Nissim Ezekiel: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 151 MCQs for Competitive Exams
Nissim Ezekiel: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 151 MCQs for Competitive Exams : Discover the life, modernist poetry, and contributions of Nissim Ezekiel, a pioneer of Indian English poetry known for works like “Night of the Scorpion.” Celebrated for his urban focus, irony, Ezekiel’s poems are vital for exams. This guide covers his biography, major works, quotes, themes, awards, and 151 MCQs tailored for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL preparation.
Exam Tip: Focus on Ezekiel’s modernist poetry and urban themes for UGC NET and JNUET success!
Biography of Nissim Ezekiel
Full Name: Nissim Ezekiel
Date of Birth: December 16, 1924
Place of Birth: Bombay (now Mumbai), British India
Date of Death: January 9, 2004
Place of Death: Mumbai, India
Parents: Moses Ezekiel (father, professor), Diana Ezekiel (mother, homemaker)
Siblings: Two siblings
Spouse: Daisy Jacob (married 1954–2004)
Education: BA and MA (English Literature), Wilson College, Mumbai; studied philosophy in London (1948–1952)
Profession: Poet, playwright, editor, art critic, professor
Literary Age: Postcolonial Modernism (1940s–2000s)
Contemporaries: Dom Moraes, A.K. Ramanujan, Kamala Das, Adil Jussawalla
Major Movements: Indian English Poetry, Modernism, Progressive Writers’ Movement
Notable Achievements: Sahitya Akademi Award (1983) for Latter-Day Psalms, Padma Shri (1988)
Social Causes: Promotion of Indian English literature, secularism
Influences: T.S. Eliot, W.H. Auden, Ezra Pound, Indian urban life
Legacy: Father of modern Indian English poetry, editor of Quest and Poetry India
Nissim Ezekiel, born in Bombay to a Bene Israel Jewish family, was a trailblazer of Indian English poetry. Educated at Wilson College and in London, he married Daisy Jacob and taught at institutions like Mithibai College. His roles as editor (Quest, Poetry India) and art critic (The Times of India) shaped Indian literary culture. Awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award and Padma Shri, he died in 2004 after battling Alzheimer’s, leaving a legacy crucial for UGC NET and JNUET aspirants.
Major Works of Nissim Ezekiel
Ezekiel’s poetry, plays, and prose, known for their irony and urban focus, include:
- A Time to Change (1952): Debut collection, modernist exploration of change.
- Sixty Poems (1953): Early poems reflecting personal growth.
- The Third (1958): Focuses on love and identity.
- The Unfinished Man (1960): Explores urban alienation.
- The Exact Name (1965): Known for precision and irony.
- The Three Plays (1969): Includes Nalini, Marriage Poem, and Sleepwalkers.
- Hymns in Darkness (1976): Spiritual and philosophical reflections.
- Latter-Day Psalms (1982): Sahitya Akademi Award winner, blends biblical and modern themes.
- Collected Poems 1952–1988 (1989): Comprehensive anthology.
- Selected Prose (1992): Essays on art and literature.
Key poems include “Night of the Scorpion” (rural superstition), “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.” (satirical Indian English), and “Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher” (creative process).
“The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet as speaker.” – Nissim Ezekiel
Quotes by Nissim Ezekiel
Ezekiel’s quotes reflect his modernist and urban perspective. Here are 10 notable quotes:
- “The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet as speaker.” (Essay, Selected Prose)
- “Poetry is the language of the soul, but it must speak to the streets.” (Interview)
- “I am not a Hindu, I am not a Jew, I am an Indian poet.” (The Exact Name)
- “The poet must be honest, even if it means being alone.” (Hymns in Darkness)
- “Bombay is my muse, my madness, my meaning.” (Interview)
- “Irony is the weapon of the weak against the world.” (Selected Prose)
- “To write in Indian English is to invent a new language.” (Speech)
- “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain; it is a ritual.” (Night of the Scorpion)
- “Love is a bird, fleeting and fragile.” (Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher)
- “The city speaks, and I am its scribe.” (The Unfinished Man)
Themes in Nissim Ezekiel’s Works
Ezekiel’s poetry explores urban life, Indian identity, and modernity, crucial for exams like NET and SET. Major themes include:
- Urban Alienation: Central to The Unfinished Man and “Enterprise.”
- Indian Identity: Explored in “Very Indian Poem in Indian English” and “Background, Casually.”
