the earliest generation include
A) Mulkraj Anand & R.K. Narayan
B) Salman Rushdie & V. S. Naipaul
C) Kiran Desai & Kiran Nagarkar
D) Anita Desai & Nayantara Sahgal

27.  Recent contributors to Indian English novel:
A) Arvind Adiga & Kiran Desai
B) Mulkaraj Anand & Raja Rao
C) Anita Desai & Arun Joshi
D) V. S. Naipaul & Bankim Chandra Chatopadhyay

28.  Match: Murasaki Shikibu
A) Don Quixote
B) Tale of Genji
C) Rajmohan’s Wife
D) Chinese

29.  Match: Don Quixote
A) Miguel de Cervantes
B) Michel Engello
C) French
D) Italian

30.  Match: Rajmohan’s Wife
A) Mulkaraj Anand
B) Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya
C) Raja Rao
D) Anita Desai

31.  Match: Novella’s root word means
A) Nostagia
B) New
C) Rogue
D) Story

32.  The Spanish word “picaro” means
A) Hero
B) Rogue
C) Monk
D) King

33.  Arun Joshi, Vikram Seth, V. S. Naipaul, Kiran Nagarkar (Select the odd word.)
A) Arun Joshi
B) Vikram Seth
C) V. S. Naipaul
D) Kiran Nagarkar

34.  Place, Period, Theme, Climate, Lifestyle (Select the odd word.)
A) Theme
B) Place
C) Climate
D) Period

35.  Theme, Plot, Character, Mind-set (Select the odd word.)
A) Plot
B) Character
C) Mind-set
D) Theme

36.  Psychological, Gothic, Epistolary, Epic (Select the odd word.)
A) Epic
B) Gothic
C) Epistolary
D) Psychological

37.  ‘Theme’ describes behaviour of characters.
A) True
B) False

38.  Main character in story is called “role model.”
A) True
B) False

39.  “Conflict” means struggle between opposing forces.
A) True
B) False

40.  Plot and character are affected by setting.
A) True
B) False

       41.  ‘George Eliot’ was the pen name of the famous novelist, ‘Jane Eyre’

      A) True

      B) False

      42.  Jonathan Swift wrote the famous satire, ‘The Animal Farm’.

      A) True

      B) False

     43.  Earlier threads of novel can be found in Virgil’s ‘Ecologues’.

          A) True

      B) False

    44.  The European novel, ‘Don Quixote’ was published in two parts between 1605 and 1610 .

     A) True

         B) False

    45.  The 18^th century new readers had no interest in romances and tragedies.

      A) True

      B) False

Answer Key

1. B) New
2. C) Shorter than a novel
3. B) One incident and a couple of characters
4. B) Language and techniques
5. B) Texture of narration

6. C) Flow of a character’s thoughts
7. C) William James
8. B) Symbolic meaning
9. B) Internal and external factors related to characters
10. B) Letters or diary entries

      11.  B) Latin word, “epistola”

      12.  C) Based on author’s life with fictional elements

     13.  B) Horror, mystery, supernatural elements

    14.  B) Haunted castles, ghosts, decay

    15.  A) Ideal or nightmarish societies

    16.  B) 18^th century

    17.  B) Periodical essays

    18.  B) Greek romances of 2^nd and 6^th century

     19.  C) Dialogue

     20.  B) Internal and external conflicts

     21.  B) Inside the mind of the character

    22.  B) Other characters or external forces

    23.  D) Conflict

    24.  B) Rajmohan’s Wife

    25.  B) Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya

    26.  A) Mulkraj Anand & R.K. Narayan

    27.  A) Arvind Adiga & Kiran Desai

    28.  B) Tale of Genji

    29.  A) Miguel de Cervantes

    30.  B) Bankimchandra Chattopadhyaya

    31.  B) New

    32.  B) Rogue

    33.  C) V. S. Naipaul

    34.  A) Theme

    35.  C) Mind-set

    36.  A) Epic

    37.  B) False

    38.  B) False

    39.  A) True

    40.  A) True

    41.  B) False

    42.  B) False

    43.  A) True

    44.  B) False

    45.  A) True

 

Revision plan to prepare for the Final Exam (English subject)

Follow the given steps of ‘Day Wise Action Plan’ to prepare and revise for the exam of 80 marks weightage covering complete portion of the subject, English.

