Shashi-Deshpande - Practice MCQs
Practice multiple choice questions on Shashi Deshpande for exam preparation.
6. Practice MCQs for Shashi Deshpande
This section contains 100 multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of Shashi Deshpande. Click on “Answer” to reveal the correct choice.
1. Shashi Deshpande is celebrated for her realistic portrayal of the inner lives of: a) Indian men b) Indian women c) Indian children d) Indian elderly
Answer
b) Indian women
2. For which novel did Shashi Deshpande win the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1990? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) The Binding Vine c) That Long Silence d) A Matter of Time
Answer
c) That Long Silence
3. What is the title of Shashi Deshpande’s first novel, published in 1980? a) That Long Silence b) The Dark Holds No Terrors c) Roots and Shadows d) If I Die Today
Answer
b) The Dark Holds No Terrors
4. The protagonist of The Dark Holds No Terrors, a successful doctor, is named: a) Jaya b) Urmila c) Saru (Sarita) d) Madhu
Answer
c) Saru (Sarita)
5. That Long Silence is narrated by a middle-aged woman named: a) Saru b) Urmila c) Jaya d) Madhu
Answer
c) Jaya
6. The Binding Vine delves into the taboo subject of: a) Political corruption b) Marital rape c) Religious conversion d) Economic exploitation
Answer
b) Marital rape
7. A Matter of Time explores the complexities of family relationships and the impact of: a) Financial success b) Abandonment c) Political activism d) Social gatherings
Answer
b) Abandonment
8. The novel Small Remedies centers on Madhu, a woman grappling with the devastating loss of her: a) Husband b) Parents c) Son d) Sister
Answer
c) Son
9. Deshpande’s literary style is characterized by its: a) Overt political statements b) Psychological realism and introspective narration c) Historical accuracy d) Humorous anecdotes
Answer
b) Psychological realism and introspective narration
10. A central theme in Deshpande’s work is the “Search for Identity and: a) Wealth b) Power c) Self-Realization d) Fame
Answer
c) Self-Realization
11. Shashi Deshpande received the Padma Shri in which year? a) 1990 b) 1992 c) 2000 d) 2009
Answer
d) 2009
12. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru’s struggles with Manohar are intertwined with past traumas from her: a) Professional life b) Childhood c) Social circle d) Political involvement
Answer
b) Childhood
13. Jaya in That Long Silence is forced to confront her life choices when her husband faces an inquiry for: a) Political dissent b) Financial irregularities c) Marital infidelity d) Professional misconduct
Answer
b) Financial irregularities
14. The “binding vine” in the novel of the same name symbolizes the intricate and often suffocating ties of: a) Friendship b) Family and tradition c) Professional networks d) Political alliances
Answer
b) Family and tradition
15. The novel A Matter of Time explores the cyclical nature of abandonment and emotional detachment across: a) Different countries b) Different social classes c) Generations of women d) Different historical periods
Answer
c) Generations of women
16. In Small Remedies, art, particularly music and writing, is presented as a powerful: a) Distraction b) Remedy for suffering c) Source of conflict d) Means of escape
Answer
b) Remedy for suffering
17. Deshpande’s novels often focus on the domestic sphere, revealing it as a site of: a) Uninterrupted peace b) Confinement, conflict, and psychological struggle c) Constant celebration d) Political debate
Answer
b) Confinement, conflict, and psychological struggle
18. The theme of “Silence and Voice” in Deshpande’s work highlights the struggle to: a) Remain quiet b) Suppress emotions c) Find one’s own voice and articulate experiences d) Avoid confrontation
Answer
c) Find one’s own voice and articulate experiences
19. Which of these is a children’s book by Shashi Deshpande based on the Quit India Movement? a) A Summer Adventure b) The Hidden Treasure c) The Narayanpur Incident d) The Only Witness
Answer
c) The Narayanpur Incident
20. Deshpande’s work is often seen as a feminist voice, not through overt political statements, but through: a) Historical analysis b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles c) Economic theories d) Scientific research
Answer
b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles
21. Shashi Deshpande was born in which Indian state? a) Maharashtra b) Karnataka c) Tamil Nadu d) Kerala
Answer
b) Karnataka
22. Her father, Adya Rangacharya, was a renowned: a) Scientist b) Politician c) Dramatist and Sanskrit scholar d) Musician
Answer
c) Dramatist and Sanskrit scholar
23. The Dark Holds No Terrors explores the psychological impact of: a) Financial success b) Marital abuse c) Political power d) Social acceptance
Answer
b) Marital abuse
24. Jaya in That Long Silence realizes she has lived a life defined by her roles as a: a) Professional and artist b) Wife and mother c) Rebel and activist d) Student and teacher
Answer
b) Wife and mother
25. The novel The Binding Vine explores the interconnected lives of women across: a) Different countries b) Different social classes c) Generations d) Different historical periods
Answer