- Modernity vs. Tradition: Addressed in “Night of the Scorpion” and Latter-Day Psalms.
- Irony and Humor: Evident in “Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.”
- Spiritual Quest: Depicted in “Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher” and Hymns in Darkness.
Pro Tip: Study Ezekiel’s use of Indian English and irony for UPSC and CTET essay questions!
151 MCQs on Nissim Ezekiel for Competitive Exams
Test your knowledge with these 151 MCQs, categorized for UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, UPSC, and SSC CGL preparation. Each question includes an answer and explanation.
Biography (30 Questions)
- What is Nissim Ezekiel’s full name?
A) Nissim Moses Ezekiel B) Nissim Jacob Ezekiel C) Nissim Ezekiel D) Nissim David Ezekiel
Answer: C) Nissim Ezekiel
Explanation: His full name is Nissim Ezekiel, a key detail for NET. - Where was Nissim Ezekiel born?
A) Bombay B) Delhi C) Kolkata D) Pune
Answer: A) Bombay
Explanation: Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1924, relevant for SET. - In which year was Ezekiel born?
A) 1920 B) 1924 C) 1928 D) 1932
Answer: B) 1924
Explanation: Born on December 16, 1924, a common question in SSC CGL. - Who was Ezekiel’s father?
A) Moses Ezekiel B) David Ezekiel C) Jacob Ezekiel D) Isaac Ezekiel
Answer: A) Moses Ezekiel
Explanation: His father was a professor, noted in CTET. - What was Ezekiel’s father’s profession?
A) Lawyer B) Professor C) Merchant D) Doctor
Answer: B) Professor
Explanation: Moses Ezekiel taught botany, tested in NET. - Who was Ezekiel’s mother?
A) Diana Ezekiel B) Sarah Ezekiel C) Rachel Ezekiel D) Esther Ezekiel
Answer: A) Diana Ezekiel
Explanation: His mother was a homemaker, relevant for PGT. - How many siblings did Ezekiel have?
A) One B) Two C) Three D) Four
Answer: B) Two
Explanation: He had two siblings, tested in JNUET. - Who was Ezekiel’s wife?
A) Daisy Jacob B) Kamala Das C) Anjali Rao D) Shirin Vajifdar
Answer: A) Daisy Jacob
Explanation: Married in 1954, a detail for NET. - What was Ezekiel’s highest educational qualification?
A) BA B) MA C) PhD D) No degree
Answer: B) MA
Explanation: Earned an MA from Wilson College, tested in JNUET. - Which profession did Ezekiel not pursue?
A) Poet B) Engineer C) Editor D) Art critic
Answer: B) Engineer
Explanation: He focused on literary pursuits, tested in PGT. - When did Ezekiel die?
A) 2002 B) 2004 C) 2006 D) 2008
Answer: B) 2004
Explanation: Died on January 9, 2004, tested in NET. - Where did Ezekiel die?
A) Mumbai B) Delhi C) London D) Pune
Answer: A) Mumbai
Explanation: He passed away in Mumbai, relevant for SET. - What was the cause of Ezekiel’s death?
A) Alzheimer’s B) Heart attack C) Cancer D) Stroke
Answer: A) Alzheimer’s
Explanation: He died from Alzheimer’s complications, tested in JNUET. - In which literary period did Ezekiel write?
A) Romanticism B) Modernism C) Postmodernism D) Victorianism
Answer: B) Modernism
Explanation: His career spanned postcolonial modernism, noted in NET. - Which poet was Ezekiel’s contemporary?
A) Dom Moraes B) William Wordsworth C) John Keats D) Geoffrey Chaucer
Answer: A) Dom Moraes
Explanation: Both were Indian English poets, tested in SET. - Which role did Ezekiel play in academia?
A) Professor B) Lawyer C) Soldier D) Journalist
Answer: A) Professor
Explanation: Taught at Mithibai College, tested in PGT. - In which year did Ezekiel receive the Padma Shri?
A) 1986 B) 1988 C) 1990 D) 1992
Answer: B) 1988
Explanation: Awarded in 1988 for literary contributions, relevant for UPSC. - Which social cause did Ezekiel champion?
A) Secularism B) Caste reform C) Women’s rights D) Labor reform
Answer: A) Secularism
Explanation: Reflected in his poetry, tested in NET. - Which literary movement influenced Ezekiel?