Day 1:

Part to cover: Prose and Poetry

• Read the Prose and Poetry section of the textbook. Read the questions first, then read the chapters or poems.

For prose – While reading the chapter, underline the new words and write their meanings on the same page and solve the objective activities. Mark the sentences as per the expected answers of the descriptive questions.

For poetry – Along with the textbook, read the notes, available appreciations of all the poems. Note down the figures of speech of all the poems on the textbook after reading the poems. Solve the objective activities given in the textbook. Write your own appreciation of all the poems if possible.

• Read all the possible past college /board question papers at least once and try to understand the pattern of questions asked in the final /board exams.

Day 2:

Part to cover: Grammar and Writing Skills

• Check the list of Grammar portion and read the notes of the necessary topics.

• Solve minimum 10 exercises of each grammar topic. Use the seen and unseen topic wise exercises provided in the notes.

• Understand the question paper pattern and list down the writing skills you need to focus on. Learn their formats /dos and don’ts /guidelines of all the writing skills.

• Solve minimum one example each of all the writing skills you choose.

Day 3:

Part to cover: Drama / Novel section and practice

• Read the chapter 4.1 and it’s notes at least once each.

• Read the questions and descriptive answers of the chapters 4.2 to 4.4.

• Read all the related information and chapters 4.2 to 4.4 from the textbook.

• Read the individual notes of the chapters 4.2 to 4.4 if possible.

• Solve 1 board /final exam paper for practice.

Summary Writing - Example 1

Unseen passage for summary writing:

The impact of social media on mental health is a growing concern. The social media platforms showcase the highlight reels of other people's lives, creating unrealistic expectations and promoting consumerism. For instance, a study found that exposure to luxury brands on Instagram led to increased feelings of inadequacy and decreased self-esteem among young adults.

The constant stream of information on social media can lead to information overload, causing feelings of anxiety and fatigue. A survey revealed that 60% of adults feel overwhelmed by the amount of news they consume on social media, leading to a decrease in their overall sense of well-being.

The social media can also have a negative impact on relationships. A study found that excessive social media use can lead to social isolation, as people substitute online interactions for in-person connections. For example, a woman in her 30s reported feeling lonely despite having over 1,000 Facebook friends, highlighting the disparity between online connections and meaningful relationships.

Lastly, social media can also affect our self-identity and body image. A study revealed that exposure to idealized images of peers on social media led to increased body dissatisfaction and negative self-comparisons among teenage girls. This highlights the need for responsible social media use and digital literacy.

Summary:

Side effects of social media 

Social media showcases unrealistic expectations, promoting consumerism and decreasing self-esteem. Information overload on social media causes anxiety and fatigue, with many adults feeling overwhelmed. Excessive social media use leads to social isolation, substituting online interactions for in-person connections. Idealized images on social media harm self-identity and body image, particularly among teenage girls.

Example of Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Q. Imagine, after your HSC Board Examination, you wish to pursue a degree in 'Bachelor in Communication Skills,' in a reputed university in India or abroad. Prepare a 'statement of purpose' (SOP) in about 150 words which will help you to get admission in your dream university.

Ans. As a high school graduate with a passion for effective communication, I am eager to pursue a degree in ‘Bachelor in Communication Skills’ from Mumbai University. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the power of language and communication in shaping thoughts, influencing opinions, and connecting people across diverse cultures. This passion has driven me to excel in language studies throughout my academic career, and I now wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Skills. Throughout my academic journey, I have been fascinated by the power of communication in shaping relationships, influencing decisions, and driving social change.

My strong foundation in languages, public speaking, and writing has equipped me with the skills to articulate ideas, empathize with diverse audiences, and craft compelling narratives. I believe that studying at a reputed university like Mumbai University will provide me with the critical skills, global perspective, and academic excellence, necessary to succeed in the dynamic field of communication. I am eager to learn from the experienced faculty, engage with like-minded peers, and contribute to the academic community.

My goal is to gain a deep understanding of the theories and practices that make communication effective, particularly in a global context. I am especially interested in exploring areas such as media studies, intercultural communication, and digital communication strategies.

