Charles Lamb: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 150 MCQs for Competitive Exams
Posted on June 11, 2025 by Objective English MCQs
Charles Lamb: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 150 MCQs for Competitive Exams: Preparing for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL, or State PSC exams? Dive into Charles Lamb, the Romantic essayist, with this comprehensive guide! Explore his biography, iconic works like Essays of Elia, famous quotes such as “I love to lose myself in other men’s minds,” and 150 MCQs to ace your English literature prep. Perfect for exam success!
Portrait of Charles Lamb, Romantic essayist (Public Domain)
Introduction to Charles Lamb
Charles Lamb (1775–1834), known as “Elia,” is celebrated for his humorous and poignant essays, such as Essays of Elia, and his collaborative work Tales from Shakespeare. His writings, blending wit and nostalgia, are essential for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL. This guide, with his biography, major works, 11 iconic quotes, and 150 MCQs, is tailored for exam success.
Biographical Details
- Full Name: Charles Lamb
- Pen Name: Elia
- Age of Literature: Romantic (1780–1830)
- Birth and Death: February 10, 1775 – December 27, 1834
- Birthplace: London, England
- Parents: John Lamb and Elizabeth Field
- Parents’ Profession: John Lamb (clerk, scrivener); Elizabeth Field (homemaker)
- Siblings: Mary Lamb (co-author of Tales from Shakespeare)
- Spouse: None (remained unmarried)
- Children: None
Born in London, Lamb’s father, John Lamb, was a clerk and scrivener, while his mother, Elizabeth Field, was a homemaker, details tested in JNUET. Educated at Christ’s Hospital, Lamb worked as a clerk at the East India Company, writing essays under the pseudonym Elia, relevant for NET.
Literary Journey
Lamb’s career began with poetry alongside Coleridge but flourished with essays like A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig. His Tales from Shakespeare (1807), co-authored with Mary Lamb, made Shakespeare accessible, studied for NET.
- First Work: Poems by Coleridge and Lamb (1796)
- First Major Work: Tales from Shakespeare (1807)
- Major Milestone: Essays of Elia (1823)
- Last Major Work: The Last Essays of Elia (1833)
- Literary Circle: Coleridge, Wordsworth, Hazlitt
Exam Tip: Memorize Essays of Elia (1823) and Lamb’s pseudonym Elia for UGC NET and SET.
Major Works, Themes, and Famous Quotes
Lamb’s essays explore nostalgia, humor, and human frailty, as in “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.” Essential for TGT, PGT, and MA English entrance.
- Main Themes:
- Nostalgia: Childhood in Old China.
- Humor: Wit in A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig.
- Humanity: Empathy in Dream-Children.
- Literary Criticism: Insights in On the Tragedies of Shakespeare.
- All Famous Works with Themes:
- Essays of Elia (1823): Essays; nostalgia, humor, humanity.
- The Last Essays of Elia (1833): Essays; reflection, wit, empathy.
- Tales from Shakespeare (1807): Prose retellings; accessibility, education, drama.
- Specimens of English Dramatic Poets (1808): Criticism; Elizabethan drama, analysis.
- On the Tragedies of Shakespeare (1811): Criticism; Shakespearean tragedy, performance.
- Rosamund Gray (1798): Novella; sentiment, tragedy, romance.
- John Woodvil (1802): Play; Elizabethan style, ambition, failure.
- Poems by Coleridge and Lamb (1796): Poetry; Romanticism, friendship.
- The Adventures of Ulysses (1808): Prose retelling; myth, adventure, education.
- Mrs. Leicester’s School (1809): Stories; childhood, morality, education.
