This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled. Home > English Literature > Introductions > Themes > Literary Themes – Quiz 2 🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books Literary Themes Quiz 2 (60 MCQs) Quiz Instructions Select an option to see the correct answer instantly. 1. To identify a theme in a story, a reader can ask ..... A) What has the character learned?. B) What is the setting?. C) Who is the narrator?. D) ALL of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) What has the character learned?. 2. What is the purpose of analyzing the characters, plot, and symbols in order to identify the theme of a story? A) To understand the author's writing style. B) To determine the setting of the story. C) To find the central message or lesson of the story. D) To identify the main conflict of the story. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To find the central message or lesson of the story. 3. What could be an example of a theme? A) Friendship. B) Being prepared often leads to success. C) Helping others. D) How to bake chocolate chip cookies. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Being prepared often leads to success. 4. Then she smelled wood smoke, and smelled the river, and she saw a steeple and the cabins on their steep steps. (A worn path) A) Personification. B) Alliteration. C) Allusion. D) Simile. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Alliteration. 5. Maya, Abigail, and Jackson are discussing the book they just read in their literature class. Maya says that a theme in literature is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. Do you agree with Maya's statement? A) No, a theme in literature is the sequence of events in a literary work. B) Yes, a theme in literature is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. C) No, a theme in literature is the physical setting of a literary work. D) No, a theme in literature is the main character in a literary work. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Yes, a theme in literature is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. 6. Abigail, Aiden, and Hannah are reading a novel for their literature class. How can they identify themes in the story they are reading? A) Pay attention to the author's use of punctuation. B) Focus on the physical descriptions of the characters. C) Look for recurring ideas, motifs, or symbols throughout the narrative. D) Analyze the grammar and sentence structure of the story. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Look for recurring ideas, motifs, or symbols throughout the narrative. 7. In The Most Dangerous Game, which answer best describes the problem General Zaroff has before he invents his game? A) He loves hunting, but he hates to see animals suffer. B) He hates Ivan, but he needs his help for the hunt. C) He hates Rainsford, but he must be hospitable to get him to stay. D) He cares only for hunting, but hunting has begun to bore him. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) He cares only for hunting, but hunting has begun to bore him. 8. What does the main character's journey in 'A Worn Path' symbolize? A) It symbolizes her struggle against the hardships of life. B) It symbolizes her desire to find new opportunities. C) It symbolizes her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. D) It symbolizes her confusion and lack of direction in life. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) It symbolizes her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity. 9. How does the poet use the storm as a symbol in the poem? A) The poet uses the storm as a symbol for a peaceful and harmonious life. B) The poet uses the storm as a symbol to represent inner turmoil or conflict. C) The poet uses the storm as a symbol for happiness and joy. D) The poet uses the storm as a symbol for a calm and serene environment. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The poet uses the storm as a symbol to represent inner turmoil or conflict. 10. Read the following speech from Act IV of The Crucible. Parris:Tonight, when I open my door to leave my house-a dagger clattered to the ground ..... You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not step outside at night! A) The townspeople feel guilty and ashamed for believing the girls' lies. B) The judges and leaders have decided that Parris is an incompetent preacher. C) The townspeople are outraged that genuinely good people are being executed. D) The judges and leaders have received an accusation of witchcraft against Parris. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) The townspeople are outraged that genuinely good people are being executed. 11. Anthony and his classmates decided to play basketball at recess. During the game, Anthony wanted to prove that he was the best player of all. Every time Anthony got the ball, he dribbled it all around the court until he could shoot and make the basket. He never even looked to see if anyone else on his team was open. He just ignored his teammates when they yelled, "Pass!" Because Anthony scored a lot of points for his team during that game, he figured that everyone would want him to be on their team from now on. The next day, Anthony stood there as everyone around him got chosen first. What is the theme of this passage? A) Don't be greedy. B) Players should always pass the ball to their teammates. C) People will be jealous of you if you're the best. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Don't be greedy. 12. Which of the following literary devices is presented here?"He lived a year in a minute." A) Metaphor. B) Imagery. C) Hyperbole. D) Simile. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Hyperbole. 13. How does the setting of 'To Build a Fire' contribute to the story? A) It provides a backdrop for the protagonist's struggle. B) It adds to the suspense and tension in the story. C) It symbolizes the protagonist's isolation and loneliness. D) All of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) All of the above. 