Rk-Narayan - Practice MCQs
Practice multiple choice questions on Rk Narayan for exam preparation.
6. Practice MCQs for R.K. Narayan
This section contains 100 multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of R.K. Narayan. Click on “Answer” to reveal the correct choice.
1. R.K. Narayan is best known for his works set in the fictional South Indian town of: a) Malgudi b) Mysore c) Madras d) Chennai
Answer
a) Malgudi
2. Which of Narayan’s novels won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1960? a) Swami and Friends b) The Financial Expert c) The Guide d) The English Teacher
Answer
c) The Guide
3. Who was R.K. Narayan’s mentor and friend who helped him get his early books published? a) E.M. Forster b) Graham Greene c) W.B. Yeats d) Mulk Raj Anand
Answer
b) Graham Greene
4. The protagonist of The Guide, who transforms from a tourist guide to a spiritual guru, is named: a) Margayya b) Raju c) Chandran d) Krishna
Answer
b) Raju
5. Swami and Friends is the first novel in Narayan’s semi-autobiographical trilogy. Which of these is also part of that trilogy? a) The Dark Room b) The Vendor of Sweets c) The English Teacher d) The Man-Eater of Malgudi
Answer
c) The English Teacher
6. The novel The Financial Expert features a character named Margayya, who is obsessed with the pursuit of: a) Knowledge b) Power c) Wealth d) Fame
Answer
c) Wealth
7. The novel The English Teacher is deeply personal and draws from Narayan’s own experience of: a) Losing his job b) His wife’s premature death c) A spiritual pilgrimage d) His son’s rebellion
Answer
b) His wife’s premature death
8. The central theme of The Vendor of Sweets is: a) Political corruption b) Generational conflict and cultural clash c) Religious conversion d) Rural poverty
Answer
b) Generational conflict and cultural clash
9. Which of these is a collection of short stories by Narayan? a) My Days b) The Ramayana c) Malgudi Days d) The World of Nagaraj
Answer
c) Malgudi Days
10. The character Rosie in The Guide is passionate about: a) Cooking b) Dancing c) Painting d) Singing
Answer
b) Dancing
11. Swami and Friends offers a delightful glimpse into the world of a mischievous: a) Five-year-old girl b) Ten-year-old boy c) Teenager d) Young adult
Answer
b) Ten-year-old boy
12. The novel The Dark Room features a submissive housewife named: a) Rosie b) Susila c) Savitri d) Grace
Answer
c) Savitri
13. Narayan’s autobiography is titled: a) My Dateless Diary b) My Days c) Reluctant Guru d) A Writer’s Nightmare
Answer
b) My Days
14. The novel Waiting for the Mahatma is notable for featuring which historical figure as a character? a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Subhas Chandra Bose c) Mahatma Gandhi d) Sardar Patel
Answer
c) Mahatma Gandhi
15. The film adaptation of The Guide won a Filmfare Award in which year? a) 1960 b) 1965 c) 1980 d) 1983
Answer
c) 1980
16. Narayan’s writing style is often characterized by its: a) Complex sentence structures b) Harsh satire c) Gentle irony and humor d) Experimental narrative
Answer
c) Gentle irony and humor
17. The novel The Financial Expert is a satire on the pursuit of: a) Spiritual enlightenment b) Political power c) Money d) Artistic fame
Answer
c) Money
18. In The English Teacher, Krishna resigns from his teaching position to pursue: a) A career in politics b) A more meaningful form of education for children c) A life of asceticism d) A business venture
Answer
b) A more meaningful form of education for children
19. The character Mali in The Vendor of Sweets represents: a) Traditional Indian values b) The modern, Westernized Indian youth c) A spiritual guru d) A successful businessman
Answer
b) The modern, Westernized Indian youth
20. Narayan also retold Indian epics and myths, including: a) The Vedas b) The Upanishads c) The Ramayana and The Mahabharata d) The Puranas
Answer
c) The Ramayana and The Mahabharata
21. The first reference to the fictional town of Malgudi appeared in which novel? a) The Guide b) Swami and Friends c) The Bachelor of Arts d) The Financial Expert
Answer
b) Swami and Friends
22. The novel The Bachelor of Arts follows the growth of its protagonist: a) Raju b) Margayya c) Chandran d) Krishna
Answer
c) Chandran
23. In The Guide, Raju’s transformation is triggered by the villagers mistaking him for a: a) Tourist b) Holy man c) Criminal d) Businessman
Answer
b) Holy man
24. The novel The Vendor of Sweets ends with Jagan: a) Reconciling with Mali b) Expanding his business c) Renouncing his worldly possessions and seeking a spiritual path d) Moving to America
Answer
c) Renouncing his worldly possessions and seeking a spiritual path
25. Narayan’s writing is often compared to that of William Faulkner for its: a) Complex plot structures b) Regional focus and deep understanding of local life c) Use of stream of consciousness d) Historical accuracy
Answer
b) Regional focus and deep understanding of local life
26. The character Velan in The Guide represents: a) Skepticism b) Unwavering faith c) Modernity d) Cynicism
Answer