- Famous Quotes for Exams:
- “I love to lose myself in other men’s minds.” – Detached Thoughts on Books (NET, UPSC)
- “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.” – The Old Benchers of the Inner Temple (SET, PGT)
- “The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth.” – A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars (NET, JNUET)
- “We are nothing; less than nothing, and dreams.” – Dream-Children (CTET, TGT)
- “Books which are no books… I cannot read them.” – Detached Thoughts on Books (DUET, SET)
- “I am in love with this green earth.” – New Year’s Eve (NET, PGT)
- “A house without a child is no home.” – A Chapter on Ears (UPSC, CTET)
- “The human species is composed of two distinct races, the men who borrow and the men who lend.” – The Two Races of Men (NET, DUET)
- “Man is a gaming animal.” – Mrs. Battle’s Opinions on Whist (SET)
- “The measure of choosing well is whether a man likes what he has chosen.” – A Chapter on Ears (JNUET)
- “Nothing puzzles me more than time and space; and yet nothing troubles me less.” – New Year’s Eve (NET, TGT)
- Work That Brought Fame: Tales from Shakespeare (1807) and Essays of Elia (1823).
Lamb’s conversational style and personal tone are tested for prose devices in NET. His Romantic themes are central to CTET.
Exam Tip: Study Essays of Elia and Tales from Shakespeare for NET themes and memorize quotes like “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once” for UPSC.
Pull Quote: “I love to lose myself in other men’s minds.” – Charles Lamb, Detached Thoughts on Books
Awards and Recognition
Lamb received no formal awards but was celebrated by contemporaries like Coleridge and Hazlitt. His legacy includes:
- Literary Circle: Friend of Romantic poets (NET)
- Legacy: Influence on essayists like Woolf, Orwell (SET)
- Recognition: Charles Lamb Society, academic studies (JNUET)
Key Facts for Competitive Exams
Tested in UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, UPSC, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL:
- Prose Style: Conversational in Essays of Elia (NET)
- Pseudonym: Elia (SET)
- Romanticism: Personal reflection (JNUET)
- Christ’s Hospital: Educated with Coleridge (GATE)
- Imagery: Domestic and urban (CTET)
- Influences: Shakespeare, Burton, Browne (NET)
- East India Company: Clerk for 33 years (UPSC)
Critical Analysis and Lesser-Known Works
Lamb’s essays are analyzed for their personal tone in Dream-Children, tested in NET. Lesser-known works like Rosamund Gray explore sentiment, studied in JNUET. His play John Woodvil is debated in SET.
Pull Quote: “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once.” – Charles Lamb, The Old Benchers of the Inner Temple
Historical Context and Modern Relevance
Lamb wrote during the Romantic era, amidst the Napoleonic Wars and Industrial Revolution, reflected in his nostalgia, studied for UPSC. His themes of empathy and humor resonate in modern essays, relevant for JNUET. His style is taught in CTET.
Pull Quote: “The greatest pleasure I know is to do a good action by stealth.” – Charles Lamb, A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars
150 MCQs for Competitive Exams
Test your knowledge with these 150 MCQs, designed for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, SSC CGL:
- What is Charles Lamb’s full name?
A) Charles Lamb B) Charles Elia Lamb C) Charles John Lamb D) Charles William Lamb
Answer: A) Charles Lamb
Explanation: Basic fact for SSC CGL. - In which literary era did Lamb write?
A) Romantic B) Victorian C) Elizabethan D) Modern
Answer: A) Romantic
Explanation: 1780–1830 for NET. - Where was Lamb born?
A) London B) Oxford C) Cambridge D) Somerset
Answer: A) London
Explanation: 1775 for TGT. - Who was Lamb’s sister?
A) Mary Lamb B) Elizabeth Lamb C) Ann Lamb D) Sarah Lamb
Answer: A) Mary Lamb
Explanation: Co-author for DUET. - When did Lamb begin writing?
A) 1780s B) 1790s C) 1800s D) 1810s
Answer: B) 1790s
Explanation: Early poetry for SET. - Who was Lamb’s father?
A) John Lamb B) William Lamb C) Thomas Lamb D) James Lamb
Answer: A) John Lamb
Explanation: Clerk for JNUET. - What was Lamb’s mother’s profession?
A) Homemaker B) Teacher C) Writer D) Nurse
Answer: A) Homemaker
Explanation: Elizabeth Field for DUET. - Where did Lamb study?
A) Christ’s Hospital B) Oxford C) Cambridge D) Eton
Answer: A) Christ’s Hospital
Explanation: With Coleridge for NET. - What was Lamb’s pseudonym?
