Literary Elements Quiz: MCQ Test! Trivia
Are you familiar with literary elements? Do you imagine you can conquer this quiz? A literary element of literature is a constituent of all narrative fiction. It is a necessary feature of verbal storytelling that can be found in any written or spoken narrative. Some examples of popular literary elements include plot, theme, character, and tone. Take this quiz and put your literary knowledge to the test.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Charlie expects to have more friends and to be more accepted when he becomes more intelligent in "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, but he actually loses his friends and his job.
- A.
Dramatic irony
- B.
Situational irony
- C.
Verbal irony
- D.
Inference
Correct Answer
B. Situational ironyExplanation
In "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, Charlie expects that becoming more intelligent will lead to him having more friends and being more accepted. However, the opposite happens - he loses his friends and his job. This is an example of situational irony because the outcome is the opposite of what was expected or intended.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In "Flowers for Algernon," Algernon the mouse represents Charlie's experiences in the science experiment.
- A.
Symbolism
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Suspense
Correct Answer
A. SymbolismExplanation
In the novel "Flowers for Algernon," Algernon the mouse symbolizes Charlie's experiences in the science experiment. Algernon, like Charlie, undergoes a procedure that enhances his intelligence, but also leads to unforeseen consequences. Algernon's journey mirrors Charlie's own transformation, highlighting the themes of intelligence, progress, and the ethical implications of scientific advancement. Algernon's fate serves as a symbol for the potential dangers and limitations of human intelligence, as well as the fleeting nature of success.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The narrator states, "Bill is a liar and a cheat."
- A.
Allusion
- B.
Direct characterization
- C.
Indirect characterization
- D.
Hyberbole
Correct Answer
B. Direct characterizationExplanation
Direct characterization is the correct answer because the narrator directly describes Bill as a liar and a cheat. This means that the narrator is explicitly stating Bill's traits, providing direct information about his character.Rate this question:
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- 4.
At the beginning of "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie is hopeful and positive about his life and improving himself. By the end, after the experiment has failed, Charlie has a sense of hopelessness about the future.
- A.
Round character
- B.
Flat character
- C.
Dynamic character
- D.
Static chracter
Correct Answer
C. Dynamic characterExplanation
Charlie's transformation from a hopeful and positive individual to someone filled with hopelessness showcases his dynamic nature. Throughout the story, Charlie undergoes significant changes in his personality and outlook on life. At the beginning, he is eager to improve himself and hopeful for a better future. However, as the experiment fails and his intelligence regresses, Charlie's optimism turns into despair. This evolution in Charlie's character, from hopeful to hopeless, demonstrates his dynamic nature as he experiences profound emotional and mental changes throughout the narrative.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In "The Tell-Tale Heart," all we know about the neighbor is that he is harmless and has no quarrel with the narrator, though the neighbor has a film over his eye. The neighbor is a:
- A.
Round character
- B.
Flat character
- C.
Dynamic character
- D.
Protagonist
Correct Answer
B. Flat characterExplanation
The neighbor in "The Tell-Tale Heart" is a flat character because he is not fully developed or complex. We only know a few basic details about him - that he is harmless, has no quarrel with the narrator, and has a film over his eye. These details do not provide a deep understanding of his personality or motivations. The neighbor's role in the story is limited and does not undergo any significant changes or development, further supporting the classification of him as a flat character.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The main character of "Green Gulch" is the narrator. He is a(n):
- A.
Protagonist
- B.
Antagonist
- C.
Symbol
- D.
Allusion
Correct Answer
A. ProtagonistExplanation
The correct answer is protagonist because the question states that the main character of "Green Gulch" is the narrator. The protagonist is typically the central character in a story, and the fact that the narrator is the main character suggests that they are the one driving the plot and experiencing the conflicts and challenges within the story.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In "Green Gulch," a group of boys attacks the narrator. They could be considered to be:
- A.
Protagonists
- B.
Antagonists
- C.
Allusions
- D.
