Anita-Desai - Practice MCQs
Practice multiple choice questions on Anita Desai for exam preparation.
6. Practice MCQs for Anita Desai
This section contains 100 multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of Anita Desai. Click on “Answer” to reveal the correct choice.
1. Anita Desai is celebrated for her sensitive portrayal of the inner lives of: a) Men in power b) Children c) Middle-class women d) Rural farmers
Answer
c) Middle-class women
2. In which year was Anita Desai born? a) 1930 b) 1937 c) 1945 d) 1950
Answer
b) 1937
3. What was the title of Anita Desai’s debut novel, published in 1963? a) Fire on the Mountain b) Clear Light of Day c) Cry, the Peacock d) In Custody
Answer
c) Cry, the Peacock
4. For which novel did Anita Desai win the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978? a) Cry, the Peacock b) Voices in the City c) Fire on the Mountain d) Clear Light of Day
Answer
c) Fire on the Mountain
5. How many times has Anita Desai been shortlisted for the Booker Prize? a) One b) Two c) Three d) Four
Answer
c) Three
6. The protagonist of Cry, the Peacock, a young and neurotic woman, is named: a) Nanda Kaul b) Ila Das c) Maya d) Susila
Answer
c) Maya
7. Fire on the Mountain is set in the serene yet subtly unsettling landscape of: a) Delhi b) Calcutta c) Kasauli d) Mumbai
Answer
c) Kasauli
8. Clear Light of Day is considered by Desai herself to be her most: a) Experimental work b) Autobiographical work c) Political work d) Humorous work
Answer
b) Autobiographical work
9. In Custody explores the decline of which art form? a) Classical Indian dance b) Indian classical music c) Urdu poetry d) Traditional Indian painting
Answer
c) Urdu poetry
10. Fasting, Feasting contrasts life in India with life in which other country? a) England b) America c) Canada d) Australia
Answer
b) America
11. Anita Desai’s daughter, Kiran Desai, is also a celebrated novelist and a: a) Pulitzer Prize winner b) Booker Prize winner c) Sahitya Akademi Award winner d) National Book Award winner
Answer
b) Booker Prize winner
12. The novel Cry, the Peacock delves into Maya’s anxieties, particularly a childhood prophecy from an astrologer about: a) Her marriage b) Her career c) Her husband’s death d) Her children’s future
Answer
c) Her husband’s death
13. Nanda Kaul in Fire on the Mountain seeks absolute: a) Power b) Wealth c) Solitude d) Fame
Answer
c) Solitude
14. Clear Light of Day primarily revolves around the complex bond between two sisters, Bim and: a) Raja b) Baba c) Tara d) Mira-Masi
Answer
c) Tara
15. The protagonist of In Custody, a timid Hindi lecturer, is named: a) Nur b) Murad c) Deven Sharma d) Jagan
Answer
c) Deven Sharma
16. In Fasting, Feasting, Uma’s life in India is characterized by a form of emotional and intellectual: a) Feasting b) Celebration c) Fasting (deprivation) d) Rebellion
Answer
c) Fasting (deprivation)
17. Desai’s literary style is distinctive for its: a) Social realism b) Psychological depth c) Historical accuracy d) Political commentary
Answer
b) Psychological depth
18. The theme of “Alienation and Isolation” is a pervasive theme in Desai’s work, particularly for: a) Men b) Children c) Women d) Elderly
Answer
c) Women
19. Which of these is a children’s novel by Anita Desai that won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize? a) The Peacock Garden b) Cat on a Houseboat c) The Village by the Sea d) Where Shall We Go This Summer?