A) Elia B) Boz C) Currer Bell D) Silas Marner
Answer: A) Elia
Explanation: Essays for UPSC. - How old was Lamb when he died?
A) 49 B) 59 C) 69 D) 79
Answer: B) 59
Explanation: Died 1834 for JNUET. - In which year was Lamb born?
A) 1765 B) 1775 C) 1785 D) 1795
Answer: B) 1775
Explanation: Birth record for SSC CGL. - When did Lamb die?
A) 1824 B) 1834 C) 1844 D) 1854
Answer: B) 1834
Explanation: Natural causes for TGT. - What was Lamb’s father’s profession?
A) Clerk B) Lawyer C) Merchant D) Poet
Answer: A) Clerk
Explanation: Scrivener for SET. - Who influenced Lamb’s writing?
A) Shakespeare B) Burton C) Browne D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Literary sources for NET. - What was Lamb’s political stance?
A) Liberal B) Conservative C) Radical D) Apolitical
Answer: D) Apolitical
Explanation: Focused on personal themes for GATE. - Where did Lamb work?
A) East India Company B) Bank of England C) Parliament D) Post Office
Answer: A) East India Company
Explanation: Clerk for DUET. - Who was Lamb’s literary friend?
A) Coleridge B) Milton C) Shakespeare D) Donne
Answer: A) Coleridge
Explanation: Romantic poet for NET. - What caused Lamb’s death?
A) Illness B) Accident C) Duel D) War
Answer: A) Illness
Explanation: Erysipelas for SET. - Who was Lamb’s mother?
A) Elizabeth Field B) Mary Lamb C) Ann Field D) Sarah Field
Answer: A) Elizabeth Field
Explanation: Homemaker for DUET. - Did Lamb have children?
A) Yes B) No C) Adopted D) Unknown
Answer: B) No
Explanation: Unmarried for JNUET. - What was Lamb’s religious stance?
A) Anglican B) Atheist C) Catholic D) Agnostic
Answer: A) Anglican
Explanation: Influenced essays for SSC CGL. - Where was Lamb educated?
A) Christ’s Hospital B) Oxford C) Cambridge D) Eton
Answer: A) Christ’s Hospital
Explanation: Schooling for SET. - What inspired Lamb’s essays?
A) Personal life B) Politics C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Personal life
Explanation: Nostalgia for NET. - Who was Lamb’s co-author?
A) Mary Lamb B) Coleridge C) Hazlitt D) Wordsworth
Answer: A) Mary Lamb
Explanation: Tales from Shakespeare for UPSC. - Who was Lamb’s friend at school?
A) Coleridge B) Wordsworth C) Keats D) Shelley
Answer: A) Coleridge
Explanation: Christ’s Hospital for DUET. - What was Lamb’s nationality?
A) British B) French C) Irish D) Scottish
Answer: A) British
Explanation: Basic fact for SSC CGL. - What was Lamb’s occupation?
A) Clerk B) Teacher C) Lawyer D) Doctor
Answer: A) Clerk
Explanation: East India Company for NET. - What was Lamb’s education?
A) Self-taught B) Christ’s Hospital C) Oxford D) Cambridge
Answer: B) Christ’s Hospital
Explanation: Schooling for JNUET. - Where was Lamb buried?
A) All Saints’ Church B) Westminster Abbey C) St. Paul’s D) Christ’s Hospital
Answer: A) All Saints’ Church
Explanation: Edmonton for SET. - What was Lamb’s family’s social status?
A) Middle Class B) Aristocracy C) Working Class D) Royalty
Answer: A) Middle Class
Explanation: Clerk’s family for DUET. - What was Lamb’s first major published work?
A) Tales from Shakespeare B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) Poems by Coleridge and Lamb
Answer: D) Poems by Coleridge and Lamb
Explanation: 1796 for NET. - Which work launched Lamb’s fame?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare D) Both A and B
Answer: D) Both A and B
Explanation: 1807–1823 for UPSC. - What is the theme of Essays of Elia?
A) Nostalgia B) Politics C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Nostalgia
Explanation: “I love to lose myself” for SET. - Which work features the quote “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once”?
A) The Old Benchers B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Dream-Children
Answer: A) The Old Benchers
Explanation: Humanity for CTET. - Which work is a prose retelling?
