Nissim-Ezekiel - Practice MCQs
Practice multiple choice questions on Nissim Ezekiel for exam preparation.
6. Practice MCQs for Nissim Ezekiel
This section contains 100 multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of Nissim Ezekiel. Click on “Answer” to reveal the correct choice.
1. Nissim Ezekiel is widely regarded as the “father of post-independence Indian English: a) Novel b) Drama c) Verse d) Criticism
Answer
c) Verse
2. In which city was Nissim Ezekiel born? a) Delhi b) Calcutta c) Bombay (Mumbai) d) Madras
Answer
c) Bombay (Mumbai)
3. To which community did Nissim Ezekiel belong? a) Parsi b) Bene Israel (Jewish) c) Christian d) Sikh
Answer
b) Bene Israel (Jewish)
4. For which poetry collection did Ezekiel win the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1983? a) A Time to Change b) The Unfinished Man c) Latter-Day Psalms d) Hymns in Darkness
Answer
c) Latter-Day Psalms
5. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” is famous for its portrayal of: a) Urban alienation b) A mother’s selfless love c) Political satire d) Philosophical debate
Answer
b) A mother’s selfless love
6. The poem “Enterprise” uses the metaphor of a journey to explore themes of: a) Romantic adventure b) Idealism and disillusionment c) Economic success d) Historical exploration
Answer
b) Idealism and disillusionment
7. “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” is renowned for its humorous and satirical portrayal of: a) Political leaders b) Academic life c) Indian English d) Rural customs
Answer
c) Indian English
8. The poem “Philosophy” critiques the limitations of: a) Scientific inquiry b) Abstract intellectualism c) Religious dogma d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Abstract intellectualism
9. “Background, Casually” is an autobiographical poem reflecting on Ezekiel’s identity as: a) A political activist b) An Indian Jew c) A spiritual guru d) A social reformer
Answer
b) An Indian Jew
10. Ezekiel’s poetry is primarily characterized by its focus on: a) Rural landscapes b) Ancient myths c) Urban sensibility d) Historical events
Answer
c) Urban sensibility
11. Which of these poets significantly influenced Ezekiel’s style? a) William Wordsworth b) John Keats c) T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound d) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer
c) T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound
12. The father in “Night of the Scorpion” represents: a) Superstition b) Rationality and skepticism c) Religious devotion d) Traditional healing
Answer
b) Rationality and skepticism
13. The “enterprise” in the poem of the same name ultimately ends with a sense of: a) Triumph and glory b) Emptiness and anti-climax c) Spiritual enlightenment d) Financial success
Answer
b) Emptiness and anti-climax
14. The humor in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” primarily arises from the speaker’s: a) Witty remarks b) Misuse of English c) Sarcastic tone d) Physical comedy
Answer
b) Misuse of English
15. The poem “Philosophy” suggests that the pursuit of abstract truth can lead to: a) Greater understanding of reality b) Detachment from concrete experience c) Spiritual fulfillment d) Social harmony
Answer
b) Detachment from concrete experience
16. Ezekiel received the Padma Shri in which year? a) 1983 b) 1988 c) 1990 d) 2004
Answer
b) 1988
17. The collection Latter-Day Psalms reinterprets the ancient biblical Psalms through a ________ lens. a) Devotional b) Traditional c) Modern, skeptical, and ironic d) Historical
Answer
c) Modern, skeptical, and ironic
18. Ezekiel’s poetic style is characterized by its conversational and ________ language. a) Formal b) Archaic c) Colloquial d) Ornate
Answer
c) Colloquial
19. The theme of “Selfless Maternal Love” is central to which poem? a) “Enterprise” b) “Philosophy” c) “Night of the Scorpion” d) “Background, Casually”
Answer
c) “Night of the Scorpion”
20. Ezekiel’s plays include: a) The Post Office b) Nalini c) Gora d) The Guide
Answer
b) Nalini
21. Nissim Ezekiel passed away in which year? a) 1999 b) 2001 c) 2004 d) 2009
Answer
c) 2004
22. The poem “Background, Casually” explores the complexities of being an outsider as an Indian Jew in: a) England b) America c) India d) Israel
Answer
c) India
23. Ezekiel’s poetry is known for its sharp use of: a) Metaphor and simile b) Irony and satire c) Alliteration and assonance d) Rhyme and meter
Answer
b) Irony and satire
24. The collection The Unfinished Man (1960) contains how many poems? a) 5 b) 10 c) 15 d) 20
Answer
b) 10
25. The poem “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” is a type of: a) Lyric poem b) Narrative poem c) Dramatic monologue d) Sonnet
Answer
c) Dramatic monologue
26. Ezekiel’s poetry often deals with the mundane and the ordinary, reflecting his commitment to: a) Idealism b) Romanticism c) Realism d) Surrealism
Answer
c) Realism
27. The villagers in “Night of the Scorpion” believe the sting is a punishment for the mother’s: a) Disobedience b) Past sins c) Lack of faith d) Pride