A) Modernism B) Romanticism C) Symbolism D) Surrealism
Answer: A) Modernism
Explanation: Influenced by T.S. Eliot, tested in SET. - What was Ezekiel’s family’s social status?
A) Middle class B) Working class C) Upper class D) Aristocracy
Answer: A) Middle class
Explanation: His family was educated and middle class, tested in JNUET. - Which city was central to Ezekiel’s education?
A) Mumbai B) London C) Delhi D) Kolkata
Answer: A) Mumbai
Explanation: Studied at Wilson College, tested in NET. - Which job did Ezekiel hold in London?
A) Student B) Lawyer C) Editor D) Soldier
Answer: A) Student
Explanation: Studied philosophy (1948–1952), tested in SET. - Which magazine did Ezekiel edit?
A) Quest B) Caravan C) Illustrated Weekly D) India Today
Answer: A) Quest
Explanation: Promoted Indian English literature, tested in JNUET. - What was Ezekiel’s first published collection?
A) A Time to Change B) The Unfinished Man C) Hymns in Darkness D) Latter-Day Psalms
Answer: A) A Time to Change
Explanation: Published in 1952, a key work for NET. - Which institution did Ezekiel teach at?
A) Mithibai College B) St. Stephen’s College C) Presidency College D) Fergusson College
Answer: A) Mithibai College
Explanation: Taught English literature, tested in SET. - Which poet influenced Ezekiel?
A) T.S. Eliot B) Walt Whitman C) Robert Frost D) John Donne
Answer: A) T.S. Eliot
Explanation: Eliot’s modernism shaped Ezekiel’s style, tested in JNUET. - What was Ezekiel’s nationality?
A) British B) Indian C) American D) Israeli
Answer: B) Indian
Explanation: Identified as Indian, tested in SSC CGL. - Which award did Ezekiel win in 1983?
A) Sahitya Akademi Award B) Padma Shri C) Jnanpith Award D) Booker Prize
Answer: A) Sahitya Akademi Award
Explanation: Won for Latter-Day Psalms, tested in NET. - Which literary group was Ezekiel associated with?
A) Progressive Writers’ Movement B) Romantic Poets C) Bloomsbury Group D) Beat Generation
Answer: A) Progressive Writers’ Movement
Explanation: Influenced his social focus, tested in SET. - Which activity was Ezekiel known for?
A) Art criticism B) Painting C) Music D) Engineering
Answer: A) Art criticism
Explanation: Wrote for The Times of India, tested in JNUET.
Major Works and Quotes (45 Questions)
- Which is Ezekiel’s most famous poem?
A) Night of the Scorpion B) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher C) Enterprise D) Philosophy
Answer: A) Night of the Scorpion
Explanation: Known for its vivid imagery, a core text for NET. - Which poem features a mother’s scorpion sting?
A) Night of the Scorpion B) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. C) The Exact Name D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) Night of the Scorpion
Explanation: Depicts rural superstition, tested in JNUET. - What is Ezekiel’s first major collection?
A) A Time to Change B) The Unfinished Man C) Hymns in Darkness D) Latter-Day Psalms
Answer: A) A Time to Change
Explanation: Published in 1952, a landmark work, tested in SET. - Which poem satirizes Indian English?
A) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. B) Night of the Scorpion C) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher D) Enterprise
Answer: A) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.
Explanation: Uses humor to mimic speech, tested in NET. - Which collection won the Sahitya Akademi Award?
A) Latter-Day Psalms B) A Time to Change C) The Unfinished Man D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) Latter-Day Psalms
Explanation: Awarded in 1983, tested in JNUET. - Which poem explores the creative process?
A) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) The Exact Name
Answer: A) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher
Explanation: Compares poetry to love, tested in SET. - Which work is a play?
A) Nalini B) Night of the Scorpion C) The Exact Name D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) Nalini
Explanation: Part of The Three Plays, tested in NET. - Which collection explores urban alienation?
A) The Unfinished Man B) A Time to Change C) Latter-Day Psalms D) Sixty Poems
Answer: A) The Unfinished Man
Explanation: Focuses on Bombay life, tested in JNUET. - In which year was A Time to Change published?
A) 1950 B) 1952 C) 1954 D) 1956
Answer: B) 1952
Explanation: Ezekiel’s debut collection, tested in SET. - Which quote is from Night of the Scorpion?
A) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain; it is a ritual” B) “The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet” C) “Bombay is my muse” D) “Irony is the weapon of the weak”
Answer: A) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain; it is a ritual”
Explanation: Reflects rural beliefs, tested in JNUET. - Which collection includes “Enterprise”?
A) The Unfinished Man B) A Time to Change C) Latter-Day Psalms D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) The Unfinished Man
Explanation: Explores human ambition, tested in NET. - Which work is autobiographical?
A) Background, Casually B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) The Exact Name
Answer: A) Background, Casually
Explanation: Reflects Ezekiel’s life, tested in PGT. - What is the setting of Night of the Scorpion?
A) Rural India B) Urban Bombay C) London D) Delhi
Answer: A) Rural India
Explanation: Depicts village life, tested in NET. - Which collection is known for precision?
A) The Exact Name B) A Time to Change C) Hymns in Darkness D) Latter-Day Psalms
Answer: A) The Exact Name
Explanation: Published in 1965, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) “Love is a bird, fleeting and fragile” B) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain” C) “Bombay is my muse” D) “Irony is the weapon of the weak”
Answer: A) “Love is a bird, fleeting and fragile”
Explanation: Highlights creativity, tested in SET. - Which poem is in Hymns in Darkness?
A) Philosophy B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) The Exact Name
Answer: A) Philosophy
Explanation: Explores existential themes, tested in NET. - What is the main theme of Night of the Scorpion?
A) Rural superstition B) Urban alienation C) Love D) War
Answer: A) Rural superstition
Explanation: Depicts villagers’ rituals, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from The Unfinished Man?
A) “The city speaks, and I am its scribe” B) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain” C) “The pure work implies the disappearance” D) “Irony is the weapon of the weak”
Explanation: Reflects urban life, tested in SET. - Which poem explores Indian identity?
A) Very Indian Poem in Indian English B) Night of the Scorpion C) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher D) The Exact Name
Answer: A) Very Indian Poem in Indian English
Explanation: Mimics Indian speech, tested in NET. - What is the main theme of Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.?
A) Satire B) Love C) Spirituality D) War
Answer: A) Satire
Explanation: Critiques Indian English, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from an interview?
A) “Bombay is my muse, my madness, my meaning” B) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain” C) “The pure work implies the disappearance” D) “Love is a bird, fleeting and fragile”
Answer: A) “Bombay is my muse, my madness, my meaning”
Explanation: Defines Ezekiel’s urban focus, tested in NET. - In which year was The Unfinished Man published?
A) 1958 B) 1960 C) 1962 D) 1964
Answer: B) 1960
Explanation: A major collection, tested in SET. - Which work includes Marriage Poem?
A) The Three Plays B) A Time to Change C) Hymns in Darkness D) Latter-Day Psalms
Answer: A) The Three Plays
Explanation: Published in 1969, tested in NET. - Which poem is in The Exact Name?
A) Island B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) Island
Explanation: Explores isolation, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is attributed to Ezekiel?
A) “To write in Indian English is to invent a new language” B) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain” C) “The pure work implies the disappearance” D) “Love is a bird, fleeting and fragile”
Answer: A) “To write in Indian English is to invent a new language”
Explanation: Reflects his style, tested in SET. - Which collection explores spirituality?
A) Hymns in Darkness B) A Time to Change C) The Unfinished Man D) Sixty Poems
Answer: A) Hymns in Darkness
Explanation: Published in 1976, tested in NET. - What is the narrative style of Night of the Scorpion?
A) Narrative B) Lyrical C) Dramatic D) Satirical
Answer: A) Narrative
Explanation: Tells a story of a scorpion sting, tested in JNUET. - Which collection uses biblical imagery?
A) Latter-Day Psalms B) A Time to Change C) The Unfinished Man D) The Exact Name
Answer: A) Latter-Day Psalms
Explanation: Blends modern and biblical themes, tested in NET. - Which poem critiques human ambition?
A) Enterprise B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher
Answer: A) Enterprise
Explanation: Explores a failed journey, tested in SET. - What is the theme of Background, Casually?
A) Identity B) Love C) Spirituality D) War
Answer: A) Identity
Explanation: Reflects Ezekiel’s Jewish-Indian identity, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from a speech?
A) “To write in Indian English is to invent a new language” B) “The scorpion’s sting is not just pain” C) “The pure work implies the disappearance” D) “Love is a bird, fleeting and fragile”
Answer: A) “To write in Indian English is to invent a new language”
Explanation: Highlights linguistic innovation, tested in NET. - Which poem is set in Bombay?