A) Tales from Shakespeare B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Tales from Shakespeare
Explanation: With Mary Lamb for TGT. - What is the theme of Dream-Children?
A) Imagination B) Love C) War D) Politics
Answer: A) Imagination
Explanation: “We are nothing” for NET. - Which work is literary criticism?
A) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare
Explanation: Analysis for DUET. - Which work is a novella?
A) Rosamund Gray B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Rosamund Gray
Explanation: Sentiment for PGT. - What is the theme of A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig?
A) Humor B) Love C) War D) Tragedy
Answer: A) Humor
Explanation: Satire for TGT. - Which work is a play?
A) John Woodvil B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) John Woodvil
Explanation: Elizabethan style for SET. - In which year was Tales from Shakespeare published?
A) 1807 B) 1811 C) 1823 D) 1833
Answer: A) 1807
Explanation: Accessibility for NET. - Which work is a collection of essays?
A) The Last Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) The Last Essays of Elia
Explanation: Reflection for PGT. - What is the theme of Mrs. Leicester’s School?
A) Childhood B) War C) Politics D) Religion
Answer: A) Childhood
Explanation: Education for TGT. - Which work features “The greatest pleasure I know”?
A) A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Dream-Children
Answer: A) A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars
Explanation: Kindness for NET. - What is the theme of The Adventures of Ulysses?
A) Adventure B) Love C) War D) Politics
Explanation: Myth for SET. - Which work critiques Elizabethan drama?
A) Specimens of English Dramatic Poets B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) Specimens of English Dramatic Poets
Explanation: Criticism for DUET. - What is the theme of Old China?
A) Nostalgia B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Nostalgia
Explanation: Memory for NET. - Which work is a poetry collection?
A) Poems by Coleridge and Lamb B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Poems by Coleridge and Lamb
Explanation: Romanticism for PGT. - What is the setting of Rosamund Gray?
A) Rural England B) London C) Greece D) Rome
Answer: A) Rural England
Explanation: Sentiment for SET. - Which work was published in 1823?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Essays of Elia
Explanation: Milestone for NET. - What is the theme of New Year’s Eve?
A) Reflection B) Love C) War D) Comedy
Answer: A) Reflection
Explanation: “I am in love with this green earth” for TGT. - Which work is a tragedy?
A) Rosamund Gray B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Rosamund Gray
Explanation: Sentiment for SET. - Which work is a children’s book?
A) Mrs. Leicester’s School B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Mrs. Leicester’s School
Explanation: Education for NET. - Which quote is from Dream-Children?
A) We are nothing B) Lawyers, I suppose C) I love to lose myself D) The greatest pleasure
Answer: A) We are nothing
Explanation: Imagination for UPSC. - Which work begins “I am in love with this green earth”?
A) New Year’s Eve B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Dream-Children
Answer: A) New Year’s Eve
Explanation: Nature for CTET. - Which quote is from Detached Thoughts on Books?
A) Books which are no books B) Lawyers, I suppose C) We are nothing D) The greatest pleasure
Answer: A) Books which are no books
Explanation: Reading for NET. - Which work begins “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once”?
A) The Old Benchers B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Dream-Children
Answer: A) The Old Benchers
Explanation: Humanity for SET. - Which quote is from A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars?
A) The greatest pleasure B) We are nothing C) Lawyers, I suppose D) I am in love
Answer: A) The greatest pleasure
Explanation: Kindness for CTET. - Which work retells myths?
A) The Adventures of Ulysses B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) The Adventures of Ulysses
Explanation: Odyssey for JNUET. - Which quote is from A Chapter on Ears?
A) A house without a child B) We are nothing C) Lawyers, I suppose D) I am in love
Answer: A) A house without a child
Explanation: Domesticity for DUET. - Which work is a prose collection?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Essays of Elia
Explanation: Personal essays for NET. - Which quote is from The Two Races of Men?
A) The human species B) Lawyers, I suppose C) We are nothing D) I am in love
Explanation: Humor for PGT. - Which work was published in 1808?