I aim to benefit from this program to refine my skills, explore new media platforms, and develop a clear understanding of global communication trends. Upon graduation, I aspire to work in corporate communications, public relations, or digital media, harnessing my skills to drive positive impact. This program will be a significant step towards my ambition of becoming a skilled communicator and a innovative leader in the field.

I am confident that Mumbai University’s esteemed faculty, cutting-edge curriculum, and diverse community will empower me to achieve my goals and become a thoughtful, innovative communication professional.

Critical Appreciation of “The Planners” by Boey Kim Cheng

“The Planners” is a thought-provoking poem that explores the tensions between progress and preservation of old culture and character of the city in urban development. Through a critical lens, the poet examines the impact of planning, on the cultural heritage, history, and individual identity of a city or town. 

The poem creates a powerful comment on the cost of urbanisation and indirectly raises a question if it is worth. The poem criticises the urban planning and development which is erasing history and culture in the name of progress.

The title “The Planners” suggests a focus on those who design and organize the urban environment, reflecting on the impact of modernization and urbanisation. It effectively captures the central theme of the poem, highlighting the role of urban planners in shaping the city’s landscape.

Boey Kim Cheng, a Singaporean poet, is known for his works that explore themes of identity, displacement, culture and the effects of rapid urbanization. His poetry often reflects a deep concern about the loss of heritage and the consequences of modernization.

Poem’s Summary can be as follows. “The Planners” addresses the relentless urbanization in Singapore, where the landscape is systematically altered to create a uniform, accurately designed environment. The poet laments the erasing of history and nature, as cities are designed with cold precision, minus the imperfections which create emotional connection to the past.

The central theme of the poem is the conflict between progress and heritage. The poet criticizes the dehumanizing aspects of urban planning that prioritizes efficiency over the preservation of culture and history. The theme revolves around the tension between preservation of what is old but valuable and the progress brought by the planners. The poet is lamenting over the loss of the cultural heritage.

The language of the poem is cynical and detached, mirroring the precise and methodical but emotionless way of the planners’ work. The poet uses sharp, measured phrases that convey the style of modern urban planning. He uses concise, simple language with vivid imagery and uses irony and contrast.

The poet employs various poetic devices, including, Imagery through the detail description of the work of the planners and their style with which they are changing the urban landscape. The poet uses Metaphor when the city is compared to a patient undergoing dental surgery. He also uses Alliteration which adds to the rhythm to the poem.

The special feature of the poem is its structure, with its short, fragmented lines which reflect the mechanical and emotionless process and the fragmented nature of urban planning.

The poet’s message is that, we need to be careful with the idea of progress as we have a risk of losing our connection to history, culture, and nature in the pursuit of modernization. The poem warns us against the dangers of selecting the so called progress over human experiences, culture, history and memories.

The poem promotes the values of giving importance to cultural heritage and maintaining a balance between development and preservation of what really matters in human life. It promotes a reflective approach about progress, requesting us to consider what is lost in the process. The poem also conveys the importance of preserving cultural identity and historical context in the face of rapid modernization.

My opinion is that, “The Planners” is a powerful comment on the mechanical process of urbanization, sadly pointing towards the cost of progress. The poem’s language and use of imagery effectively conveys the soullessness of a landscape stripped off its history, in the process of planning the cities and towns in the modern world.

"The Planners" is a thought-provoking poem that effectively criticizes the lack of character and personality in the modern planning of urban spaces. The poem shares a powerful comment on the human cost of progress. The poem's message of exploring the complexities of urban development and the importance of preserving cultural heritage, is really relevant today.

Critical Appreciation of “Nose Versus Eyes” by William Cowper

The Nose Versus Eyes is a satirical poem that imagines a legal dispute between the senses, Nose and Eyes. This absurd trial humorously exposes the weaknesses in legal system and the absurdity of certain human conflicts. This is an excellent thought-provoking poem.

William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet who’s poems are known for its accessibility, humor and insight into human nature. He was known for his satirical wit, gentle humor, and reflections on human nature. He often used irony to criticize societal norms and human behaviors.