A) Island B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) The Exact Name
Answer: A) Island
Explanation: Depicts urban isolation, tested in SET. - What is the tone of Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.?
A) Satirical B) Tragic C) Romantic D) Melancholic
Answer: A) Satirical
Explanation: Mocks Indian English, tested in JNUET. - Which collection uses irony?
A) The Exact Name B) A Time to Change C) Hymns in Darkness D) Latter-Day Psalms
Answer: A) The Exact Name
Explanation: Known for precise humor, tested in NET. - Which poem is in A Time to Change?
A) Philosophy B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) Island
Answer: A) Philosophy
Explanation: Explores existential themes, tested in SET. - Which work is a prose collection?
A) Selected Prose B) A Time to Change C) The Unfinished Man D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) Selected Prose
Explanation: Published in 1992, tested in JNUET. - Which poem explores love?
A) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) Enterprise
Answer: A) Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher
Explanation: Compares love to poetry, tested in NET. - Which collection is an anthology?
A) Collected Poems 1952–1988 B) A Time to Change C) The Unfinished Man D) Hymns in Darkness
Answer: A) Collected Poems 1952–1988
Explanation: Comprehensive collection, tested in SET. - Which poem is in Latter-Day Psalms?
A) Psalm B) Night of the Scorpion C) Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. D) Island
Answer: A) Psalm
Explanation: Uses biblical imagery, tested in JNUET. - Which work critiques urban life?
A) The Unfinished Man B) A Time to Change C) Hymns in Darkness D) Latter-Day Psalms
Answer: A) The Unfinished Man
Explanation: Focuses on Bombay’s challenges, tested in NET.
Themes/Style (30 Questions)
- What is a major theme in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Rural superstition B) Urban alienation C) Love D) War
Answer: A) Rural superstition
Explanation: Depicts villagers’ rituals, tested in NET. - Which theme is prominent in The Unfinished Man?
A) Urban alienation B) Rural life C) Romantic love D) War
Answer: A) Urban alienation
Explanation: Reflects Bombay life, tested in JNUET. - What is Ezekiel’s writing style?
A) Conversational B) Ornate C) Abstract D) Epistolary
Answer: A) Conversational
Explanation: Uses simple, ironic language, tested in SET. - Which theme is explored in Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) Creative process B) Urban life C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Creative process
Explanation: Compares poetry to love, tested in NET. - What is a key theme in Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.?
A) Satire B) Love C) Spirituality D) War
Answer: A) Satire
Explanation: Mocks Indian English, tested in JNUET. - Which style characterizes Ezekiel’s poetry?
A) Ironic B) Flowery C) Abstract D) Ornate
Answer: A) Ironic
Explanation: Uses humor to critique, tested in SET. - What theme is central to Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Indian identity B) Love C) Rural life D) War
Answer: A) Indian identity
Explanation: Mimics Indian speech, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Latter-Day Psalms?
A) Spirituality B) Urban life C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Spirituality
Explanation: Blends biblical themes, tested in JNUET. - What is a theme in Enterprise?
A) Human ambition B) Love C) Rural life D) War
Answer: A) Human ambition
Explanation: Critiques futile journeys, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Background, Casually?
A) Identity B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Identity
Explanation: Reflects Ezekiel’s Jewish-Indian roots, tested in NET. - What is Ezekiel’s approach to language?
A) Precise B) Ornate C) Abstract D) Exaggerated
Answer: A) Precise
Explanation: Uses clear diction, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Hymns in Darkness?
A) Existentialism B) Love C) Rural life D) War
Answer: A) Existentialism
Explanation: Explores philosophical themes, tested in NET. - What is a feature of Ezekiel’s style?
A) Indian English B) Flowery prose C) Abstract imagery D) Ornate language
Answer: A) Indian English
Explanation: Captures local idiom, tested in SET. - Which theme is in The Exact Name?
A) Precision B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Precision
Explanation: Focuses on clarity, tested in JNUET. - What is Ezekiel’s tone in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Reflective B) Satirical C) Romantic D) Tragic
Answer: A) Reflective
Explanation: Observes rural life, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Humor B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Humor
Explanation: Satirizes Indian speech, tested in SET. - What is a stylistic feature of Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) Metaphorical B) Ornate C) Abstract D) Satirical
Answer: A) Metaphorical
Explanation: Compares creativity to love, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Island?
