This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled. Home > English Literature > Introductions > Themes > Literary Themes – Quiz 1 🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books Literary Themes Quiz 1 (60 MCQs) Quiz Instructions Select an option to see the correct answer instantly. 1. Phoenix vs. old age, vs. cold weather. Difficulty of the path, animals, the dog, the ditch, the maze, the barbed wire fence. What themes from "A worn path" do these represent? A) Man vs. Nature. B) Man vs. Man. C) Man vs. Himself. D) Man vs. the elements. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Man vs. Nature. 2. Why is it important to identify the theme of a story? A) To focus on the punctuation and grammar used in the work. B) To memorize the plot and characters of the work. C) To analyze the quality of writing. D) To understand the underlying message or purpose of the work. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To understand the underlying message or purpose of the work. 3. What is the definition of theme in literature? A) The theme is the main character in a story. B) The central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. C) The theme is the sequence of events in a story. D) The theme is the physical setting of a story. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. 4. Brynn and Nicole were uhappy when Mrs. Smith assigned them to be partners for a project. Because they didn't get along, they decided to work separately on different parts of the project. When the draft was due, Brynn noticed that the design and artwork of Nicole's part was much better than hers. Nicole noticed that Brynn had done a lot of research and that her writing was stronger than hers. Seeing each other's strengths, Brynn asked Nicole if she wanted to work together on the final draft. That way, they could each focus on what they did best. In the end, their projet received the highest grade in the class. What is the theme of this passage? A) Brynn and Nicole should have worked together from the beginning. B) There's alway a way to get along with someone else. C) Working together can lead to a better result. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Working together can lead to a better result. 5. Read and analyze the following text. The following lines are excerpts from Homer's Iliad, particularly the farewell between Hector and his wife Andromache. His wife Andromache then makes a tearful speech to Hector, begging him to be more careful and stay behind the battlements more often. For with Hector gone she and her son will be alone in this world: "But Hector you are father and honored mother and brother to me, as well as my strong husband. Please feel pity for us, stay here on the battlements, so you do not make an orphan of your child and your wife a widow." "Wife, I too have thought upon all this, but with what face should I look upon the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked battle like a coward? I cannot do so:I know nothing save to fight bravely in the forefront of the Trojan host and win renown alike for my father and myself. Well do I know that the day will surely come when mighty Ilius shall be destroyed with Priam and Priam's people, but I grieve for none of these-not even for Hecuba, nor King Priam, nor for my brothers many and brave who may fall in the dust before their foes-for none of these do I grieve as for yourself when the day shall come on which someone of the Achaeans shall rob you forever of your freedom, and bear you weeping away." Question:What line from the excerpt implies pride? A) "Wife, I too have thought upon all this, but with what face should I look upon the Trojans, men or women, if I shirked battle like a coward? I cannot do so:I know nothing save to fight bravely in the forefront of the Trojan host and win renown alike for my father and myself. B) "But Hector you are father and honored mother and brother to me, as well as my strong husband. Please feel pity for us, stay here on the battlements, so you do not make an orphan of your child and your wife a widow.". C) "Well do I know that the day will surely come when mighty Ilius shall be destroyed with Priam and Priam's people, but I grieve for none of these-not even for Hecuba, nor King Priam, nor for my brothers many and brave who may fall in the dust before their foes- ". D) " for none of these do I grieve as for yourself when the day shall come on which some one of the Achaeans shall rob you for ever of your freedom, and bear you weeping away.". Show Answer Correct Answer: D) " for none of these do I grieve as for yourself when the day shall come on which some one of the Achaeans shall rob you for ever of your freedom, and bear you weeping away.". 6. What is the main theme of 'Storm on the Island'? A) The importance of technology in facing natural disasters. B) The power of nature and human vulnerability. C) The benefits of living on an island. D) The peacefulness of island life. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The power of nature and human vulnerability. 7. What happened between John Proctor and Abigail Williams prior to the opening of the play? A) They ran away together. B) They wrote letters to each other. C) They had an affair. D) They got divorced. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) They had an affair. 8. Which statement is TRUE regarding ficional texts? A) The writer is a character in the text. B) The protagonist is the main character in the text. C) There are no characters in the text as it is based on someone's life. D) The narrator and the writer is the same person. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The protagonist is the main character in the text. 9. Eleanor invited the new girl, Jessica, over to play. When Jessica arrived, she didn't bother to wipe her shoes. She got mud all over Eleanor's white bedroom carpet and didn't even say sorry. Then, she hopped onto Eleanor's bed and took out a cherry juice box. When cherry juice dripped onto Eleanor's tan comforter, Jessica just shrugged. Later, when Jessica was eating some Cheetos, she wiped the orange powder on her fingers onto Eleanor's pillowcase. When Jessica left, Eleanor called all of her friends to tell them what had happened. Jessica was never invited to play at any of their houses again. What is the theme of this passage? A) Jessica should have been less messy if she wanted to make friends. B) Don't eat when you're over at a friends house. C) You should always respect other people's property. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) You should always respect other people's property. 10. What is the most likely reason why Mrs. Jones left her purse on the daybed where the boy could have grabbed it? (Thank you Ma'am) A) She was old and forgetful. B) She didn't have any money in the purse. C) She wanted to give the boy a chance to make the right decision. D) She wanted the boy to help himself to the money he needed. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) She wanted to give the boy a chance to make the right decision. 11. Miller wrote The Crucible as an allegory of the anti-Communist climate of his own time. During this period, many Americans feared that an international Communist party was trying to overthrow the U.S. government. In Act IV of The Crucible, which aspect of the anti-Communist "Red Scare" does Hale's character most clearly represent? A) The voice of hysteria that reacts out of panic and fear of government power. B) The voice of the rebel who stands for individual freedom in the face of a mob mentality. C) The voice of the system that is blinded to reality or reason and insists on the letter of the law. D) The voice of enlightenment that realizes the resulting hysteria from what seemed at first to be rational action. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) The voice of enlightenment that realizes the resulting hysteria from what seemed at first to be rational action. 12. Which of the following statements about theme is TRUE? A) Authors NEVER use the same theme twice. B) Themes only repeat in short stories. C) All poems have the same theme. D) The same themes can occur in different stories/different authors. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) The same themes can occur in different stories/different authors. 13. "You must clean your room before your baseball game, " Stephen's mom stated. Stephen hated cleaning his room. Because he wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible, he threw all of his clothes and toys into a huge pile in his closet and closed the door. "Done!" Stephen exclaimed. Right before it was time to leave for the game, Stephen's mother went into Stephen's room to get his uniform out of the closet. All of his clothes and toys came tumbling out. "Stephen!" she shouted. "if you would have cleaned your room properly in the first place, you wouldn't have to stay home and clean it all over again." What is the theme of this passage? A) Children should keep their rooms clean at all times. B) It's better to do things correctly the first time. C) Stephen should have listened to his mother the first time. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) It's better to do things correctly the first time. 14. How does the theme of man versus nature appear in literature? A) Characters struggling against natural forces or environments. B) Nature being portrayed as weak and easily conquered. C) Man-made structures overpowering natural elements. D) Characters embracing natural forces and environments. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Characters struggling against natural forces or environments. 15. What are some techniques or strategies for identifying the theme of a story? A) Analyzing characters, setting, plot, symbols, motifs, and author's message. B) Ignoring the details and focusing only on the dialogue. C) Asking the author directly for the theme. D) Counting the number of pages in the book. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Analyzing characters, setting, plot, symbols, motifs, and author's message. 16. You can often infer the theme of a piece of literature by ..... A) Evaluating how a character has changed. B) Sharing a character's experience. C) Determining how the conflict has resolved. D) ALL of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) ALL of the above. 17. What is a literary theme? A) The deeper meaning or universal idea. B) The main plot points. C) A short summary of the story. D) The argument. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The deeper meaning or universal idea. 18. Why is it important to analyze and understand the themes in literature? A) To identify the author's writing style. B) To memorize the plot of the story. C) To determine the publication date of the book. D) To gain a deeper understanding of the text's meaning and message. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) To gain a deeper understanding of the text's meaning and message. 19. Which of the following is NOT an example of a theme? A) With hard work, you can accomplish anything. B) You shouldn't judge a book by its cover. C) The little boy lied to his mother. D) Treat others the way you want to be treated. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) The little boy lied to his mother. 20. Can you guess the central theme of Pride and Prejudice? A) A man and woman from the Regency Era overcoming their biases to find true love. B) The perils of advancing too quickly. C) The foolishness of young age. D) The deceitfulness of trade and commerce. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) A man and woman from the Regency Era overcoming their biases to find true love. 21. What must you include in the introduction? A) A hook. B) A 2-3 sentence summary of the play. C) A thesis and organizing statement. D) All of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) A thesis and organizing statement. 22. In the play 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the theme of love? A) Tragedy and revenge. B) Friendship and loyalty. C) Betrayal and deceit. D) Power of love and forbidden love. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Power of love and forbidden love. 23. What is a quality both themes and main ideas have? A) The topic of the text. B) Directly stated. C) Can stand on its own. D) Central to the story. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Central to the story. 24. Derek's mother and father were billionaires. Derek always got everyting that he wanted. When Derek was three, his parents paid the cast of Sesame Street to come to his birthday party. In fifth grade, when Derek wanted to win the Science Fair, his parents paid a tutor to create an award-winning project. In tenth grade, when Derek wanted to be the best soccer player, his parents paid for David Beckham to privately train him. By the time Derek was an adult, he was bored and struggled to find anything meaningful to do. None of the things that he could buy with his money made him happy anymore. What is the theme of this passage? A) Derek is unhappy because he alwys got everthing he ever wanted as a child. B) Money can't buy happiness. C) You should save your money to buy things later in life. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Money can't buy happiness. 25. Liza's book report was due tomorrow. Her teacher had given the class an entire month to complete it. Many of Liza's friends were already finished, but Liza hadn't even started hers yet. When she got home, she saw a note from her dad that read, "Surprise! We're all going to the hockey game tonight. Your homework must be done first." Liza loved hockey and couldn't believe her bad luck. She'd never get her book report done before the game. Later, when her family left for the game, Liza had to say home to finish her book report. She vowed to herself that next time she would be sure to start it sooner. What is the theme of this passage? A) Everybody has to deal with bad luck at one time or another. B) Don't put things off until the last minute. C) Liza didn't get to go to the hockey game because she had to finish her report. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Don't put things off until the last minute. 26. How does the theme of a story differ from the plot? A) The theme of a story is the setting or location, while the plot is the sequence of events. B) The theme of a story is the same as the plot. C) The theme of a story is the underlying message or main idea, while the plot is the sequence of events. D) The theme of a story is the characters, while the plot is the sequence of events. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) The theme of a story is the underlying message or main idea, while the plot is the sequence of events. 27. Imagine you're a master storyteller! How would you weave a theme into your captivating tale? A) By sprinkling motifs and symbols throughout the story. B) By introducing unexpected plot twists and turns. C) By painting vivid descriptions of your characters. D) By altering the weather patterns in your story. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) By sprinkling motifs and symbols throughout the story. 28. Which quote is best integrated? A) She says: "Philomena, I wanna go to Toronto.". B) The writer says, "Philomena, I wanna go to Toronto.". C) When Pelajia says, "Philomena, I wanna go to Toronto.". D) Pelajia says, "Philomena, I wanna go to Toronto.". Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Pelajia says, "Philomena, I wanna go to Toronto.". 29. Match the term with its definition in literature: A) A sudden reversal of fortune or a turning point in the plot. B) A technique used in dialogue in literature. C) A type of character in literature. D) A form of poetry in literature. E) Adventures. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) A sudden reversal of fortune or a turning point in the plot. 30. The theme of a piece of literature is the same as its ..... A) Meaning. B) Significance. C) Subject. D) Message. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Message. 31. Which among the following will you NOT consider in finding the theme of a story? A) Where did the author write the story?. B) What recurring symbolism have you observed while reading the story. C) What conflict is faced by the main character?. D) What lesson can you take away from the story?. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Where did the author write the story?. 32. What is the purpose of identifying the theme of a story? A) To understand the underlying message or main idea of the story. B) To identify the font used in the story. C) To count the number of characters in the story. D) To determine the author's favorite color. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) To understand the underlying message or main idea of the story. 33. In "The Most Dangerous Game, " why does General Zaroff think he is justified in playing his game? A) He resents the loss of his home in the Russian Revolution. B) He feels that people have the right to use whatever power they have. C) He wishes to share the pleasure he feels in the game with others. D) He feels rich people have more rights than the poor people. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) He feels that people have the right to use whatever power they have. 34. The main conflict in this story is one between (To build a fire) A) Human and nature. B) Human and dog. C) Warmth and cold. D) Caution and foolhardiness. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Human and nature. 35. What is the central message of the poem?To the Virgins to Make Much of Time By Robert Herrick (1591-1674) A) Be confident. B) Seize the day. C) Do not get married. D) Always wear a smile. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Seize the day. 36. How can the dialogue and descriptions in a story help in determining its theme? A) By providing insight into the characters' motivations and actions. B) By revealing the physical appearance of the characters. C) By creating suspense and mystery in the story. D) By introducing new plot twists and turns. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) By providing insight into the characters' motivations and actions. 37. What consequences does the boy face in 'Thank You, Ma'am'? A) Being forgiven by Mrs. Jones for his actions. B) Being praised for his honesty. C) Being given a reward for his good behavior. D) Being caught trying to steal Mrs. Jones' purse. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Being caught trying to steal Mrs. Jones' purse. 38. Discuss the symbolism of the sea in 'Storm on the Island'. A) The sea symbolizes the abundance of resources for the islanders. B) The sea symbolizes the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the threat it poses to the islanders. C) The sea symbolizes the predictability and safety for the islanders. D) The sea symbolizes peace and tranquility for the islanders. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The sea symbolizes the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the threat it poses to the islanders. 39. Read the following poem:The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. What does the diverging roads depict? A) Destiny. B) Important Events. C) Destiny. D) Life choices. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Life choices. 40. Which quote from The Most Dangerous Game could be labeled as irony? A) "The impulse to cry aloud with joy ". B) "He lived a year in a minute ". C) "The world famous game hunter was now being hunted as game himself ". D) "The paddling sound of feet on the soft earth ". Show Answer Correct Answer: C) "The world famous game hunter was now being hunted as game himself ". 41. Choose the correct definition of anagnorisis in literature. A) Anagnorisis is a type of character development in literature. B) Anagnorisis is a critical discovery or realization in literature. C) Anagnorisis is a form of foreshadowing in literature. D) Anagnorisis is a type of literary device used to create suspense. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Anagnorisis is a critical discovery or realization in literature. 42. How does the poet convey the theme of power in 'The Prelude'? A) By using abstract and vague language. B) Through detailed analysis of historical events. C) Through vivid imagery and descriptions of nature, as well as the portrayal of the power of the human spirit and the individual's struggle for self-discovery and growth. D) By focusing on the theme of love and relationships. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Through vivid imagery and descriptions of nature, as well as the portrayal of the power of the human spirit and the individual's struggle for self-discovery and growth. 43. Which would be the best concluding paragraph for the following prompt:In a well-developed essay, analyze the theme(s) of both stories. Compare and contrast how the authors use mood to develop the theme in each text. Use evidence and examples from both texts to support your analysis. A) The themes are be kind to everyone. B) Although both stories share a similar themes, the authors used different ways of expressing their message. People need to apply the authors message to their own lives more often. C) The stories both share a theme of be kind to everyone. The authors use mood of loneliness. D) People should apply the theme to their lives. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Although both stories share a similar themes, the authors used different ways of expressing their message. People need to apply the authors message to their own lives more often. 44. What is the main theme of the story 'A Worn Path'? A) The importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. B) The impact of nature on human life. C) The significance of personal goals and dreams. D) The influence of poverty on individuals. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. 45. How does the poet use nature as a symbol in 'The Prelude'? A) Nature is used as a symbol to represent the growth and development of the poet's mind and emotions. B) Nature is used as a symbol to represent the poet's interest in astronomy. C) Nature is used as a symbol to represent the poet's fear of the unknown. D) Nature is used as a symbol to represent the poet's love for animals. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Nature is used as a symbol to represent the growth and development of the poet's mind and emotions. 46. Which inference about the man is best supported by the events in the text? (To build a fire) A) The man is trying to meet up with others where he will be safe. B) The man is involved in some kind of race across the wild forestland. C) The man is out on a hike enjoying the elements of nature around him. D) The man is searching for a missing person whom he needs to find soon. