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
71
What literary form is 'Samson Agonistes' by Milton?
Answer:
Closet Drama / Tragic Poem
It is a tragedy modeled on Greek drama, intended to be read rather than performed.
72
Donne's 'Holy Sonnet 10' begins with which famous line?
Answer:
Death, be not proud
In this sonnet, Donne personifies Death and argues that it is not mighty or dreadful.
73
In 'King Lear', which daughter actually loves him?
Answer:
Cordelia
Cordelia refuses to flatter Lear like her sisters Goneril and Regan, but she is the only one who truly loves him.
74
Which figure is known as the 'Father of Humanism'?
Answer:
Petrarch
Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) is credited with initiating the 14th-century Renaissance through his rediscovery of Cicero's letters.
75
Who wrote 'The Decameron'?
Answer:
Giovanni Boccaccio
The Decameron is a collection of 100 tales told by ten young people sheltering from the Black Death.
76
The 'Globe Theatre' is most associated with which playwright?
Answer:
William Shakespeare
Shakespeare was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, where many of his plays were first performed.
77
Which poem by Andrew Marvell begins 'Had we but world enough, and time...'?
Answer:
To His Coy Mistress
This is a famous 'Carpe Diem' (seize the day) poem urging the mistress to love before time runs out.
78
Who wrote 'The Duchess of Malfi'?
Answer:
John Webster
John Webster wrote this Jacobean revenge tragedy, known for its macabre and violent content.
79
What is the name of the capital of Hell in 'Paradise Lost'?
Answer:
Pandemonium
Milton coined the term 'Pandemonium' (meaning 'all demons') for the capital city of Hell.
80
Which Shakespeare play features the character Falstaff?
Answer:
Henry IV, Part 1
Sir John Falstaff is a comic character who appears in Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, and The Merry Wives of Windsor.