A) Specimens of English Dramatic Poets B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) Specimens of English Dramatic Poets
Explanation: Criticism milestone for NET. - Which quote is from Mrs. Battle’s Opinions on Whist?
A) Man is a gaming animal B) We are nothing C) Lawyers, I suppose D) I am in love
Explanation: Play for TGT. - Which work is a meditation on time?
A) New Year’s Eve B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Dream-Children
Answer: A) New Year’s Eve
Explanation: “Nothing puzzles me more” for SET. - Which work critiques Shakespeare’s tragedies?
A) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare
Explanation: Analysis for NET. - Which work explores childhood?
A) Mrs. Leicester’s School B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Education for DUET. - Which work was published in 1833?
A) The Last Essays of Elia B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) The Last Essays of Elia
Explanation: Final essays for NET. - Which work is a sentimental tale?
A) Rosamund Gray B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Rosamund Gray
Explanation: Tragedy for SET. - Which work features Ulysses?
A) The Adventures of Ulysses B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) The Adventures of Ulysses
Explanation: Myth for PGT. - What is the main theme of Essays of Elia?
A) Nostalgia B) Politics C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Nostalgia
Explanation: Personal reflection for TGT. - What is Lamb’s prose style in Essays of Elia?
A) Conversational B) Formal C) Satirical D) Epic
Answer: A) Conversational
Explanation: Personal tone for GATE. - What is a feature of Lamb’s style?
A) Humor B) Minimalism C) Rhymed Prose D) Heroic Couplets
Answer: A) Humor
Explanation: Wit for NET. - Which theme is central to Dream-Children?
A) Imagination B) Love C) Politics D) War
Answer: A) Imagination
Explanation: Fantasy for DUET. - What is the tone of A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig?
A) Humorous B) Tragic C) Formal D) Heroic
Answer: A) Humorous
Explanation: Satire for CTET. - Which work uses urban imagery?
A) The Old Benchers B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) All of the above
Answer: A) The Old Benchers
Explanation: London life for NET. - What is the form of New Year’s Eve?
A) Essay B) Poem C) Play D) Novel
Answer: A) Essay
Explanation: Reflection for SET. - Which theme is prominent in Tales from Shakespeare?
A) Education B) Love C) Politics D) War
Answer: A) Education
Explanation: Accessibility for PGT. - What is the tone of Dream-Children?
A) Melancholic B) Joyful C) Satirical D) Heroic
Answer: A) Melancholic
Explanation: Loss for NET. - Which work uses mythological elements?
A) The Adventures of Ulysses B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) The Adventures of Ulysses
Explanation: Greek myth for DUET. - What is the main theme of Old China?
A) Nostalgia B) Love C) War D) Politics
Answer: A) Nostalgia
Explanation: Memory for JNUET. - Which work employs sentimental themes?
A) Rosamund Gray B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Rosamund Gray
Explanation: Tragedy for CTET. - What is the style of A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars?
A) Satirical B) Epic C) Formal D) Lyrical
Answer: A) Satirical
Explanation: Social critique for SET. - Which theme is prominent in Mrs. Leicester’s School?
A) Childhood B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Childhood
Explanation: Education for PGT. - What is the theme of The Old Benchers?
A) Humanity B) Love C) War D) Politics
Answer: A) Humanity
Explanation: Empathy for NET. - Which work uses conversational prose?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) Essays of Elia
Explanation: Personal tone for SET. - What is the tone of New Year’s Eve?
A) Reflective B) Heroic C) Comedic D) Tragic
Answer: A) Reflective
Explanation: Time for DUET. - Which theme is central to On the Tragedies of Shakespeare?
A) Criticism B) Love C) War D) Religion
Answer: A) Criticism
Explanation: Analysis for TGT. - Which work uses domestic imagery?
A) A Chapter on Ears B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) A Chapter on Ears
Explanation: Home life for NET. - Which work explores social critique?
A) The Two Races of Men B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Borrowing for SET. - Which work uses classical allusions?
A) The Adventures of Ulysses B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) All of the above
Explanation: Myth for CTET. - Which theme is central to Mrs. Battle’s Opinions on Whist?
A) Play B) Love C) War D) Religion
Explanation: Gaming for JNUET. - Which work explores urban life?