Answer
c) The Village by the Sea
20. Desai received the Padma Bhushan in which year? a) 1978 b) 1983 c) 1999 d) 2014
Answer
d) 2014
21. Anita Desai was born in which place? a) Delhi b) Mussoorie c) Calcutta d) Mumbai
Answer
b) Mussoorie
22. Her mother was of which nationality? a) Indian b) British c) German d) American
Answer
c) German
23. The novel Cry, the Peacock delves into Maya’s anxieties, particularly a childhood prophecy from an astrologer about: a) Her marriage b) Her career c) Her husband’s death d) Her children’s future
Answer
c) Her husband’s death
24. The intrusion of Ila Das in Fire on the Mountain forces Nanda Kaul to confront: a) Her future plans b) Suppressed memories and disturbing realities c) Her financial problems d) Her political views
Answer
b) Suppressed memories and disturbing realities
25. Clear Light of Day is set in which part of Delhi? a) New Delhi b) Old Delhi c) South Delhi d) East Delhi
Answer
b) Old Delhi
26. The revered Urdu poet in In Custody is: a) Ghalib b) Mir Taqi Mir c) Nur Shahjahanabadi d) Faiz Ahmed Faiz
Answer
c) Nur Shahjahanabadi
27. In Fasting, Feasting, Arun lives with the Patton family in: a) A bustling city b) A remote village c) American suburbia d) A university dormitory
Answer
c) American suburbia
28. Desai’s novels are characterized by their deep psychological insight and exploration of: a) Historical events b) The emotional landscapes of her protagonists c) Political movements d) Economic theories
Answer
b) The emotional landscapes of her protagonists
29. The theme of “Inner World vs. Outer Reality” is a key aspect of Desai’s work, where characters often retreat into their minds as a: a) Form of escape b) Coping mechanism c) Source of inspiration d) Way to connect with others
Answer
b) Coping mechanism
30. Which of these novels by Anita Desai was shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times? a) Cry, the Peacock b) Fire on the Mountain c) Clear Light of Day d) Fasting, Feasting
Answer
c) Clear Light of Day
31. Anita Desai’s debut novel, Cry, the Peacock, was published in: a) 1959 b) 1963 c) 1968 d) 1972
Answer
b) 1963
32. Maya’s husband in Cry, the Peacock, who is much older and emotionally detached, is named: a) Gautama b) Nikhilesh c) Sandip d) Raju
Answer
a) Gautama
33. The tragic climax of Fire on the Mountain involves the murder of Ila Das and a fire on the: a) Village b) Mountain c) Forest d) House
Answer
b) Mountain
34. Clear Light of Day is structured in how many parts? a) Two b) Three c) Four d) Five
Answer
c) Four
35. Deven Sharma in In Custody is a timid and uninspired: a) English teacher b) Hindi lecturer c) Urdu poet d) Journalist
Answer
b) Hindi lecturer
36. In Fasting, Feasting, Uma’s parents are referred to as: a) MotherFather b) MamaPapa c) MaBaba d) AmmaAppa
Answer
b) MamaPapa
37. Desai’s prose is often described as: a) Simple and direct b) Lyrical and evocative c) Harsh and realistic d) Humorous and lighthearted
Answer
b) Lyrical and evocative
38. The theme of “Search for Identity and Self-Fulfillment” in Desai’s work often involves characters challenging: a) Political systems b) Traditional roles and expectations c) Economic structures d) Religious beliefs
Answer
b) Traditional roles and expectations
39. Which of these is a collection of short stories by Anita Desai? a) The Zigzag Way b) Baumgartner’s Bombay c) Games at Twilight and Other Stories d) Journey to Ithaca
Answer
c) Games at Twilight and Other Stories
40. Anita Desai received the Literary Lion Award in which year? a) 1978 b) 1983 c) 1993 d) 1999
Answer
c) 1993
41. Anita Desai’s father was of which descent? a) German b) Bengali c) British d) American
Answer
b) Bengali
42. The novel Cry, the Peacock is a pioneering work in Indian English literature for its exploration of: a) Social realism b) Historical events c) Psychological realism d) Political satire
Answer
c) Psychological realism
43. Nanda Kaul in Fire on the Mountain has retired to a secluded house called: a) Shantiniketan b) Carignano c) Malgudi d) Kanthapura
Answer
b) Carignano
44. Clear Light of Day explores the enduring impact of the ________ on the present. a) Future b) Past c) Society d) Politics
Answer
b) Past
45. Deven Sharma in In Custody is drawn to Nur by the allure of: a) Financial gain b) Political power c) Meeting his idol and preserving Urdu poetry d) Social status
Answer
c) Meeting his idol and preserving Urdu poetry
46. In Fasting, Feasting, Arun lives with the Patton family in: a) A bustling city b) A remote village c) American suburbia d) A university dormitory
Answer
c) American suburbia
47. Desai’s novels are characterized by their deep psychological insight and exploration of: a) Historical events b) The emotional landscapes of her protagonists c) Political movements d) Economic theories
Answer
b) The emotional landscapes of her protagonists
48. The theme of “Madness and Neurosis” is explored in some of Desai’s novels as a result of characters’ inability to cope with: a) Success b) Circumstances or societal pressures c) Happiness d) Freedom
Answer
b) Circumstances or societal pressures
49. Which of these novels by Anita Desai was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1984? a) Cry, the Peacock b) Fire on the Mountain c) In Custody d) Fasting, Feasting
Answer
c) In Custody