Answer
b) Past sins
28. The poem “Enterprise” can be read as a subtle critique of endeavors that lack: a) Financial backing b) Political support c) Genuine spiritual or moral grounding d) Public recognition
Answer
c) Genuine spiritual or moral grounding
29. Ezekiel’s plays like Marriage Poem explore themes of: a) Political revolution b) Human relationships and intimacy c) Historical events d) Scientific discoveries
Answer
b) Human relationships and intimacy
30. The poem “Philosophy” uses the image of a “divided face in the pair of glasses” to symbolize: a) Clear vision b) Detachment from immediate reality c) Intellectual superiority d) Physical impairment
Answer
b) Detachment from concrete experience
31. Ezekiel was a professor of English at: a) Delhi University b) Calcutta University c) Bombay University d) Madras University
Answer
c) Bombay University
32. The mother’s final words in “Night of the Scorpion” are a testament to her: a) Anger b) Selfless maternal love c) Fear d) Resignation
Answer
b) Selfless maternal love
33. The “enterprise” in the poem of the same name ultimately ends with a sense of: a) Triumph and glory b) Emptiness and anti-climax c) Spiritual enlightenment d) Financial success
Answer
b) Emptiness and anti-climax
34. The humor in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” primarily arises from the speaker’s: a) Witty remarks b) Misuse of English c) Sarcastic tone d) Physical comedy
Answer
b) Misuse of English
35. The poem “Philosophy” suggests that the pursuit of abstract truth can lead to: a) Greater understanding of reality b) Detachment from concrete experience c) Spiritual fulfillment d) Social harmony
Answer
b) Detachment from concrete experience
36. Ezekiel received the Padma Shri in which year? a) 1983 b) 1988 c) 1990 d) 2004
Answer
b) 1988
37. The collection Latter-Day Psalms reinterprets the ancient biblical Psalms through a ________ lens. a) Devotional b) Traditional c) Modern, skeptical, and ironic d) Historical
Answer
c) Modern, skeptical, and ironic
38. Ezekiel’s poetic style is characterized by its conversational and ________ language. a) Formal b) Archaic c) Colloquial d) Ornate
Answer
c) Colloquial
39. The theme of “Selfless Maternal Love” is central to which poem? a) “Enterprise” b) “Philosophy” c) “Night of the Scorpion” d) “Background, Casually”
Answer
c) “Night of the Scorpion”
40. Ezekiel’s plays include: a) The Post Office b) Nalini c) Gora d) The Guide
Answer
b) Nalini
41. Ezekiel was a professor of English at: a) Delhi University b) Calcutta University c) Bombay University d) Madras University
Answer
c) Bombay University
42. The mother’s final words in “Night of the Scorpion” are a testament to her: a) Anger b) Selfless maternal love c) Fear d) Resignation
Answer
b) Selfless maternal love
43. The poem “Enterprise” is an allegory for: a) A business venture b) A political campaign c) Life’s journey or any collective endeavor d) A scientific expedition
Answer
c) Life’s journey or any collective endeavor
44. “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” subtly critiques the ________ of a certain segment of the Indian middle class. a) Economic status b) Cultural pretensions c) Political views d) Religious beliefs
Answer
b) Cultural pretensions
45. The poem “Philosophy” suggests that the pursuit of abstract truth can lead to: a) Greater wisdom b) Detachment from concrete experience c) Spiritual fulfillment d) Social harmony
Answer
b) Detachment from concrete experience
46. Ezekiel’s poetry is often described as: a) Romantic and idealistic b) Urban, ironic, and realistic c) Mystical and spiritual d) Traditional and conventional
Answer
b) Urban, ironic, and realistic
47. The theme of “Communal Response to Crisis” is evident in “Night of the Scorpion” through the actions of the: a) Doctor b) Father c) Villagers d) Holy man
Answer
c) Villagers
48. The poem “Background, Casually” explores the theme of: a) Childhood innocence b) Search for identity and belonging c) Political revolution d) Rural life
Answer
b) Search for identity and belonging
49. Latter-Day Psalms showcases Ezekiel’s intellectual rigor and his unique blend of reverence and: a) Fear b) Dogma c) Irreverence d) Blind faith
Answer
c) Irreverence
50. Ezekiel’s plays are known for exploring themes of: a) Historical battles b) Social issues and human relationships c) Mythological tales d) Science fiction
Answer
b) Social issues and human relationships
51. Ezekiel is credited with bringing a new, modern ________ to Indian English poetry. a) Romanticism b) Sensibility c) Classicism d) Traditionalism
Answer
b) Sensibility
52. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” contrasts superstition with: a) Blind faith b) Rationality c) Emotional response d) Traditional beliefs
Answer
b) Rationality
53. The “leader” in “Enterprise” eventually loses his: a) Followers b) Vision and purpose c) Wealth d) Health