A) The Old Benchers B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: London for NET. - Which theme is prominent in A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars?
A) Kindness B) Love C) War D) Religion
Explanation: Charity for PGT. - Which work uses satirical imagery?
A) A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Food for SET. - Which work critiques literary taste?
A) Detached Thoughts on Books B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Reading for DUET. - Which theme is central to The Two Races of Men?
A) Humor B) Love C) War D) Religion
Explanation: Borrowing for TGT. - Which work uses reflective imagery?
A) New Year’s Eve B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Time for NET. - What is the tone of A Chapter on Ears?
A) Whimsical B) Tragic C) Formal D) Heroic
Explanation: Playful for SET. - Which work features personal anecdotes?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) All of the above
Explanation: Intimate style for NET. - Which era shaped Lamb’s works?
A) Romantic B) Victorian C) Elizabethan D) Modern
Explanation: 1780–1830 for UPSC. - What was the primary context of Essays of Elia?
A) Industrial Revolution B) Napoleonic Wars C) English Civil War D) World War I
Explanation: Social change for NET. - Which monarch ruled during Lamb’s career?
A) George III B) Victoria I C) Charles II D) James I
Explanation: Romantic era for SET. - What historical event influenced New Year’s Eve?
A) Personal reflection B) Napoleonic Wars C) Industrial Revolution D) All of the above
Explanation: Introspection for DUET. - Which event shaped Tales from Shakespeare?
A) Educational reform B) Industrial Revolution C) Napoleonic Wars D) English Civil War
Explanation: Accessibility for NET. - What social movement influenced Lamb?
A) Romanticism B) Puritanism C) Imperialism D) Chartism
Explanation: Individualism for UPSC. - Which social issue affected Lamb’s era?
A) Industrialization B) Religious wars C) Colonial wars D) None
Explanation: Urban life for JNUET. - What social issue is reflected in A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars?
A) Charity B) Love C) War D) Religion
Explanation: Social critique for SET. - Which war influenced Lamb’s era?
A) Napoleonic Wars B) English Civil War C) World War I D) None
Explanation: Context for PGT. - What political structure shaped Lamb’s works?
A) Monarchy B) Republic C) Democracy D) Feudalism
Explanation: Romantic era for NET. - Which source inspired Tales from Shakespeare?
A) Shakespeare B) Ovid C) Bible D) Dante
Explanation: Retellings for SET. - What social issue is reflected in Mrs. Leicester’s School?
A) Education B) Love C) War D) Religion
Explanation: Childhood for JNUET. - Which event affected Lamb’s era?
A) Industrial Revolution B) Black Death C) Great Fire D) None
Explanation: Social change for NET. - What influenced Lamb’s apolitical views?
A) Romanticism B) French Revolution C) Roman law D) All of the above
Explanation: Personal focus for DUET. - Which event shaped A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig?
A) Cultural humor B) Napoleonic Wars C) Industrial Revolution D) Reform Act
Explanation: Satire for TGT. - What was the role of the press in Lamb’s era?
A) Public Opinion B) Censorship C) Military D) Trade
Explanation: Shaped fame for NET. - Which monarch succeeded George III?
A) George IV B) Victoria I C) Charles III D) James II
Explanation: Lamb’s later years for SET. - What economic change affected Lamb’s audience?
A) Industrial Revolution B) Mercantilism C) Enclosure D) None
Explanation: Urban growth for UPSC. - Which event promoted Lamb’s works?
A) Literary circle B) Illness C) Death D) All of the above
Explanation: Coleridge’s support for NET. - What was the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Lamb?
A) Context B) Exile C) Wealth D) None
Explanation: Background for SET. - Which institution shaped Lamb’s education?
A) Christ’s Hospital B) Oxford C) Eton D) All of the above
Explanation: Schooling for JNUET. - What was the role of urban growth in Lamb’s era?
A) Setting B) Censorship C) Military D) Education
Explanation: London life for NET. - Which trade influenced Lamb’s works?
A) Colonial Trade B) Silk Road C) Spice Trade D) None
Explanation: East India Company for SET. - Which event shaped Lamb’s essays?