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The man is trying to meet up with others where he will be safe. 47. What is the significance of the title 'Storm on the Island' in relation to the poem's themes? A) It symbolizes the island's peaceful and serene environment. B) The title has no significance to the poem's themes. C) It represents the theme of technological advancements on the island. D) It reflects the theme of nature's power and the impact of the storm on the island and its inhabitants. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) It reflects the theme of nature's power and the impact of the storm on the island and its inhabitants. 48. Which is NOT a common theme in literature? A) Good vs. evil. B) Coming of age. C) Country life. D) Courage and perseverance. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Country life. 49. What is the correct definition of theme in literature? A) The physical setting of a literary work. B) The sequence of events in a literary work. C) The central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. D) The main character in a literary work. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) The central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. 50. Imagine you're diving into the pages of The Great Gatsby. Can you tell us what the mysterious green light represents for our protagonist, Gatsby? A) His optimism towards the future. B) His insatiable desire for wealth. C) His undying love for Daisy. D) His yearning for a more fulfilling life. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) His undying love for Daisy. 51. Which statement best expresses a theme of the text? (To build a fire) A) Animals are better equipped for danger than humans. B) Any careless behavior can result in disaster. C) One should not travel the woods in winter. D) Those who are prepared will always survive the wild. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Any careless behavior can result in disaster. 52. How can you find a theme in a piece of literature? A) By looking at the font style used in the story. B) By analyzing the punctuation used in the story. C) By counting the number of characters in the story. D) By identifying repeated words, scenarios, and emotions. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) By identifying repeated words, scenarios, and emotions. 53. Which sentence best foreshadows the outcome of the story? (To build a fire) A) "A foot of snow had fallen since the last sled had passed over, and he was glad he was without a sled, traveling light.". B) "He was making four miles an hour, and he calculated that he would arrive at the forks at half past twelve.". C) "The old-timer had been very serious in laying down the law that no man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below.". D) "Well, here he was; he had had the accident; he was alone; and he had saved himself.". Show Answer Correct Answer: C) "The old-timer had been very serious in laying down the law that no man must travel alone in the Klondike after fifty below.". 54. A theme should be supported by ..... A) Your own words. B) Evidence from the text. C) Rationale/reasoning. D) ALL of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) ALL of the above. 55. In the story 'A Long Walk to Water', what is the main theme? A) Immigration. B) Riding on an elephant to get water. C) Bathing in water. D) Struggling to survive without water. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Struggling to survive without water. 56. Where does The Crucible take place? A) Portsmouth, NH. B) Boston, MA. C) Salem, Ma. D) Cleveland, OH. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Salem, Ma. 57. In Act IV of The Crucible, why does Parris urge Elizabeth to go to her husband, who is being taken off to execution? A) So that she can make a last appeal to the mercy of the judges. B) So that she can show that she believes the death sentence is just. C) So that she can comfort him in his final moments. D) So that she can try once more to persuade him to confess. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) So that she can try once more to persuade him to confess. 58. Aria, Samuel, and Emma are discussing the themes they often encounter in the books they read. According to them, what are some common moral themes found in literature? A) Greed, selfishness, trust, punishment, mercy, fate. B) Hate, enmity, loyalty, forgiveness, injustice, random chance. C) Indifference, apathy, honesty, reward, mercy, destiny. D) Love, friendship, betrayal, redemption, justice, consequences of one's actions. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Love, friendship, betrayal, redemption, justice, consequences of one's actions. 59. What are some examples of love as a theme in plays? A) The Crucible, Death of a Salesman, A Streetcar Named Desire. B) Antigone, Medea, The Bacchae. C) Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello. D) Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Pride and Prejudice. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Pride and Prejudice. 60. In Act IV of The Crucible, why does Parris hope that Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor will confess? A) He expects that their confessions will result in the execution of all his enemies. B) He thinks that Proctor's followers will come after him if they do not confess. C) He feels that their guilt will confirm the justice of the trials and executions. D) He believes that admitting their guilt will save their souls from damnation. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) He feels that their guilt will confirm the justice of the trials and executions. Next →Related QuizzesIntroductions QuizzesEnglish Literature QuizzesLiterary Themes Quiz 2Literary Themes Quiz 3Theme In Literature Quiz 🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books