c) Generations
26. The novel A Matter of Time opens with the sudden and inexplicable departure of: a) A friend b) A brother c) A husband d) A parent
Answer
c) A husband
27. In Small Remedies, Madhu is invited to write the biography of a renowned classical singer named: a) Leela b) Mira c) Jaya d) Saru
Answer
a) Leela
28. Deshpande’s novels are characterized by their focus on: a) External events b) The inner lives of her characters c) Historical narratives d) Political movements
Answer
b) The inner lives of her characters
29. The theme of “Memory and the Past” in Deshpande’s work suggests that: a) The past is irrelevant b) The past continues to shape the present c) Memories should be suppressed d) Only happy memories matter
Answer
b) The past continues to shape the present
30. The “long silence” in That Long Silence refers to: a) A period of meditation b) The suppression of women’s voices and experiences c) A time of peace d) A lack of communication in society
Answer
b) The suppression of women’s voices and experiences
31. Shashi Deshpande studied journalism at: a) Delhi University b) Vidya Bhavan c) Bombay University d) Karnataka University
Answer
b) Vidya Bhavan
32. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru’s husband, Manohar, becomes increasingly insecure and resentful of her: a) Beauty b) Success c) Family d) Friends
Answer
b) Success
33. Jaya in That Long Silence realizes that she must break her silence and find her own: a) Wealth b) Voice c) Husband d) Career
Answer
b) Voice
34. The novel The Binding Vine highlights the pervasive nature of violence against women, often hidden within the: a) Public sphere b) Domestic sphere c) Political arena d) Professional world
Answer
b) Domestic sphere
35. The novel A Matter of Time reveals the cyclical nature of abandonment and emotional detachment that seems to plague the women in the family across: a) Different cities b) Generations c) Social classes d) Professions
Answer
b) Generations
36. In Small Remedies, Madhu’s son, Adit, dies in a: a) Car accident b) Natural disaster c) Bomb blast d) Illness
Answer
c) Bomb blast
37. Deshpande’s prose is generally: a) Melodramatic b) Subtle and understated c) Highly ornate d) Experimental
Answer
b) Subtle and understated
38. The theme of “The Burden of Tradition and Patriarchy” in Deshpande’s work exposes how women are often: a) Empowered b) Oppressed, silenced, and denied agency c) Celebrated d) Given freedom
Answer
b) Oppressed, silenced, and denied agency
39. Which of these is a novel by Shashi Deshpande that explores the life of Indu? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) Roots and Shadows d) The Binding Vine
Answer
c) Roots and Shadows
40. Deshpande’s contribution to literature includes her pioneering role in bringing the inner lives and struggles of Indian women to the forefront of: a) Poetry b) Drama c) Fiction d) Non-fiction
Answer
c) Fiction
41. Shashi Deshpande is the second daughter of which renowned Kannada dramatist? a) Girish Karnad b) Adya Rangacharya c) Badal Sircar d) Vijay Tendulkar
Answer
b) Adya Rangacharya
42. The Dark Holds No Terrors is a powerful and often disturbing portrayal of a woman’s journey towards confronting her past and reclaiming her: a) Wealth b) Agency c) Fame d) Power
Answer
b) Agency
43. Jaya in That Long Silence realizes that she has suppressed her own voice and aspirations, particularly her talent for: a) Singing b) Painting c) Writing d) Dancing
Answer
c) Writing
44. The “binding vine” in the novel of the same name symbolizes the intricate and often suffocating ties of family and tradition that bind: a) Men b) Children c) Women d) Society
Answer
c) Women
45. The novel A Matter of Time reveals the cyclical nature of abandonment and emotional detachment that seems to plague the women in the family across: a) Different cities b) Generations c) Social classes d) Professions
Answer
b) Generations
46. In Small Remedies, the act of writing becomes a means for Madhu to: a) Escape reality b) Express her grief and find healing c) Gain fame d) Forget her past
Answer
b) Express her grief and find healing
47. Deshpande’s novels are often driven by the ________ journeys of her characters rather than external events. a) Physical b) Political c) Psychological d) Economic
Answer
c) Psychological
48. The theme of “Marital Relationships and Discord” in Deshpande’s work often includes issues of: a) Perfect harmony b) Communication breakdown and emotional neglect c) Shared hobbies d) Financial prosperity
Answer
b) Communication breakdown and emotional neglect
49. Which of these is a short story collection by Shashi Deshpande? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) The Legacy d) A Matter of Time
Answer
c) The Legacy
50. Deshpande’s work is often seen as a feminist voice, not through overt political statements, but through: a) Historical analysis b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles c) Economic theories d) Scientific research
Answer
b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles
51. Shashi Deshpande began her literary career with: a) Novels b) Short stories c) Plays d) Poetry
Answer
b) Short stories
52. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru’s mother resented her and openly preferred her: a) Sister b) Brother c) Father d) Husband
Answer
b) Brother
53. The “long silence” in That Long Silence refers to the suppression of: a) Political opinions b) Women’s voices and experiences c) Artistic expression d) Religious beliefs
Answer
b) Women’s voices and experiences
54. The novel The Binding Vine highlights the pervasive nature of violence against women, often hidden within the: a) Public sphere b) Domestic sphere c) Political arena d) Professional world
Answer
b) Domestic sphere
55. The novel A Matter of Time is a meditative work that examines the nature of time, memory, and the cyclical patterns of: a) Economic growth b) Political change c) Human experience d) Scientific discovery
Answer
c) Human experience
56. In Small Remedies, the act of writing becomes a means for Madhu to: a) Escape reality b) Express her grief and find healing c) Gain fame d) Forget her past
Answer
b) Express her grief and find healing
57. Deshpande’s novels are often set within the confines of the Indian middle-class home, revealing it as a site of: a) Unconditional love b) Confinement and psychological struggle c) Constant happiness d) Social gatherings
Answer
b) Confinement and psychological struggle
58. The theme of “Memory and the Past” in Deshpande’s work is often a path to: a) Confusion b) Self-understanding c) Forgetting d) Denial
Answer
b) Self-understanding
59. Which of these is a novel by Shashi Deshpande that explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) A Matter of Time d) Small Remedies
Answer
c) A Matter of Time
60. Deshpande’s contribution to literature includes her honest and sensitive exploration of themes that resonate deeply with the experiences of: a) Indian men b) Indian women c) Indian children d) Indian elderly
Answer
b) Indian women
61. Shashi Deshpande grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment, as her father was a renowned: a) Scientist b) Politician c) Dramatist d) Musician
Answer
c) Dramatist
62. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru’s journey is one of introspection and coming to terms with her: a) Future plans b) Past and present wounds c) Financial status d) Social standing
Answer
b) Past and present wounds
63. Jaya in That Long Silence realizes that she has suppressed her own voice and aspirations, choosing instead to maintain a facade of: a) Professional success b) Domestic harmony c) Political activism d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Domestic harmony
64. The novel The Binding Vine highlights the pervasive nature of violence against women, often hidden within the: a) Public sphere b) Domestic sphere c) Political arena d) Professional world
Answer
b) Domestic sphere
65. The novel A Matter of Time explores the quiet resilience and enduring bonds that shape the destinies of: a) Men b) Children c) Three generations of women d) Entire communities
Answer
c) Three generations of women
66. In Small Remedies, Madhu’s journey is one of seeking solace, understanding her loss, and finding a way to: a) Forget her past b) Live again c) Blame others d) Retreat from society
Answer
b) Live again
67. Deshpande’s novels are often driven by the psychological journeys of her characters rather than: a) Internal conflicts b) External events c) Emotional development d) Personal growth
Answer
b) External events
68. The theme of “Silence and Voice” in Deshpande’s work is often a pivotal moment for her protagonists when they: a) Choose to remain silent b) Break their silence and find their voice c) Suppress their emotions d) Avoid confrontation
Answer
b) Break their silence and find their voice
69. Which of these is a novel by Shashi Deshpande that explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) A Matter of Time d) Small Remedies
Answer
c) A Matter of Time
70. Deshpande’s work has earned her significant critical acclaim for her: a) Sensational plots b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles c) Overt political messages d) Historical accuracy
Answer
b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles
71. Shashi Deshpande studied journalism at Vidya Bhavan and worked briefly as a journalist for the magazine: a) India Today b) Outlook c) Onlooker d) Frontline
Answer
c) Onlooker
72. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru’s return home is a confrontation with her: a) Future b) Past c) Career d) Friends
Answer
b) Past
73. The “long silence” in That Long Silence refers to the suppression of women’s voices and: a) Political power b) Economic independence c) Experiences d) Social status
Answer
c) Experiences
74. The novel The Binding Vine highlights the pervasive nature of violence against women, often hidden within the: a) Public sphere b) Domestic sphere c) Political arena d) Professional world
Answer
b) Domestic sphere
75. The novel A Matter of Time is less about finding definitive answers to Gopal’s departure and more about: a) Blaming him b) Coming to terms with life’s uncertainties c) Seeking revenge d) Forgetting the past
Answer
b) Coming to terms with life’s uncertainties