14. What is the main theme of the story 'To Build a Fire'? A) Man vs. Self. B) Man vs. Society. C) Man vs. Technology. D) Man vs. Nature. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Man vs. Nature. 15. How can understanding the theme of a story enhance the reader's experience? A) By confusing the reader and making the story more difficult to understand. B) By distracting the reader from the main plot and characters. C) By limiting the reader's imagination and creativity. D) By providing a deeper understanding. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) By providing a deeper understanding. 16. What is the theme of a story. A) The message, lesson, or moral of a story. B) What the story mostly is about. C) A story's setting. D) What the narrator says in the story. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The message, lesson, or moral of a story. 17. The following is an excerpt from the Odyssey. What important Greek custom is implied the lines? Telemachus saw Athene and went straight to the forecourt, the heart within him scandalized that a guest should still be standing at the doors. He stood beside her and took her by the right hand, and relieved her of the bronze spear, and spoke to her and addressed her in winged words:'Welcome, stranger. You shall be entertained as a guest among us. Afterward, when you have tasted dinner, you shall tell us what your need is.' And he led her and seated her in a chair splendid and elaborate. For her feet there was a footstool. For himself, he drew painted bench next her, apart from the others, the suitors for fear the guest, made uneasy by the uproar. Might lose his appetite there among overbearing people A) Greeks are highly intelligent people with great sense of humor. B) Greeks value women by not letting them stand for too long. C) Greeks are hospitable even among strangers. D) Greeks like to share their food even to their neighbors. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Greeks are hospitable even among strangers. 18. Themes are universal because ..... A) All humans share common experiences. B) Authors add them to make the writing meaningful. C) The entire universe enjoys them. D) The stories go on forever. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) All humans share common experiences. 19. In the story 'A Worn Path', what does the journey symbolize? A) The importance of nature in human life. B) The pursuit of personal goals and dreams. C) The impact of poverty on individuals. D) Struggles and sacrifices of African Americans. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Struggles and sacrifices of African Americans. 20. Which is an example of theme in literature? A) Love conquers all. B) Knowledge is power. C) Actions speak louder than words. D) Money is the root of all evil. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Love conquers all. 21. What lesson does Mrs. Jones teach the boy in 'Thank You, Ma'am'? A) The value of forgiveness. B) The importance of honesty. C) The significance of good behavior. D) The consequences of stealing. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The value of forgiveness. 22. How does the theme of a story impact the characters? A) The theme of a story impacts the characters by influencing their actions, motivations, and development. B) The theme of a story impacts the characters by changing their physical appearance. C) The theme of a story only impacts the setting, not the characters. D) The theme of a story has no impact on the characters. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The theme of a story impacts the characters by influencing their actions, motivations, and development. 23. Explain the use of symbolism in 'Storm on the Island'. A) The use of symbolism in 'Storm on the Island' helps to convey the themes of power, fear, and vulnerability. B) The use of symbolism in 'Storm on the Island' represents the theme of happiness and joy. C) The use of symbolism in 'Storm on the Island' symbolizes the theme of success and achievement. D) The use of symbolism in 'Storm on the Island' conveys the theme of love and romance. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The use of symbolism in 'Storm on the Island' helps to convey the themes of power, fear, and vulnerability. 24. True or False:Every story every written or told has a theme A) TRUE. B) FALSE. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) TRUE. 25. Giving lifelike qualities to an inanimate object A) Imagery. B) Personification. C) Simile. D) Allusion. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Personification. 26. Choose the correct example of a theme in literature from the options below: A) The setting of the story. B) The author's favorite book. C) The struggle between good and evil. D) The color of the protagonist's hair. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) The struggle between good and evil. 27. What does the storm represent in 'The Prelude'? A) The storm represents the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the protagonist's internal turmoil and fear. B) The storm represents the protagonist's joy and excitement. C) The storm represents a sense of control and order. D) The storm represents a peaceful and serene environment. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The storm represents the power and unpredictability of nature, as well as the protagonist's internal turmoil and fear. 28. How would you define the theme of a literary work? A) The theme is the main character in a story. B) The theme is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. C) The theme is the physical setting of a story. D) The theme is the sequence of events in a story. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The theme is the central idea or message conveyed by a literary work. 29. Ready for a brain teaser? Can you tell me what a motif in writing is? A) Is it the overall meaning and purpose of a book?. B) Or, is it the recurring literary structure that helps develop a theme?. C) Could it be the image, character, or object that has a meaning beneath the surface?. D) Or, is it the order of events in a work of fiction?. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Or, is it the recurring literary structure that helps develop a theme?. 30. Read the poem below. To the Virgins to Make Much of Time By Robert Herrick (1591-1674) Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today Tomorrow will be dying. The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he's a-getting, The sooner will his race be run, And nearer he's to setting. That age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer; But being spent, the worse, and worst Times still succeed the former. Then be not coy, but use your time, And while ye may, go marry; For having lost but once your prime, You may forever tarry.What does the world "prime" in the last stanza refer to? A) Confidence. B) Privilege. C) Youth. D) Wealth. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Youth. 31. Literary theme is often confused with ..... A) The plot. B) The main idea. C) The genre. D) The cover art. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The main idea. 32. Which is the best example of a topic sentence? A) The writer uses symbolism throughout the play. B) The writer uses symbolism to use a common object that represent something more significant. C) The writer symbolizes the water as something else when he states, "the water runs through the the heart of the town.". D) The writer uses water to symbolize power and corruption. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) The writer uses water to symbolize power and corruption. 33. This refers to the main idea or underlying meaning a writer explores in a literary work. A) Cultural Implication. B) Theme. C) Characterization. D) Plot. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Theme. 34. What is the significance of the title 'A Worn Path'? A) The title symbolizes the repeated journey of the main character and her perseverance. B) The title signifies the main character's struggle to find her way in a confusing world. C) The title represents the main character's desire to explore new paths in life. D) The title refers to the physical condition of the path the main character walks on. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The title symbolizes the repeated journey of the main character and her perseverance. 35. Being under such strict laws and commandments, the Puritans had to repress a lot of their anger towards their neighbors. When the witch hunts started, it was an excellent chance for them to get revenge on their neighbors. A) TRUE. B) FALSE. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) TRUE. 36. A theme can also be called ..... A) Moral. B) Plot. C) Central Idea. D) Main Conflict. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Central Idea. 37. These books have characters who work together to solve problems. What universal theme is that? A) Cooperation. B) Compassion. C) Kindness. D) Courage. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Cooperation. 38. What is a developing theme in The Summer of the Mariposas? A) Holding true to ones word and fulfilling a promise or oath made; conquering evil takes pure hearted people; and working together makes the load lighter for all. B) Big sisters are dumb. C) Not all ghosts are bad. D) The concept of authority implying that authority is irrelevant to the plot progression. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Holding true to ones word and fulfilling a promise or oath made; conquering evil takes pure hearted people; and working together makes the load lighter for all. 39. What type of conflict is presented in The Most Dangerous Game? A) Man vs. nature. B) Man vs. self. C) Man vs. man. D) All of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) All of the above. 40. Which of the following is NOT a synonym for theme? A) Fable. B) Life lesson. C) Message. D) Moral. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Fable. 41. Which is the best example of an organizing statement? A) The writer employs foreshadowing, metaphor, and symbolism to convey this view. B) The writers use foreshadow, metaphore and symbols to show his perspective. C) The writer uses 3 devices that I will explain later in this essay. D) Foreshadowing, metaphor, and symbolism are used. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) The writer employs foreshadowing, metaphor, and symbolism to convey this view. 42. What are some common literary themes found in literature? A) Mathematics, science experiments, and computer programming. B) Space exploration, time travel, and alien invasions. C) Love, friendship, betrayal, coming of age, and the struggle between good and evil. D) Cooking recipes, gardening, and sports. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Love, friendship, betrayal, coming of age, and the struggle between good and evil. 43. If the topic is love, which of the following would be an acceptable theme statement? A) Friendship lasts forever. B) Unconditional love overcomes any obstacles. C) Money is the root of all evil. D) None of above. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Unconditional love overcomes any obstacles. 44. What is the significance of the dog in the story 'To Build a Fire'? A) It represents the protagonist's companion. B) It symbolizes the natural instincts that the protagonist lacks. C) It is a symbol of hope and survival. D) It is a symbol of the protagonist's fear. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) It symbolizes the natural instincts that the protagonist lacks. 45. In 'The Outsiders' when Ponyboy and Johnny run away together, this could be an example of a reoccurring theme such as: A) Corruption and control. B) Friendship getting the boys through hardships. C) Being criminals. D) Equality and justice. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Friendship getting the boys through hardships. 46. Why is theme important in a story? A) Theme only adds unnecessary complexity to a story. B) Theme is important in a story because it provides a central message or insight about life, human nature, or the world. C) Theme is only important in academic analysis, not in enjoying a story. D) Theme is not important in a story. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Theme is important in a story because it provides a central message or insight about life, human nature, or the world. 47. What are the two themes we discussed in A Long Walk to Water? A) Family and Survival. B) Family and Growing up. C) Survival and Courage. D) Justice and Survival. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Family and Survival. 48. Which of the following is NOT a theme? A) Revenge. B) Growing up. C) England. D) Good vs. Evil. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) England. 49. What is the difference between the theme and the plot of a story? 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 characters, while the plot is the sequence of events. C) The theme of a story is the same as the plot. D) The theme of a story is the underlying message or main idea, while the plot is the sequence of events. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) The theme of a story is the underlying message or main idea, while the plot is the sequence of events. 50. What is the purpose of moral themes in literature? A) To entertain readers with fictional stories. B) To promote bad behavior and actions. C) To explore and convey principles, values, and life lessons. D) To provide historical context and background information. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) To explore and convey principles, values, and life lessons. 51. What is the significance of the island in the poem? A) Signifies a feeling of connection and belonging. B) Serves as a metaphor for success and achievement. C) Represents a bustling and lively community. D) Symbolize isolation, loneliness, or a sense of being cut off from the rest of the world. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) Symbolize isolation, loneliness, or a sense of being cut off from the rest of the world. 52. In which situation would the poem "The Road Not Taken" be closely related to? A) Choosing a course in college. B) Taking care of your parents. C) Building your dream house. D) Passing an exam. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Choosing a course in college. 53. What lesson does the protagonist learn from his mistakes in 'To Build a Fire'? A) Failing to prepare adequately. B) Ignoring warnings and advice from others. C) Respecting nature and not underestimating its power. D) Taking unnecessary risks. Show Answer Correct Answer: C) Respecting nature and not underestimating its power. 54. In The Most Dangerous Game, how does Rainsford finally defeat General Zaroff? A) He makes a Malay mancatcher using a dead tree. B) He digs a pit lined with stakes and conceals it with branches. C) He refuses to participate in Zaroff's hunt any longer. D) He swims back to Zaroff's house and ambushes him there. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) He swims back to Zaroff's house and ambushes him there. 55. Match the correct definition to the term 'catharsis' in literature. A) Emotional release or purification through vicarious participation in the emotions of a fictional character. B) A form of comedy in literature. C) The process of editing a manuscript. D) The climax of a story. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Emotional release or purification through vicarious participation in the emotions of a fictional character. 56. What is the overall theme of 'The Prelude'? A) The overall theme of 'The Prelude' is about the poet's obsession with material wealth. B) The overall theme of 'The Prelude' is the development of the poet's mind and spirit as he grows from childhood to adulthood. C) The overall theme of 'The Prelude' is about the poet's love for nature. D) The overall theme of 'The Prelude' is about the poet's struggle with technology. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) The overall theme of 'The Prelude' is the development of the poet's mind and spirit as he grows from childhood to adulthood. 57. Which is the correct definition of anagnorisis in literature. A) Anagnorisis is a type of literary device used to create suspense. B) Anagnorisis is a critical discovery or realization in literature. C) Anagnorisis is a type of character development in literature. D) Anagnorisis is a form of foreshadowing in literature. Show Answer Correct Answer: B) Anagnorisis is a critical discovery or realization in literature. 58. How does understanding the theme of a story contribute to the reader's interpretation of the characters and plot? A) It helps the reader empathize with the characters and understand their actions. B) It allows the reader to predict the outcome of the story. C) It helps the reader visualize the setting and atmosphere of the story. D) It has no impact on the reader's interpretation of the characters and plot. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) It helps the reader empathize with the characters and understand their actions. 59. Which literary devices are commonly used in plays? A) Metaphor and simile. B) Foreshadowing. C) Symbolism. D) All of the above. Show Answer Correct Answer: D) All of the above. 60. Choose the correct example of catharsis in literature. A) Tragic ending of a play or novel. B) Character development in a story. C) Happy ending of a play or novel. D) Conflict resolution in a novel. Show Answer Correct Answer: A) Tragic ending of a play or novel. ← PreviousNext →Related QuizzesIntroductions QuizzesEnglish Literature QuizzesLiterary Themes Quiz 1Literary Themes Quiz 3Theme In Literature Quiz 🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books