English Literature Mcqs
How did the interaction between the English and the Bretons affect literature ?

A. The exposure to new forms ended the production of lais.
B. This interaction led to the influence of arthurian legend on french literature.
C. This interaction led to more stories about the english conversion to christianity.
D. The cultural exchange led to more stories about ancient myths.

How did the Normans revolutionize English poetry ?

A. They introduced alliterative verse.
B. They introduced rhyming octosyllabic couplets.
C. They introduced iambic pentameter.
D. They introduced metaphor.

Which of the following is the best example of a morality play ?

A. “the seafarer”
B. “everyman”
C. “the second shepherds’ play”
D. “the dream of the rood”

What is the significance of the “Green Knight” ?

A. He suggests the lack of knightly themes in middle english poetry.
B. He alludes to an ancient anglo-saxon ruler.
C. He represents the link with celtic mythology.
D. He suggests a continued tie with paganism.

In Acrene Wisse, what is the author’s advice regarding priests ?

A. Priests should be used as examples of ecclesiastical life.
B. Priests should be avoided, because men are bad influences.
C. Priests should offer anchoresses their only connection to the outside world.
D. Priests should be honored, because men are naturally more spiritual.

How do the themes of Marie de France’s Lanval and Chretien de Troyes Yvain compare ?

A. Both use the comitatus ethic to explain their hero’s motivations.
B. Both include references towilliam the conqueror.
C. Both include the theme of broken promises between lovers.
D. Both feature mentions of the conversion from paganism.

What led to the alliterative revival ?

A. A return to reading poetry from the 11th and 12th centuries
B. The influence of southern courtly poets writing in french and latin
C. A surge in english nationalism
D. The introduction to new poetic forms during the norman invasion

What distinguishes morality plays from mystery plays ?

A. Mystery plays involve christian themes, whereas morality plays do not.
B. Morality plays involve christian themes, whereas mystery plays do not.
C. Morality plays were written individually, whereas mystery plays are in cycles.
D. Mystery plays were written individually, whereas morality plays are in cycles.

Which of the following is not an example of a lai ?

A. Sir launfal
B. Chaucer’s the wife of bath
C. Chaucer’s franklin’s tale
D. Norwich’s revelations of divine love

Why is the concept of feudalism important in medieval literature ?

A. Feudalism represents the world ofscholars who studied the ancient texts of the past.
B. The feudal world is one of glamor and beauty.
C. Feudalism represents an economic hierarchy, the upper levels of which created and consumed literature.
D. Feudalism represents interesting family quarrels that make for good stories.