The title cleverly captures the central theme of the poem, highlighting the debate between the two senses, Nose and Eyes. It indicates a humorous and satirical approach exploring deeper themes through the legal battle.

The summary of the poem can be as follows. The poem narrates a fictional trial where the Eyes sue the Nose for encroaching upon the rights of vision by taking over the spectacles. The ears being the Judge, hear both sides but deliver a judgment in favor of the Nose, claiming it has a better claim to spectacles since the Nose physically supports them. However, the decision is ironic because it deprives the Eyes of looking through the glasses, thus emphasizing the foolishness of the judgment.

The poem explores the themes of absurdity and the limitations of legal systems and the ironies in its decision-making processes. It critiques the arbitrary nature of justice and the tendency to ignore common sense.

The poet uses simple, clear and conversational language with the use of irony and humor, making the poem engaging and playful. The tone is light-hearted, with subtle but sharp satire. The poem is written in rhymed couplets, adding to its rhythm.

The poet employs poetic devices like personification extensively, attributing human qualities to the nose and eyes. Irony is central to the poem, particularly in the illogical legal judgment. The use of rhyme contributes to the poem's playful tone.

The special features of the poem are the poem’s use of satire to criticize the legal system and the absurdity in the final judgment. The use of personification adds humor to the poem.

The poet subtly conveys a message that human disputes can often be as trivial and ridiculous as the one depicted in the poem, and that sometimes, decisions that appear logical might overlook essential truths. The poem’s structure, language, and use of poetic devices all contribute to its effectiveness in conveying this message.

The poem promotes values of common sense, rational thinking, and a critical approach.

My opinion about the poem is that, Nose Versus Eyes is a thought-provoking poem that uses humor to criticize societal norms. Its playful language and irony make it an enjoyable read while encouraging readers to question the logic and fairness of human-made systems. Cowper’s skillful use of satire makes this poem both entertaining and insightful.

Overall "Nose Versus Eyes" is a delightful poem that showcases Cowper's skill in using humor to convey a message. The poem's lighthearted tone and clever wordplay make it an enjoyable read. Its playful nature and clever use of language make it a charming and memorable piece. Overall, it is a example of Cowper's ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking poetry.

Critical Appreciation of “Upon Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth

“Upon Westminster Bridge” by William Wordsworth is a sonnet that captures the beauty of London city’s view at early morning time visible from the Westminster Bridge.

The title “ Upon Westminster Bridge” mentions the specific location, suggesting that the poet’s inspiration is drawn from the scene observed from Westminster Bridge in London. This title reflects Wordsworth’s style of finding poetic beauty in everyday sights.

William Wordsworth, a prominent poet of the Romantic era, is known for his deep connection with nature and his close connection with the natural world.

The poem can be summarized as follows. The poem describes the serene and peaceful atmosphere of London city viewed from the Westminster Bridge when the city was still asleep, and the poem covers the poet’s emotional response to this scene. The poem captures a moment in the early morning as Wordsworth stands on Westminster Bridge, admiring the stillness and beauty of London before the city awakens. The poet is awestruck by the sight of the sun rising over the city’s landmarks, which are shining in the sunlight. The city, often associated with noise and chaos, is here presented as serene and majestic.

The central theme of the poem is the beauty and tranquillity of nature, even within an urban environment. Wordsworth emphasizes how the natural elements like light, air, and the stillness of the morning, transform the city into something beautiful and almost sublime.

The poem is written in a traditional sonnet structure, with a reflective tone. Wordsworth uses simple yet powerful language to evoke the beauty of the scene, using vivid imagery to describe the scene. The poem is a Petrarchan sonnet, with a traditional rhyme scheme (abba abbba cdcdcd) that contributes to its harmonious tone. The language is descriptive, with a focus on visual imagery.

The poet employs various poetic devices, including personification (e.g., the city wearing “the beauty of the morning”), similes, and metaphors. The use of alliteration adds to the poem’s flowing, peaceful rhythm.

The special aspect of this poem is its focus on urban beauty, which contrasts with Wordsworth’s usual celebration of rural landscapes. The poem captures a rare moment of peace in a bustling city, offering a fresh perspective on urban life. It also emphasizes the impact of industrialization and how beautiful a city can also look without any effect of industrial activities. The poem’s use of imagery and personification creates a vivid picture of the scene, while its sonnet structure adds to its musicality.