76. In Small Remedies, the novel suggests that while the pain of loss may never fully disappear, there are ways to find: a) Distraction b) Meaning and continue living c) Blame d) Escape
Answer
b) Meaning and continue living
77. Deshpande’s novels are often set within the confines of the Indian middle-class home, revealing the psychological impact of: a) Financial prosperity b) Societal expectations c) Political freedom d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Societal expectations
78. The theme of “Memory and the Past” in Deshpande’s work is often a path to: a) Confusion b) Self-understanding c) Forgetting d) Denial
Answer
b) Self-understanding
79. Which of these is a novel by Shashi Deshpande that explores the complexities of marital relationships? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) The Binding Vine d) All of the above
Answer
d) All of the above
80. Deshpande’s contribution to literature includes her honest and sensitive exploration of themes that resonate deeply with the experiences of: a) Indian men b) Indian women c) Indian children d) Indian elderly
Answer
b) Indian women
81. Shashi Deshpande was born in: a) 1930 b) 1938 c) 1945 d) 1950
Answer
b) 1938
82. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru is a successful and educated: a) Teacher b) Doctor c) Lawyer d) Engineer
Answer
b) Doctor
83. Jaya in That Long Silence reflects on the “long silence” that has characterized her life—the silence of unspoken truths, unexpressed desires, and the suppression of her: a) Family b) True self c) Friends d) Career
Answer
b) True self
84. The novel The Binding Vine highlights the pervasive nature of violence against women, often hidden within the: a) Public sphere b) Domestic sphere c) Political arena d) Professional world
Answer
b) Domestic sphere
85. The novel A Matter of Time explores the quiet resilience and enduring bonds that shape the destinies of: a) Men b) Children c) Three generations of women d) Entire communities
Answer
c) Three generations of women
86. In Small Remedies, the novel highlights the quiet strength and resilience of women who face: a) Financial prosperity b) Personal tragedies c) Political triumphs d) Social acceptance
Answer
b) Personal tragedies
87. Deshpande’s novels are often driven by the psychological journeys of her characters rather than: a) Internal conflicts b) External events c) Emotional development d) Personal growth
Answer
b) External events
88. The theme of “Silence and Voice” in Deshpande’s work is often a pivotal moment for her protagonists when they: a) Choose to remain silent b) Break their silence and find their voice c) Suppress their emotions d) Avoid confrontation
Answer
b) Break their silence and find their voice
89. Which of these is a novel by Shashi Deshpande that explores the complexities of marital relationships? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) A Matter of Time d) Small Remedies
Answer
d) All of the above
90. Deshpande’s work has earned her significant critical acclaim for her: a) Sensational plots b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles c) Overt political messages d) Historical accuracy
Answer
b) Nuanced portrayal of women’s struggles
91. Shashi Deshpande studied journalism at Vidya Bhavan and worked briefly as a journalist for the magazine: a) India Today b) Outlook c) Onlooker d) Frontline
Answer
c) Onlooker
92. In The Dark Holds No Terrors, Saru’s return home is a confrontation with her: a) Future b) Past c) Career d) Friends
Answer
b) Past
93. The “long silence” in That Long Silence refers to the suppression of women’s voices and: a) Political power b) Economic independence c) Experiences d) Social status
Answer
c) Experiences
94. The novel The Binding Vine highlights the pervasive nature of violence against women, often hidden within the: a) Public sphere b) Domestic sphere c) Political arena d) Professional world
Answer
b) Domestic sphere
95. The novel A Matter of Time is less about finding definitive answers to Gopal’s departure and more about: a) Blaming him b) Coming to terms with life’s uncertainties c) Seeking revenge d) Forgetting the past
Answer
b) Coming to terms with life’s uncertainties
96. In Small Remedies, the novel suggests that while the pain of loss may never fully disappear, there are ways to find: a) Distraction b) Meaning and continue living c) Blame d) Escape
Answer
b) Meaning and continue living
97. Deshpande’s novels are often set within the confines of the Indian middle-class home, revealing the psychological impact of: a) Financial prosperity b) Societal expectations c) Political freedom d) Artistic expression
Answer
b) Societal expectations
98. The theme of “Memory and the Past” in Deshpande’s work is often a path to: a) Confusion b) Self-understanding c) Forgetting d) Denial
Answer
b) Self-understanding
99. Which of these is a novel by Shashi Deshpande that explores the complexities of marital relationships? a) The Dark Holds No Terrors b) That Long Silence c) The Binding Vine d) All of the above
Answer
d) All of the above
100. Deshpande’s contribution to literature includes her honest and sensitive exploration of themes that resonate deeply with the experiences of: a) Indian men b) Indian women c) Indian children d) Indian elderly
Answer
b) Indian women