50. The novel The Village by the Sea won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in: a) 1978 b) 1982 c) 1983 d) 1999
Answer
c) 1983
51. Anita Desai’s debut novel, Cry, the Peacock, focuses on the inner turmoil of its protagonist: a) Nanda Kaul b) Ila Das c) Maya d) Susila
Answer
c) Maya
52. The novel Fire on the Mountain explores themes of isolation, memory, and the burden of: a) Wealth b) Power c) Relationships d) Knowledge
Answer
c) Relationships
53. Clear Light of Day is a poignant and introspective exploration of family relationships and the passage of: a) Seasons b) Time c) Generations d) Eras
Answer
b) Time
54. In In Custody, Deven becomes burdened by Nur’s life and legacy, effectively taking him: a) To court b) In custody c) On a journey d) To a hospital
Answer
b) In custody
55. In Fasting, Feasting, Uma’s life is one of quiet resignation, marked by the demands of her: a) Friends b) Parents c) Teachers d) Colleagues
Answer
b) Parents
56. Desai’s novels are characterized by their focus on: a) External social realities b) The inner lives of her characters c) Historical events d) Political movements
Answer
b) The inner lives of her characters
57. The theme of “Alienation and Isolation” in Desai’s work often stems from characters’ feelings of: a) Superiority b) Confinement and lack of understanding c) Freedom d) Connection
Answer
b) Confinement and lack of understanding
58. Which of these novels by Anita Desai contrasts life in India with life in America? a) Cry, the Peacock b) Fire on the Mountain c) In Custody d) Fasting, Feasting
Answer
d) Fasting, Feasting
59. The novel Voices in the City explores the lives of a Bengali family in: a) Delhi b) Calcutta c) Mumbai d) Madras
Answer
b) Calcutta
60. Anita Desai is often categorized as a ________ novelist. a) Historical b) Social c) Psychological d) Political
Answer
c) Psychological
61. Anita Desai’s mixed heritage exposed her to a rich linguistic and cultural environment, as her mother was German and her father was: a) British b) Bengali c) Punjabi d) Gujarati
Answer
b) Bengali
62. Maya’s descent into madness in Cry, the Peacock is triggered by the death of her: a) Father b) Husband c) Pet dog d) Child
Answer
c) Pet dog
63. The tragic climax of Fire on the Mountain involves the brutal murder of: a) Nanda Kaul b) Ila Das c) Raka d) The Vice-Chancellor
Answer
b) Ila Das
64. Clear Light of Day delves into the lives of the Das family, particularly the complex bond between two sisters, Bim and: a) Raja b) Baba c) Tara d) Mira-Masi
Answer
c) Tara
65. The novel In Custody is a poignant and often humorous exploration of the clash between idealism and: a) Ambition b) Reality c) Spirituality d) Tradition
Answer
b) Reality
66. In Fasting, Feasting, Arun discovers a different kind of emptiness and dysfunction beneath the apparent freedom and material abundance of: a) Indian society b) American suburbia c) European cities d) Rural life
Answer
b) American suburbia
67. Desai’s novels are characterized by their lyrical and evocative prose, creating a strong: a) Plot b) Character development c) Atmosphere and emotional nuances d) Dialogue
Answer
c) Atmosphere and emotional nuances
68. The theme of “Family Relationships” in Desai’s work often explores: a) Perfect harmony b) Strained dynamics and unspoken resentments c) Idealized bonds d) Simple joys
Answer
b) Strained dynamics and unspoken resentments
69. Which of these novels by Anita Desai explores the world of Urdu poetry and a struggling academic? a) Cry, the Peacock b) Fire on the Mountain c) In Custody d) Fasting, Feasting
Answer
c) In Custody
70. The novel The Village by the Sea won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize in: a) 1978 b) 1982 c) 1983 d) 1999
Answer
c) 1983
71. Anita Desai graduated from which university? a) University of Calcutta b) University of Delhi c) University of Mumbai d) Jawaharlal Nehru University
Answer
b) University of Delhi
72. The novel Cry, the Peacock is a study of a fragile psyche grappling with: a) Political power b) Existential fears c) Economic challenges d) Social acceptance
Answer
b) Existential fears
73. Nanda Kaul in Fire on the Mountain has spent a lifetime managing a large household as the wife of a: a) Businessman b) Politician c) Vice-Chancellor d) Doctor
Answer
c) Vice-Chancellor
74. Clear Light of Day is set in which city? a) Mumbai b) Kolkata c) Delhi d) Chennai
Answer
c) Delhi
75. The novel In Custody explores the struggles of an individual trapped between his aspirations and his: a) Political beliefs b) Mundane existence c) Artistic talent d) Financial success
Answer
b) Mundane existence
76. In Fasting, Feasting, food serves as a powerful: a) Plot device b) Character c) Metaphor d) Setting
Answer
c) Metaphor
77. Desai’s novels are characterized by their focus on: a) External social realities b) The inner lives of her characters c) Historical events d) Political movements
Answer
b) The inner lives of her characters
78. The theme of “Tradition vs. Modernity” in Desai’s work is subtly explored, particularly its impact on: a) Men b) Children c) Women d) The elderly
Answer
c) Women
79. Which of these novels by Anita Desai is set in 20th-century Mexico? a) Baumgartner’s Bombay b) Journey to Ithaca c) The Zigzag Way d) Where Shall We Go This Summer?