b) Unwavering faith
27. The novel The English Teacher explores themes of love, loss, grief, and: a) Political activism b) Financial success c) Spiritual awakening d) Social reform
Answer
c) Spiritual awakening
28. The scandalous manuscript that helps Margayya become rich in The Financial Expert is on: a) Philosophy b) History c) Sexology d) Economics
Answer
c) Sexology
29. Which of these is NOT a part of Narayan’s semi-autobiographical trilogy? a) Swami and Friends b) The Bachelor of Arts c) The Dark Room d) The English Teacher
Answer
c) The Dark Room
30. The novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi features a character who is a printer and taxidermist named: a) Raju b) Margayya c) Vasu d) Jagan
Answer
c) Vasu
31. The protagonist of Swami and Friends is a mischievous ten-year-old boy named: a) Mani b) Rajam c) Swami d) Samuel
Answer
c) Swami
32. Narayan received the Padma Vibhushan in which year? a) 1964 b) 1980 c) 2000 d) 2001
Answer
c) 2000
33. The novel The Guide is a commentary on human nature, faith, and the ironies of: a) Politics b) Destiny c) Science d) Art
Answer
b) Destiny
34. The character Grace in The Vendor of Sweets is from: a) India b) America c) Korea d) Japan
Answer
c) Korea
35. Narayan’s short stories are celebrated for their: a) Lengthy descriptions b) Complex plots c) Conciseness, wit, and keen observation d) Political commentary
Answer
c) Conciseness, wit, and keen observation
36. The novel A Tiger for Malgudi tells the story from the perspective of: a) A human character b) A tiger c) An omniscient narrator d) A journalist
Answer
b) A tiger
37. The novel The English Teacher is a profound exploration of: a) The education system b) Love, loss, and spiritual transformation c) Social class differences d) The challenges of urban life
Answer
b) Love, loss, and spiritual transformation
38. Margayya’s initial business in The Financial Expert involves: a) Selling sweets b) Advising villagers on loans c) Teaching English d) Printing books
Answer
b) Advising villagers on loans
39. The novel The Dark Room highlights the plight of a woman trapped in a: a) Loveless marriage b) Financial crisis c) Political conspiracy d) Spiritual dilemma
Answer
a) Loveless marriage
40. Narayan’s creation of Malgudi is considered his most significant stylistic contribution because it: a) Is a real town in South India b) Provides a consistent and living backdrop for his stories c) Is a symbol of modern India d) Is a utopian society
Answer
b) Provides a consistent and living backdrop for his stories
41. The novel Waiting for the Mahatma explores themes related to: a) The Indian independence movement b) The partition of India c) The caste system d) Rural development
Answer
a) The Indian independence movement
42. The character Jagan in The Vendor of Sweets is a man of strict: a) Modern values b) Western values c) Traditional values d) Atheistic values
Answer
c) Traditional values
43. The novel The Guide is often praised for its innovative: a) Character development b) Narrative structure c) Use of symbolism d) Dialogue
Answer
b) Narrative structure
44. The novel The English Teacher is the final part of Narayan’s ________ trilogy. a) Malgudi b) Autobiographical c) Spiritual d) Social
Answer
b) Autobiographical
45. The novel The Financial Expert is a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of: a) Power b) Fame c) Money d) Love
Answer
c) Money
46. Narayan’s writing is often compared to that of Guy de Maupassant for his ability to: a) Create complex characters b) Compress a narrative c) Write long, descriptive passages d) Focus on social issues
Answer
b) Compress a narrative
47. The novel The Vendor of Sweets subtly satirizes the uncritical adoption of: a) Traditional customs b) Western ideas and technology c) Spiritual practices d) Political ideologies
Answer
b) Western ideas and technology
48. The novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi explores themes of: a) Human-animal conflict b) The disruption caused by an outsider c) Environmental conservation d) Wildlife photography
Answer
b) The disruption caused by an outsider
49. Narayan’s non-fiction work My Dateless Diary is a travelogue of his visit to: a) England b) America c) Europe d) Africa
Answer
b) America
50. The novel The World of Nagaraj features a protagonist who is a: a) Teacher b) Writer c) Businessman d) Astrologer
Answer
b) Writer
51. The character Swami in Swami and Friends is a typical: a) Rebellious teenager b) Mischievous and imaginative ten-year-old boy c) Serious and studious child d) Quiet and introverted boy
Answer
b) Mischievous and imaginative ten-year-old boy
52. The novel The Guide explores the blurred lines between reality and: a) History b) Illusion c) Science d) Politics
Answer
b) Illusion
53. The novel The English Teacher is a profound exploration of the human quest for meaning in the face of: a) Financial hardship b) Political instability c) Suffering and loss d) Social injustice
Answer
c) Suffering and loss