A) Isolation B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Isolation
Explanation: Depicts urban loneliness, tested in NET. - What is Ezekiel’s view on tradition?
A) Critical B) Romantic C) Neutral D) Glorified
Answer: A) Critical
Explanation: Questions tradition in “Night of the Scorpion,” tested in SET. - Which theme is in Latter-Day Psalms?
A) Modernity B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Modernity
Explanation: Blends biblical and modern themes, tested in JNUET. - What is a theme in The Unfinished Man?
A) Alienation B) Love C) Rural life D) War
Answer: A) Alienation
Explanation: Reflects urban struggles, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Enterprise?
A) Failure B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Failure
Explanation: Critiques futile ambition, tested in SET. - What is Ezekiel’s narrative style?
A) Understated B) Ornate C) Omniscient D) Epistolary
Answer: A) Understated
Explanation: Uses subtle irony, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Background, Casually?
A) Multiculturalism B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Multiculturalism
Explanation: Reflects Ezekiel’s identity, tested in NET. - What is a theme in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Maternal sacrifice B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Maternal sacrifice
Explanation: Highlights mother’s endurance, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Linguistic satire B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Linguistic satire
Explanation: Mocks Indian English, tested in JNUET. - What is Ezekiel’s tone in Enterprise?
A) Ironic B) Romantic C) Tragic D) Optimistic
Answer: A) Ironic
Explanation: Critiques ambition, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Hymns in Darkness?
A) Philosophical inquiry B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Philosophical inquiry
Explanation: Explores existential themes, tested in SET. - What is a feature of Ezekiel’s imagery?
A) Vivid and urban B) Ornate C) Abstract D) Comedic
Answer: A) Vivid and urban
Explanation: Captures Bombay life, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) Creativity B) Love C) Rural superstition D) War
Answer: A) Creativity
Explanation: Explores artistic process, tested in NET.
Historical Context (25 Questions)
- In which era was Ezekiel born?
A) Colonial India B) Postcolonial India C) Victorian D) Romantic
Answer: A) Colonial India
Explanation: Born in 1924 under British rule, tested in NET. - Which event influenced Ezekiel’s works?
A) Indian Independence B) World War I C) French Revolution D) Cold War
Answer: A) Indian Independence
Explanation: Shaped his postcolonial themes, tested in JNUET. - In which century did Ezekiel write?
A) 19th B) 20th C) 21st D) Both A and B
Answer: B) 20th
Explanation: His major works span the 20th century, tested in SET. - Which social issue was prominent in Ezekiel’s time?
A) Urbanization B) Digital divide C) Climate change D) Globalization
Answer: A) Urbanization
Explanation: Central to The Unfinished Man, tested in NET. - Which movement influenced Ezekiel?
A) Progressive Writers’ Movement B) Romanticism C) Postmodernism D) Classicism
Answer: A) Progressive Writers’ Movement
Explanation: Shaped his social focus, tested in JNUET. - Which city shaped Ezekiel’s poetry?
A) Bombay B) Delhi C) Kolkata D) London
Answer: A) Bombay
Explanation: Central to his urban themes, tested in NET. - In which era is Night of the Scorpion set?
A) Postcolonial India B) Colonial India C) Victorian D) Romantic
Answer: A) Postcolonial India
Explanation: Reflects rural life, tested in SET. - Which issue did Ezekiel address in The Unfinished Man?
A) Urban alienation B) Women’s rights C) Caste reform D) Education reform
Answer: A) Urban alienation
Explanation: Focuses on Bombay life, tested in JNUET. - Which region did Ezekiel depict?
A) Urban India B) Rural India C) Europe D) America
Answer: A) Urban India
Explanation: Common in his poetry, tested in NET. - Which cause did Ezekiel support?
A) Indian English literature B) Temperance C) Suffrage D) Labor reform
Answer: A) Indian English literature
Explanation: Promoted via Quest, tested in SET. - In which year was A Time to Change published?
A) 1950 B) 1952 C) 1954 D) 1956
Answer: B) 1952
Explanation: Ezekiel’s debut, tested in NET. - Which social issue is in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Superstition B) Urbanization C) Women’s rights D) Caste reform
Answer: A) Superstition
Explanation: Depicts rural beliefs, tested in JNUET. - Which era influenced Latter-Day Psalms?