Hyperboles
Correct Answer
B. AntagonistsExplanation
The group of boys attacking the narrator in "Green Gulch" can be considered antagonists because they are opposing or causing conflict for the narrator. Antagonists are typically the characters who create obstacles or challenges for the protagonist, and in this case, the boys are directly opposing the narrator's goals or well-being by attacking them.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In "The Fifty-First Dragon," the author reveals that Gawaine is cowardly without ever actually saying that Gawaine is a coward. Instead, the author writes: "He would hide in the woods when jousting class was called, although his companions and members of the faculty sought to appeal to his better nature by shouting to him to come out and break his neck like a man." This is an example of:
- A.
Allusion
- B.
Alliteration
- C.
Indirect characterization
- D.
Direct characterization
Correct Answer
C. Indirect characterizationExplanation
The given passage from "The Fifty-First Dragon" indirectly characterizes Gawaine as cowardly. The author never explicitly states that Gawaine is a coward, but instead provides evidence of his cowardice through his actions. Gawaine's choice to hide in the woods during jousting class, despite the encouragement from his peers and teachers to participate, demonstrates his fear and lack of bravery. This use of indirect characterization allows the reader to infer Gawaine's cowardice without it being directly stated.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In Every Soul, a Star, Ally, Jack, and Bree are shown to have many aspects to their personality. Ally is clueless and insecure about life outside the camp but confident when it comes to science. Jack is shy and withdrawn, but he has artistic talent and gets along well with the kids at the camp. Bree is self-centered, but she is quick to help a small boy in need. They are all examples of:
- A.
Round characters
- B.
Flat characters
- C.
Static characters
- D.
Inference
Correct Answer
A. Round charactersExplanation
The characters of Ally, Jack, and Bree in Every Soul, a Star are shown to have multiple dimensions to their personalities. They each exhibit different traits and behaviors in different situations, making them complex and well-developed. This aligns with the concept of round characters, who are fully fleshed out and exhibit a range of emotions, motivations, and actions.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The name of the place, Green Gulch, in the story entitled "Green Gulch" is an example of which literary device?
- A.
Inference
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Foreshadowing
- D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
D. AlliterationExplanation
The correct answer is Alliteration. Alliteration is a literary device where the same sound or letter is repeated at the beginning of closely connected words. In this case, the repetition of the "G" sound in the name "Green Gulch" creates alliteration.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A description from "Green Gulch": "It was a huge pool in a sandstone basin, green and dark with evening over it and trees leaning secretly inward above the water. When you looked down, you saw the sky ... I remember the quiet and the green ferns touching the green water." This is an example of:
- A.
Imagery
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Direct characterization
- D.
Indirect characterization
Correct Answer
A. ImageryExplanation
The passage describes a vivid and sensory scene, using descriptive language to create a mental image for the reader. The use of phrases like "green and dark with evening over it" and "green ferns touching the green water" appeals to the reader's senses of sight and touch, creating a strong visual image of the pool. This evocative language is characteristic of imagery, which refers to the use of descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader.Rate this question:
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- 12.
In "Flowers for Algernon," Charlie's teacher leaves the room because she says she has something in her eye. Charlie believes her, but the reader knows she is actually crying. This is an example of:
- A.
Dramatic irony
- B.
Situational irony
- C.
Verbal irony
- D.
Allusion
Correct Answer
A. Dramatic ironyExplanation
In "Flowers for Algernon," the situation where Charlie's teacher leaves the room because she says she has something in her eye, but the reader knows she is actually crying, is an example of dramatic irony. This is because the reader is aware of the true emotions and intentions of the teacher, while Charlie remains unaware. The contrast between Charlie's belief and the reader's knowledge creates a sense of irony and adds depth to the story.Rate this question:
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- 13.
In "Ransom of Red Chief," Bill says that his favorite Biblical character is King Herod. This is an example of:
- A.
Inference
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Imagery
Correct Answer
C. AllusionExplanation
The correct answer is Allusion. In the story "Ransom of Red Chief," Bill's statement that his favorite Biblical character is King Herod is an example of allusion. Allusion refers to a reference made to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature. In this case, Bill's mention of King Herod is a reference to a character from the Bible, indicating that Bill is familiar with biblical stories and is using this reference to express his preference in a humorous way.Rate this question:
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- 14.