54. Margayya’s son in The Financial Expert, who contributes to his downfall, is named: a) Raju b) Balu c) Mali d) Krishna
Answer
b) Balu
55. The novel The Vendor of Sweets highlights the complexities of: a) Business ethics b) Father-son relationships c) Political ideologies d) Religious practices
Answer
b) Father-son relationships
56. Narayan’s novels often feature characters who are: a) Heroes and villains b) Flawed but deeply human c) Stereotypes d) One-dimensional
Answer
b) Flawed but deeply human
57. The novel The Dark Room is a critique of: a) The education system b) Patriarchal society and its impact on women c) The legal system d) Economic inequality
Answer
b) Patriarchal society and its impact on women
58. Narayan’s writing is characterized by its focus on the: a) Extraordinary and dramatic b) Ordinary and everyday c) Historical and mythological d) Futuristic and speculative
Answer
b) Ordinary and everyday
59. The novel Grandmother’s Tale is a: a) Historical novel b) Short story collection c) Memoir d) Children’s book
Answer
c) Memoir
60. Narayan’s works are often described as having a unique blend of humor and: a) Tragedy b) Satire c) Pathos d) Irony
Answer
d) Irony
61. The cricket team formed by Swami and his friends in Swami and Friends is called: a) Malgudi Cricket Club (MCC) b) Young Men’s Union (YMU) c) Friends XI d) Malgudi Stars
Answer
a) Malgudi Cricket Club (MCC)
62. In The Guide, Raju’s initial profession is a: a) Teacher b) Businessman c) Tourist guide d) Priest
Answer
c) Tourist guide
63. The novel The English Teacher explores the spiritual phenomena of Krishna attempting to communicate with: a) His guru b) His deceased wife c) Divine beings d) His ancestors
Answer
b) His deceased wife
64. The novel The Financial Expert is a cautionary tale about: a) The dangers of gambling b) The corrupting influence of unchecked ambition c) The importance of education d) The benefits of hard work
Answer
b) The corrupting influence of unchecked ambition
65. The character Grace in The Vendor of Sweets is initially a source of confusion but later develops: a) Hostility towards Jagan b) A quiet understanding and sympathy for Jagan c) A romantic interest in Jagan d) A desire to take over the business
Answer
b) A quiet understanding and sympathy for Jagan
66. Narayan’s novels often subtly explore the tension between: a) Urban and rural life b) Tradition and modernity c) East and West d) Rich and poor
Answer
b) Tradition and modernity
67. The novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi is a humorous tale about: a) A literal man-eating tiger b) A taxidermist who disrupts the peace of Malgudi c) A hunter’s adventures d) A village plagued by a wild animal
Answer
b) A taxidermist who disrupts the peace of Malgudi
68. Narayan’s non-fiction work My Days is an example of: a) A travelogue b) An autobiography c) A collection of essays d) A literary criticism
Answer
b) An autobiography
69. The novel The World of Nagaraj features a protagonist who is trying to write a book about: a) The history of Malgudi b) The life of a sage c) The Ramayana d) His own family
Answer
c) The Ramayana
70. Narayan’s simple and lucid prose made his stories: a) Difficult to understand b) Accessible and endearing to a wide readership c) Only appealing to literary critics d) Highly experimental
Answer
b) Accessible and endearing to a wide readership
71. The novel Swami and Friends captures the essence of: a) Adulthood and responsibility b) Childhood and innocence c) Old age and wisdom d) Teenage rebellion
Answer
b) Childhood and innocence
72. In The Guide, Raju’s imprisonment is a result of: a) Theft b) Forging Rosie’s signature c) Murder d) Political activism
Answer
b) Forging Rosie’s signature
73. The novel The English Teacher advocates for a more ________ approach to education. a) Rote learning b) Child-centered and holistic c) Discipline-focused d) Examination-oriented
Answer
b) Child-centered and holistic
74. Margayya’s downfall in The Financial Expert is primarily caused by: a) His own moral compromises and his son’s recklessness b) A natural disaster c) A rival businessman d) Government intervention
Answer
a) His own moral compromises and his son’s recklessness
75. The novel The Vendor of Sweets is a subtle satire on: a) Religious fundamentalism b) The clash of cultures c) Political corruption d) Economic policies
Answer
b) The clash of cultures
76. Narayan’s novels often portray the foibles and eccentricities of his characters with: a) Harsh judgment b) Detached amusement and sympathy c) Moral condemnation d) Intense psychological analysis
Answer
b) Detached amusement and sympathy
77. The novel The Dark Room is a powerful portrayal of a woman’s struggle for: a) Financial independence b) Personal dignity and freedom within a restrictive marriage c) Political rights d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Personal dignity and freedom within a restrictive marriage
78. Narayan’s works are considered foundational to Indian English literature because he: a) Was the first Indian to write in English b) Created a unique literary universe with Malgudi c) Focused exclusively on historical events d) Wrote only for an international audience
