General Knowledge MCQs
Topic Notes: General Knowledge
MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
4641
Who wrote the lyric 'To Althea, from Prison' ('Stone walls do not a prison make')?
Answer:
Richard Lovelace
Lovelace, a Cavalier poet, wrote this famous poem while imprisoned during the Civil War.
4642
Which of Shakespeare's plays involves the 'War of the Roses'?
Answer:
Richard III
Richard III (and the Henry VI plays) depicts the conclusion of the Wars of the Roses.
4643
In 'The Jew of Malta', who is the protagonist?
Answer:
Barabas
Barabas is the Machiavellian protagonist of Marlowe's play.
4644
The 'First Folio' (1623) is a collection of plays by:
Answer:
William Shakespeare
Published posthumously by his colleagues, the First Folio preserved many Shakespeare plays that might otherwise have been lost.
4645
Who wrote 'Defense of Poesy' (also known as 'An Apology for Poetry')?
Answer:
Philip Sidney
Sidney wrote this essay to defend poetry against Puritan attacks, arguing it moves men to virtue.
4646
Which muse does Milton invoke at the beginning of 'Paradise Lost'?
Answer:
Urania
Milton invokes the 'Heavenly Muse', later identified as Urania (muse of astronomy), Christianized as the Holy Spirit's inspiration.
4647
Who wrote 'Volpone'?
Answer:
Ben Jonson
'Volpone' (The Fox) is a satirical comedy by Ben Jonson about a con artist.
4648
In 'The Taming of the Shrew', who is the 'shrew'?
Answer:
Katherina
Katherina is the sharp-tongued, assertive woman whom Petruchio attempts to 'tame'.
4649
What is the term for a poem of 14 lines in iambic pentameter?
Answer:
Sonnet
The sonnet was the dominant lyric form of the Renaissance.
4650
Who wrote 'The Unfortunate Traveller', considered a picaresque novel?
Answer:
Thomas Nashe
Thomas Nashe's prose fiction is an early example of the picaresque novel in English.