One of Billy Collins' messages in the poem "On Turning 10" could be that as people grow older, they have to leave some of their hopes and dreams behind. This is an example of:
- A.
Imagery
- B.
Theme
- C.
Indirect characterization
- D.
Direct characterization
Correct Answer
B. ThemeExplanation
In the poem "On Turning 10" by Billy Collins, the message that as people grow older, they have to leave some of their hopes and dreams behind is a recurring idea throughout the poem. The theme of the poem is the underlying message or central idea that the poet wants to convey, and in this case, it is the bittersweet realization of losing innocence and the acceptance of the passage of time. The poem explores the universal experience of growing up and the inevitable changes that come with it, making "Theme" the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 15.
"Chris won't drive her home because she lives on the other side of the universe" is an example of which literary device?
- A.
Protagonist
- B.
Antagonist
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Hyperbole
Correct Answer
D. HyperboleExplanation
The statement "Chris won't drive her home because she lives on the other side of the universe" is an example of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. In this case, the statement exaggerates the distance between the speaker and the person being referred to, emphasizing the impossibility of driving her home due to the extreme distance.Rate this question:
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- 16.
In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator becomes increasingly upset when the police officers would not leave. "Why would they not be gone? I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides ..." During this section of the story, the readers wonder whether the narrator will get away with his crime. This is an example of:
- A.
Flat character
- B.
Round character
- C.
Allusion
- D.
Suspense
Correct Answer
D. SuspenseExplanation
In this section of the story, the narrator's increasing agitation and frustration with the police officers' refusal to leave creates a sense of suspense for the readers. The readers are left wondering whether the narrator will be able to successfully hide his crime or if he will be caught. The suspense is generated through the uncertainty and anticipation of what will happen next, keeping the readers engaged and eager to find out the resolution of the story.Rate this question:
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- 17.
In "Green Gulch," the narrator states: "We played there, innocently at first." At first makes this sentence an example of:
- A.
Foreshadowing
- B.
Allusion
- C.
Symbolism
- D.
Alliteration
Correct Answer
A. ForeshadowingExplanation
The phrase "innocently at first" suggests that something will change or become less innocent later on. This hints at a future event or development, indicating that the narrator's initial innocence will not last. This is a clear example of foreshadowing, as it sets up anticipation for what will happen next in the story.Rate this question:
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- 18.
At the end of "The Fifty-First Dragon," the narrator never reveals what actually happened to Gawaine. The reader has to make a reasonable guess based on the evidence. This is called:
- A.
Allusion
- B.
Hyperbole
- C.
Inference
- D.
Foreshadowing
Correct Answer
C. InferenceExplanation
Inference is the correct answer because the question states that the narrator never reveals what happened to Gawaine, so the reader has to make a reasonable guess based on the evidence provided. Inference refers to drawing conclusions or making educated guesses based on the information given. In this case, the reader must use their understanding of the story and the clues provided to come to their own conclusion about Gawaine's fate.Rate this question:
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- 19.
"Oh, great! You've broken my new smart phone" is an example of:
- A.
Dramatic irony
- B.
Situational irony
- C.
Verbal irony
- D.
Inference
Correct Answer
C. Verbal ironyExplanation
The statement "Oh, great! You've broken my new smart phone" is an example of verbal irony because the speaker's words convey a meaning that is opposite to the literal interpretation. The speaker is expressing disappointment or frustration, but the use of sarcasm implies that they are not actually happy about the situation.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Throughout the events of A Christmas Carol, Scrooge's nephew remains the same generous, friendly person he was at the beginning of the book. He is a(n)
- A.
Antagonist
- B.
Protagonist
- C.
Static character
- D.
Dynamic character
Correct Answer
C. Static characterExplanation
Scrooge's nephew is portrayed as a static character in A Christmas Carol because he remains consistent in his personality and behavior throughout the story. Despite Scrooge's grumpy and miserly nature, his nephew continues to be kind, generous, and friendly towards him. He consistently embodies the spirit of Christmas and serves as a stark contrast to Scrooge's character development. As a static character, his role is to provide a consistent and unwavering example of goodness and compassion.Rate this question:
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