Answer
b) Created a unique literary universe with Malgudi
79. The novel A Tiger for Malgudi explores themes of: a) Human-animal bond and spiritual awakening b) Wildlife conservation c) The dangers of wild animals d) Circus life
Answer
a) Human-animal bond and spiritual awakening
80. Narayan’s writing is often praised for its ability to capture the essence of Indian life with: a) Exaggeration and melodrama b) Cynicism and pessimism c) Warmth and authenticity d) Detachment and coldness
Answer
c) Warmth and authenticity
81. The character Rajam in Swami and Friends is the son of the: a) School principal b) Police superintendent c) Village headman d) Bank manager
Answer
b) Police superintendent
82. In The Guide, Raju’s transformation from a tourist guide to a spiritual guru is an example of: a) A planned career move b) An accidental and ironic turn of events c) A deliberate spiritual quest d) A forced conversion
Answer
b) An accidental and ironic turn of events
83. The novel The English Teacher is a profound exploration of the human quest for: a) Material wealth b) Political power c) Meaning and purpose d) Social status
Answer
c) Meaning and purpose
84. The novel The Financial Expert is a satirical commentary on: a) The banking system b) Human greed and ambition c) Rural life d) The education system
Answer
b) Human greed and ambition
85. The generational conflict in The Vendor of Sweets is primarily between Jagan’s traditional values and Mali’s: a) Spiritual beliefs b) Artistic pursuits c) Materialistic ambitions d) Political views
Answer
c) Materialistic ambitions
86. Narayan’s novels often explore the tension between tradition and: a) Revolution b) Modernity c) Conservatism d) Anarchy
Answer
b) Modernity
87. The novel The Dark Room is a powerful portrayal of a woman’s struggle against: a) Poverty b) Social isolation c) Domestic oppression d) Political persecution
Answer
c) Domestic oppression
88. Narayan’s works are often praised for their: a) Complex psychological analysis b) Simple narratives and universal themes c) Experimental literary techniques d) Historical accuracy
Answer
b) Simple narratives and universal themes
89. The novel Grandmother’s Tale is a fictionalized account of: a) Narayan’s own grandmother’s life b) A historical figure c) A mythological character d) A contemporary woman
Answer
a) Narayan’s own grandmother’s life
90. Narayan’s writing style is often described as: a) Verbose and ornate b) Concise and understated c) Dramatic and intense d) Abstract and philosophical
Answer
b) Concise and understated
91. The character Swami in Swami and Friends is a typical: a) Rebellious teenager b) Mischievous and imaginative ten-year-old boy c) Serious and studious child d) Quiet and introverted boy
Answer
b) Mischievous and imaginative ten-year-old boy
92. In The Guide, Raju’s imprisonment is a result of: a) Theft b) Forging Rosie’s signature c) Murder d) Political activism
Answer
b) Forging Rosie’s signature
93. The novel The English Teacher explores the spiritual phenomena of Krishna attempting to communicate with: a) His guru b) His deceased wife c) Divine beings d) His ancestors
Answer
b) His deceased wife
94. The novel The Financial Expert is a cautionary tale about: a) The dangers of gambling b) The corrupting influence of unchecked ambition c) The importance of education d) The benefits of hard work
Answer
b) The corrupting influence of unchecked ambition
95. The generational conflict in The Vendor of Sweets is primarily between Jagan’s traditional values and Mali’s: a) Spiritual beliefs b) Artistic pursuits c) Materialistic ambitions d) Political views
Answer
c) Materialistic ambitions
96. Narayan’s novels often portray the foibles and eccentricities of his characters with: a) Harsh judgment b) Detached amusement and sympathy c) Moral condemnation d) Intense psychological analysis
Answer
b) Detached amusement and sympathy
97. The novel The Dark Room is a powerful statement against: a) Illiteracy b) Domestic violence and marital oppression c) Poverty d) Political corruption
Answer
b) Domestic violence and marital oppression
98. Narayan’s creation of Malgudi allowed him to explore universal human experiences within a: a) Global context b) Culturally specific setting c) Historical framework d) Futuristic world
Answer
b) Culturally specific setting
99. The novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi is a humorous exploration of: a) The conflict between good and evil b) The power of nature c) The challenges of modern life d) The complexities of human relationships
Answer
a) The conflict between good and evil
100. Narayan’s works continue to be widely read and studied for their: a) Complex philosophical arguments b) Detailed historical accounts c) Timeless insights into human nature and Indian culture d) Experimental literary techniques
Answer
c) Timeless insights into human nature and Indian culture