Answer
b) Vision and purpose
54. The speaker in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” is delivering a: a) Formal lecture b) Farewell speech c) Political address d) Religious sermon
Answer
b) Farewell speech
55. The poem “Philosophy” is a subtle critique of: a) Scientific method b) Abstract intellectualism c) Artistic expression d) Political systems
Answer
b) Abstract intellectualism
56. Ezekiel’s poetry often uses ________ to critique social hypocrisy. a) Direct statements b) Irony and satire c) Emotional appeals d) Historical examples
Answer
b) Irony and satire
57. The theme of “Suffering and Redemption” is present in “Night of the Scorpion” through the villagers’ belief that the mother’s pain will: a) Lead to her death b) Burn away her sins c) Cause more misfortune d) Be ignored by God
Answer
b) Burn away her sins
58. The poem “Background, Casually” explores the speaker’s sense of being an outsider both in the West and in: a) His own family b) His own country c) His profession d) His social circle
Answer
b) His own country
59. Latter-Day Psalms engages with the biblical Psalms: a) Literally and devotionally b) Critically and ironically c) Historically and academically d) Spiritually and mystically
Answer
b) Critically and ironically
60. Ezekiel’s poetic language is characterized by its simplicity and: a) Obscurity b) Ornamentation c) Directness d) Complexity
Answer
c) Directness
61. Ezekiel was instrumental in shaping the modern Indian ________ landscape. a) Political b) Economic c) Literary d) Social
Answer
c) Literary
62. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” is a masterclass in: a) Abstract thought b) Political commentary c) Observation and vivid depiction d) Philosophical debate
Answer
c) Observation and vivid depiction
63. The “enterprise” in the poem of the same name becomes increasingly arduous and meaningless due to: a) External enemies b) Internal conflicts and disillusionment c) Lack of resources d) Poor planning
Answer
b) Internal conflicts and disillusionment
64. The speaker in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” praises Miss Pushpa’s: a) Intelligence b) Sweetness and helpful nature c) Wealth d) Political views
Answer
b) Sweetness and helpful nature
65. The poem “Philosophy” suggests that the pursuit of abstract truth can obscure the: a) Beauty and complexity of the concrete world b) Importance of religious faith c) Value of scientific discovery d) Need for social justice
Answer
a) Beauty and complexity of the concrete world
66. Ezekiel’s poetry often explores the complexities of: a) Rural life b) Ancient history c) Urban life d) Mythological tales
Answer
c) Urban life
67. The villagers in “Night of the Scorpion” are described as “swarms of flies,” highlighting their: a) Industriousness b) Communal but sometimes overwhelming presence c) Destructive nature d) Lack of intelligence
Answer
b) Communal but sometimes overwhelming presence
68. “Background, Casually” touches upon the speaker’s identity as a Bene Israel Jew, which contributes to his sense of: a) Superiority b) Belonging c) Otherness d) Conformity
Answer
c) Otherness
69. Latter-Day Psalms explores what it means to be moral in a: a) Traditional society b) Complex, often corrupt, urban environment c) Rural setting d) Religious community
Answer
b) Complex, often corrupt, urban environment
70. Ezekiel’s poetic craftsmanship is characterized by his: a) Lengthy descriptions b) Precision and economy of language c) Complex metaphors d) Abstract symbolism
Answer
b) Precision and economy of language
71. Ezekiel’s first collection of poems was published in: a) 1950 b) 1952 c) 1955 d) 1960
Answer
b) 1952
72. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” is a powerful narrative poem that explores themes of superstition, rationality, and: a) Political unrest b) Communal response to crisis c) Economic hardship d) Historical events
Answer
b) Communal response to crisis
73. The “enterprise” in the poem of the same name is an allegory for: a) A personal journey b) A national movement c) A spiritual quest d) All of the above
Answer
d) All of the above
74. The speaker in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” is well-meaning but his language is: a) Too formal b) Too informal c) Linguistically awkward d) Too poetic
Answer
c) Linguistically awkward
75. The poem “Philosophy” suggests that the philosopher, in his pursuit of abstract truths, overlooks: a) The importance of logic b) The simple realities around him c) The need for grand theories d) The value of intellectual debate
Answer
b) The simple realities around him
76. Ezekiel’s poetry is often described as having a ________ tone. a) Sentimental b) Didactic c) Ironic d) Romantic
Answer
c) Ironic
77. The theme of “Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance” is central to: a) “Night of the Scorpion” b) “Enterprise” c) “Background, Casually” d) “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.”