The poem conveys a message that beauty can be found in unexpected places and moments like an urban landscape at early morning time. It suggests that one must be open to seeing the world anew, recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

The poem promotes values such as appreciation for nature, beauty, mindfulness and the ability to find peace and beauty in one’s surroundings.

According to my opinion, “ Upon Westminster Bridge” is a timeless reflection on how beauty exists in every corner of the world, even in the heart of a busy city. Wordsworth’s ability to see and articulate this beauty is a testament to his poetic genius, making the poem a powerful reminder to pause and appreciate the world around us.

Overall, “Upon Westminster Bridge” is a beautiful and contemplative poem that showcases Wordsworth’s ability to find beauty in everyday scenes. The poem’s use of imagery and poetic devices creates a vivid picture of the scene, while its themes and message continue to resonate with readers. Wordsworth’s sonnet is a testament to his skill as a poet and his ability to evoke various emotions in the reader.

Critical Appreciation of "There is Another Sky" by Emily Dickinson

The poem “There is another sky” by Emily Dickinson is a thought-provoking and imaginative piece that explores the idea of a more beautiful and peaceful world beyond the negative and stressful life.

The title "There is Another Sky" suggests the existence of  a better world. It evokes a sense of hope and possibility, hinting at a place of peace and beauty beyond the ordinary world.

Emily Dickinson, one of America's most celebrated poets, is known for her reclusive life and introspective poetry. Her work often explores themes of nature and the inner workings of the human mind.

The poem is addressed to the poet's brother, Austin, inviting him to a metaphorical, idealized garden that symbolizes peace, tranquillity, and happiness.

The summary of the poem can be as follows. The speaker urges her brother to come to the world which is untouched by decay or despair. This another sky, the forest or the garden is a metaphorical place where flowers never fade, and the leaf is always green. It is a world of eternal beauty and never ending spring, free from the harsh realities of life. The poem describes a serene and peaceful sky which is untouched by suffering and pain and is filled with love and hope.

The central theme of the poem is the indication for a better world, free from the troubles and sorrows of our lives. The poem explores themes of hope, happiness and the peace of mind. It shows the contrast and difference between the current world of the poet’s brother and the possible hopeful and peaceful state of the mind, the poet is pointing towards.

The poet uses simple yet elegant language. Her choice of words like "unfading," "bright bee," and "green forever" creates a vivid and beautiful image of the positive places she describes. Her language is characteristic of her unique style, with concise and expressive phrases that show various interpretations.

 It is a short, 14-line poem, written in free verse, without a regular rhyme scheme or meter. This reflects the freedom and boundlessness of the imaginative world the poet describes. The poem is written in Dickinson’s signature style, with short lines and irregular rhythm. The tone of the poem is gentle and persuasive, filled with warmth and affection.

The poem is rich in metaphors, with the another sky, forest and garden serving as symbols for a perfect, peaceful and happy world. Imagery is another key device, painting a picture of a serene, unchanging nature. Thus the poet employs metaphor by comparing the sky to a “serener” world, imagery by describing the various places and their beauty, and symbolism with the sky representing a better world. The poem’s use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid picture of a peaceful world, while its concise language adds to its emotional impact.

The poem's special feature is that it stands out for its simplicity and the way it gently invites the reader into a peaceful mental landscape. Despite its brevity, it conveys a deep sense of solace and reassurance.

The poem conveys the message that, no matter how harsh the external world may be, there is always a place of beauty and peace within us that we can achieve.

The poem promotes values such as hope, love, and the need to come out of negativity and put efforts to create a better life. The poem also emphasizes the values like importance of maintaining hope and finding solace within oneself and conveys that there is hope for a better world, where love and peace prevail.

My opinion is that, "There is Another Sky" is a beautifully crafted poem that highlights Emily Dickinson's ability to convey profound emotions through simple language. Its hopeful message and serene imagery resonate deeply, offering comfort and inspiration to the reader.

Overall, it is a beautiful and contemplative poem that showcases Dickinson's unique style and imagination. The poem's themes and imagery continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless classic.