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
21
What is the main source for Shakespeare's Roman plays?
Answer:
Plutarch's Lives
Shakespeare used Thomas North's translation of Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' as the source for Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus.
22
Who wrote 'Poly-Olbion', a topographical poem about England?
Answer:
Michael Drayton
Drayton wrote this massive poem describing the geography and history of England and Wales.
23
What happens to Cordelia at the end of 'King Lear'?
Answer:
She is hanged.
In the tragic conclusion, Cordelia is executed in prison, leading to Lear's death from grief.
24
Which Shakespeare play features the 'Winter of our discontent' speech?
Answer:
Richard III
The opening lines of Richard III are 'Now is the winter of our discontent / Made glorious summer by this sun of York'.
25
Who wrote 'Gargantua and Pantagruel'?
Answer:
Rabelais
François Rabelais wrote this satirical, bawdy series of novels about two giants.
26
What is the name of the court jester in 'Hamlet' whose skull Hamlet holds?
Answer:
Yorick
Hamlet finds the skull and says, 'Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio'.
27
In 'Much Ado About Nothing', which couple engages in a 'merry war' of wits?
Answer:
Benedick and Beatrice
Benedick and Beatrice claim to hate each other but engage in witty banter and eventually fall in love.
28
Who wrote 'Religio Medici' (The Religion of a Doctor)?
Answer:
Thomas Browne
Sir Thomas Browne wrote this spiritual testament exploring the relationship between science and religion.
29
Which character creates the 'monster' in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'?
Answer:
Prospero doesn't create a monster; Caliban is native.
Unlike Frankenstein, Prospero does not create Caliban; Caliban is the son of the witch Sycorax and is native to the island.
30
In Spenser's 'Faerie Queene', who represents the 'True Church'?
Answer:
Una
Una (One) represents the One True Church (Protestantism/Truth), while Duessa represents the false church (Catholicism).