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
81
In 'Don Quixote', what does the protagonist mistake windmills for?
Answer:
Giants
In one of the most famous scenes, Don Quixote attacks windmills, believing them to be ferocious giants.
82
Francis Bacon is best known for his contribution to:
Answer:
The Scientific Method and Essays.
Bacon is a father of empiricism (scientific method) and wrote a famous collection of Essays.
83
Who is the 'Dark Lady'?
Answer:
The subject of the later sonnets in Shakespeare's sequence.
Shakespeare's Sonnets 127–154 address a mysterious 'Dark Lady' who is sexually promiscuous and dark-featured.
84
Which play by Christopher Marlowe features the line, 'Was this the face that launched a thousand ships?'
Answer:
Doctor Faustus
Faustus says this upon seeing the spirit of Helen of Troy.
85
Who introduced the Petrarchan sonnet form to England?
Answer:
Thomas Wyatt
Sir Thomas Wyatt, along with Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, is credited with introducing the sonnet from Italy to England.
86
Sir Philip Sidney wrote which famous sonnet sequence?
Answer:
Astrophil and Stella
'Astrophil and Stella' (Star-lover and Star) is considered the first major English sonnet sequence.
87
Which character in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' says, 'A plague o' both your houses!'?
Answer:
Mercutio
Mercutio curses the Capulets and Montagues after being fatally wounded in a duel with Tybalt.
88
What is the title of John Milton's treatise defending freedom of speech and the press?
Answer:
Areopagitica
Published in 1644, 'Areopagitica' is a passionate defense of the freedom of the press and opposition to censorship.
89
In 'The Tempest', who is the rightful Duke of Milan and a sorcerer?
Answer:
Prospero
Prospero is the protagonist who uses magic to control events on the island after being usurped by his brother Antonio.
90
Who wrote 'The Prince', a seminal work on political power?
Answer:
Niccolò Machiavelli
Machiavelli wrote 'The Prince' (Il Principe) in the early 16th century as a guide for rulers.