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
11
In Egyptian literature, the 'Dispute between a Man and his Ba' is a dialogue about:
Answer:
The value of life versus suicide
This philosophical text features a man despairing of life debating with his Ba (soul).
12
The 'Battle of Maldon' is an Old English poem that celebrates:
Answer:
Heroic defeat and loyalty to one's lord
The poem commemorates a battle in 991 AD where the Anglo-Saxons were defeated, but praises their refusal to flee.
13
What is a 'Kenning' in Old Norse and Old English literature?
Answer:
A metaphorical compound word (e.g., 'whale-road' for sea)
Kennings are a defining feature of Germanic poetry, functioning as a compressed metaphor or riddle.
14
The 'Atrahasis Epic' is an Akkadian text that focuses on:
Answer:
The creation of man and the Great Flood
It predates the standard version of Gilgamesh and provides a detailed account of why the gods sent the flood (human noise).
15
The 'Song of Deborah' found in the Book of Judges is considered:
Answer:
One of the oldest passages in the Bible
Linguistic analysis suggests this victory poem dates back to the 12th century BC, making it one of the earliest examples of Hebrew poetry.
16
Which Irish hero is known for his 'warp spasm' (battle frenzy) in the Ulster Cycle?
Answer:
Cú Chulainn
Cú Chulainn is the central figure of the Ulster Cycle, defending Ulster single-handedly at the age of 17.
17
The 'Gathas' are:
Answer:
The 17 hymns attributed to Zoroaster himself
They form the core of the Yasna liturgy and are the most archaic part of the Avesta.
18
The 'Westcar Papyrus' contains stories about:
Answer:
Miracles performed by magicians for Pharaoh Khufu
It is a text of ancient Egyptian storytelling, framing tales told at the court of the builder of the Great Pyramid.
19
In the Popol Vuh, the Hero Twins play a deadly ballgame against:
Answer:
The Lords of Xibalba (The Underworld)
Hunahpu and Xbalanque defeat the lords of the underworld through wit and skill in the ballgame.
20
Snorri Sturluson is famous for writing the 'Prose Edda', which was intended as:
Answer:
A manual for poets (skalds) to understand mythology
Writing in Christian Iceland, Snorri wanted to preserve the complex metaphors (kennings) of old poetry which required knowledge of pagan myths.