Answer
c) The Zigzag Way
80. Anita Desai’s contribution to Indian English literature includes her pioneering role in: a) Historical fiction b) Social realism c) Psychological fiction d) Political satire
Answer
c) Psychological fiction
81. Anita Desai’s debut novel, Cry, the Peacock, is a seminal work for its exploration of: a) Social issues b) Psychological realism c) Historical events d) Political movements
Answer
b) Psychological realism
82. The novel Fire on the Mountain explores themes of isolation, memory, and the elusive nature of: a) Happiness b) Peace c) Success d) Love
Answer
b) Peace
83. Clear Light of Day delves into the lives of the Das family, particularly the complex bond between: a) Parents and children b) Siblings c) Spouses d) Grandparents and grandchildren
Answer
b) Siblings
84. The novel In Custody highlights the bittersweet nature of pursuing a: a) Political career b) Financial goal c) Artistic dream d) Social cause
Answer
c) Artistic dream
85. In Fasting, Feasting, Uma’s life is one of quiet resignation, marked by the demands of her: a) Friends b) Parents c) Teachers d) Colleagues
Answer
b) Parents
86. Desai’s prose is often described as: a) Simple and direct b) Lyrical and evocative c) Harsh and realistic d) Humorous and lighthearted
Answer
b) Lyrical and evocative
87. The theme of “Alienation and Isolation” in Desai’s work often leads characters to: a) Seek social connections b) Retreat into their inner worlds c) Engage in political activism d) Pursue material wealth
Answer
b) Retreat into their inner worlds
88. The novel Baumgartner’s Bombay recounts the tragic life of a German Jew in: a) England b) America c) India d) Germany
Answer
c) India
89. Which of these novels by Anita Desai explores a couple’s spiritual quest in India? a) Where Shall We Go This Summer? b) Journey to Ithaca c) The Zigzag Way d) Voices in the City
Answer
b) Journey to Ithaca
90. Anita Desai’s contribution to Indian English literature includes giving voice to the complex inner lives of: a) Indian men b) Indian children c) Indian women d) Indian elderly
Answer
c) Indian women
91. Anita Desai’s debut novel, Cry, the Peacock, is a study of a fragile psyche grappling with: a) Political power b) Existential fears c) Economic challenges d) Social acceptance
Answer
b) Existential fears
92. The novel Fire on the Mountain explores themes of isolation, memory, and the elusive nature of: a) Happiness b) Peace c) Success d) Love
Answer
b) Peace
93. Clear Light of Day delves into the lives of the Das family, particularly the complex bond between: a) Parents and children b) Siblings c) Spouses d) Grandparents and grandchildren
Answer
b) Siblings
94. The novel In Custody highlights the bittersweet nature of pursuing a: a) Political career b) Financial goal c) Artistic dream d) Social cause
Answer
c) Artistic dream
95. In Fasting, Feasting, Uma’s life is one of quiet resignation, marked by the demands of her: a) Friends b) Parents c) Teachers d) Colleagues
Answer
b) Parents
96. Desai’s prose is often described as: a) Simple and direct b) Lyrical and evocative c) Harsh and realistic d) Humorous and lighthearted
Answer
b) Lyrical and evocative
97. The theme of “Alienation and Isolation” in Desai’s work often leads characters to: a) Seek social connections b) Retreat into their inner worlds c) Engage in political activism d) Pursue material wealth
Answer
b) Retreat into their inner worlds
98. The novel Baumgartner’s Bombay recounts the tragic life of a German Jew in: a) England b) America c) India d) Germany
Answer
c) India
99. Which of these novels by Anita Desai explores a couple’s spiritual quest in India? a) Where Shall We Go This Summer? b) Journey to Ithaca c) The Zigzag Way d) Voices in the City
Answer
b) Journey to Ithaca
100. Anita Desai’s contribution to Indian English literature includes giving voice to the complex inner lives of: a) Indian men b) Indian children c) Indian women d) Indian elderly
Answer
c) Indian women