A) Personal life B) Industrial Revolution C) Napoleonic Wars D) All of the above
Explanation: Introspection for JNUET. - Which event influenced The Old Benchers?
A) London life B) Napoleonic Wars C) Industrial Revolution D) Shakespeare’s revival
Explanation: Urban nostalgia for NET. - Which work is analyzed for its personal tone?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Intimate style for NET. - Which work is studied for its humorous themes?
A) A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Satire for SET. - Which work is analyzed for its nostalgic themes?
A) Dream-Children B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Imagination for JNUET. - Which work is studied for its literary criticism?
A) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Analysis for NET. - Which work is analyzed for its sentimental themes?
A) Rosamund Gray B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Tragedy for JNUET. - Which work is studied for its educational themes?
A) Tales from Shakespeare B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Accessibility for SET. - Which work is analyzed for its use of imagery?
A) New Year’s Eve B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) All of the above
Explanation: Vivid pictures for NET. - Which work explores psychological depth?
A) Dream-Children B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Fantasy for DUET. - Which work is analyzed for its social critique?
A) A Complaint of the Decay of Beggars B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Charity for UPSC. - Which work is studied for its reflective structure?
A) New Year’s Eve B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Time for NET. - Which work is analyzed for its satirical tone?
A) A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Humor for PGT. - Which work uses mythological allegory?
A) The Adventures of Ulysses B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Myth for JNUET. - Which work explores social humor?
A) The Two Races of Men B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Borrowing for SET. - Which work is analyzed for its domestic imagery?
A) A Chapter on Ears B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Home life for CTET. - Which work is studied for its empathetic tone?
A) Dream-Children B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Humanity for PGT. - Which work is analyzed for its urban themes?
A) The Old Benchers B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: London for NET. - Which work is studied for its narrative structure?
A) Rosamund Gray B) Essays of Elia C) Tales from Shakespeare D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Tragedy for JNUET. - Which work is analyzed for its moral themes?
A) Mrs. Leicester’s School B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Education for SET. - Which work is studied for its use of symbolism?
A) Dream-Children B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) All of the above
Explanation: Imagery for NET. - Which work is analyzed for its philosophical depth?
A) New Year’s Eve B) Essays of Elia C) Rosamund Gray D) John Woodvil
Explanation: Time for SET. - Which work is analyzed for its autobiographical elements?
A) Essays of Elia B) Tales from Shakespeare C) John Woodvil D) The Adventures of Ulysses
Answer: A) Essays of Elia
Explanation: Lamb’s personal experiences shape the essays for NET. - Which work is studied for its influence on modern essayists?
A) Essays of Elia B) Rosamund Gray C) Tales from Shakespeare D) Specimens of English Dramatic Poets
Answer: A) Essays of Elia
Explanation: Inspired Woolf and Orwell for JNUET. - Which work is analyzed for its use of irony?
A) A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig B) Tales from Shakespeare C) Dream-Children D) John Woodvil
Answer: A) A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig
Explanation: Exaggerated humor employs irony for SET. - Which work is studied for its exploration of childhood?
A) Mrs. Leicester’s School B) Essays of Elia C) On the Tragedies of Shakespeare D) Rosamund Gray
Answer: A) Mrs. Leicester’s School
Explanation: Moral tales reflect childhood for CTET. - Which work is analyzed for its conversational structure?
A) The Old Benchers of the Inner Temple B) Tales from Shakespeare C) John Woodvil D) The Adventures of Ulysses
Answer: A) The Old Benchers of the Inner Temple
Explanation: Intimate tone is studied for PGT.
Conclusion
Charles Lamb, the Romantic essayist known as Elia, with timeless lines like “I love to lose myself in other men’s minds” and “Lawyers, I suppose, were children once,” remains a cornerstone of English prose. His exploration of nostalgia, humor, and humanity in works like Essays of Elia, Tales from Shakespeare, and Dream-Children is essential for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL aspirants. With 11 iconic quotes, including new ones like “The human species is composed of two distinct races,” and 150 MCQs covering biography, works, themes, context, and critical analysis, this guide is your key to mastering Lamb for exam success. Study Lamb to excel in your English literature exams!
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