Answer
c) “Background, Casually”
78. Latter-Day Psalms explores what it means to be moral in a: a) Traditional society b) Complex, often corrupt, urban environment c) Rural setting d) Religious community
Answer
b) Complex, often corrupt, urban environment
79. Ezekiel’s contribution to Indian English literature is monumental because he: a) Introduced new forms of poetry b) Modernized Indian English poetry c) Wrote the first Indian English novel d) Translated ancient Indian texts
Answer
b) Modernized Indian English poetry
80. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” is widely studied in schools in India and: a) England b) America c) Colombia d) Australia
Answer
c) Colombia
81. Ezekiel’s poetry often explores the nuances of: a) Ancient Indian history b) Modern urban life c) Rural Indian traditions d) Mythological tales
Answer
b) Modern urban life
82. The poem “Enterprise” suggests that the journey itself, with its trials, was perhaps more significant than the: a) Starting point b) Destination c) Companions d) Leader
Answer
b) Destination
83. The linguistic awkwardness in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” creates a sense of: a) Tragedy b) Pathos alongside humor c) Anger d) Boredom
Answer
b) Pathos alongside humor
84. The poem “Philosophy” is a subtle critique of: a) Religious belief b) Abstract intellectualism c) Scientific progress d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Abstract intellectualism
85. Ezekiel’s poetry is characterized by its focus on: a) Grand narratives b) The mundane and the ordinary c) Historical events d) Mythological figures
Answer
b) The mundane and the ordinary
86. The theme of “Cultural Hybridity” is explored in “Background, Casually” through the speaker’s experience of living at the intersection of: a) Two different cities b) Multiple cultures c) Two different professions d) Two different time periods
Answer
b) Multiple cultures
87. Latter-Day Psalms showcases Ezekiel’s intellectual rigor and his unique blend of: a) Faith and doubt b) Joy and sorrow c) Love and hate d) Success and failure
Answer
a) Faith and doubt
88. Ezekiel’s poetic style is known for its precision and: a) Ambiguity b) Clarity c) Obscurity d) Vagueness
Answer
b) Clarity
89. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” is a powerful narrative that captures a specific Indian reality while conveying: a) Local customs b) Universal human emotions c) Political messages d) Economic conditions
Answer
b) Universal human emotions
90. The poem “Enterprise” highlights the challenges of maintaining vision in the face of: a) Success b) Adversity c) Recognition d) Popularity
Answer
b) Adversity
91. Ezekiel’s plays often explore themes of: a) Ancient history b) Social issues c) Science fiction d) Fantasy
Answer
b) Social issues
92. The poem “Philosophy” uses the image of the “countryside” to represent: a) A rural setting b) The real, concrete world c) A philosophical concept d) A place of escape
Answer
b) The real, concrete world
93. Ezekiel’s poetry is characterized by its use of: a) Flowery language b) Simple and direct language c) Complex metaphors d) Archaic vocabulary
Answer
b) Simple and direct language
94. The theme of “Alienation and Otherness” is central to: a) “Night of the Scorpion” b) “Enterprise” c) “Background, Casually” d) “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.”
Answer
c) “Background, Casually”
95. Latter-Day Psalms explores the tension between traditional faith and: a) Blind acceptance b) Modern skepticism c) Religious fanaticism d) Spiritual dogma
Answer
b) Modern skepticism
96. Ezekiel’s contribution to Indian English literature includes bringing a new ________ sensibility. a) Romantic b) Urban c) Rural d) Historical
Answer
b) Urban
97. The poem “Night of the Scorpion” is a powerful narrative that captures a specific Indian reality while conveying: a) Local customs b) Universal human emotions c) Political messages d) Economic conditions
Answer
b) Universal human emotions
98. The poem “Enterprise” suggests that true meaning comes not just from external goals but from: a) Financial success b) Inner conviction and clear vision c) Public recognition d) Social acceptance
Answer
b) Inner conviction and clear vision
99. The speaker in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” is well-meaning but his language is: a) Too formal b) Too informal c) Linguistically awkward d) Too poetic
Answer
c) Linguistically awkward
100. The poem “Philosophy” is a subtle critique of: a) Religious belief b) Abstract intellectualism c) Scientific progress d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Abstract intellectualism