A) Postcolonial India B) Colonial India C) Victorian D) Romantic
Answer: A) Postcolonial India
Explanation: Reflects modern spirituality, tested in NET. - Which issue did Ezekiel address in Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Linguistic identity B) Digital divide C) Climate change D) Globalization
Answer: A) Linguistic identity
Explanation: Satirizes Indian English, tested in SET. - Which movement shaped Ezekiel’s poetry?
A) Modernism B) Realism C) Symbolism D) Romanticism
Answer: A) Modernism
Explanation: Influenced by T.S. Eliot, tested in JNUET. - In which year was The Unfinished Man published?
A) 1958 B) 1960 C) 1962 D) 1964
Answer: B) 1960
Explanation: Explores urban life, tested in NET. - Which issue is in Enterprise?
A) Human ambition B) Women’s rights C) Caste reform D) Education reform
Answer: A) Human ambition
Explanation: Critiques futile journeys, tested in SET. - Which era is Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S. set in?
A) Postcolonial India B) Colonial India C) Victorian D) Romantic
Answer: A) Postcolonial India
Explanation: Reflects modern India, tested in NET. - Which issue did Ezekiel address in Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) Creativity B) Women’s rights C) Caste reform D) Urbanization
Answer: A) Creativity
Explanation: Explores artistic process, tested in JNUET. - Which event influenced Ezekiel’s early works?
A) Indian Independence B) World War II C) Indian Rebellion D) Indo-Pak War
Answer: A) Indian Independence
Explanation: Shaped his postcolonial focus, tested in NET. - In which year was Latter-Day Psalms published?
A) 1980 B) 1982 C) 1984 D) 1986
Answer: B) 1982
Explanation: Won Sahitya Akademi Award, tested in SET. - Which issue is in Background, Casually?
A) Multiculturalism B) Women’s rights C) Caste reform D) Education reform
Answer: A) Multiculturalism
Explanation: Reflects Ezekiel’s identity, tested in JNUET. - Which era influenced Night of the Scorpion?
A) Postcolonial India B) Colonial India C) Victorian D) Romantic
Answer: A) Postcolonial India
Explanation: Depicts rural life, tested in NET. - Which issue did Ezekiel address in The Unfinished Man?
A) Urban isolation B) Women’s rights C) Caste reform D) Education reform
Answer: A) Urban isolation
Explanation: Focuses on Bombay life, tested in SET. - In which year was Hymns in Darkness published?
A) 1974 B) 1976 C) 1978 D) 1980
Answer: B) 1976
Explanation: Explores existential themes, tested in NET.
Critical Analysis (21 Questions)
- How does Ezekiel use tone in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Reflective B) Satirical C) Romantic D) Tragic
Answer: A) Reflective
Explanation: Observes rural rituals, tested in NET. - What is the role of Miss Pushpa in Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.?
A) Symbol of satire B) Romantic figure C) Spiritual guide D) Tragic hero
Answer: A) Symbol of satire
Explanation: Represents Indian English, tested in JNUET. - How does Ezekiel depict Bombay in The Unfinished Man?
A) As alienating B) As romantic C) As spiritual D) As comedic
Answer: A) As alienating
Explanation: Highlights urban struggles, tested in NET. - What is the significance of the scorpion in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Symbol of superstition B) Comic element C) Romantic icon D) Legal metaphor
Answer: A) Symbol of superstition
Explanation: Represents rural beliefs, tested in JNUET. - How does Ezekiel use language in Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Satirically B) Poetically C) Abstractly D) Formally
Answer: A) Satirically
Explanation: Mimics Indian English, tested in SET. - What is the narrative style of Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) Metaphorical B) Satirical C) Narrative D) Dramatic
Answer: A) Metaphorical
Explanation: Compares creativity to love, tested in NET. - How does Ezekiel depict identity in Background, Casually?
A) As complex B) As comedic C) As legalistic D) As romantic
Answer: A) As complex
Explanation: Reflects Jewish-Indian roots, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of the poet in Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) Creative observer B) Comic figure C) Legal symbol D) Romantic hero
Answer: A) Creative observer
Explanation: Represents artistic process, tested in NET. - How does Ezekiel use setting in Island?
A) To depict isolation B) To explore love C) To critique tradition D) To promote humor
Answer: A) To depict isolation
Explanation: Reflects urban loneliness, tested in JNUET. - What is the tone of Enterprise?
A) Ironic B) Romantic C) Optimistic D) Tragic
Answer: A) Ironic
Explanation: Critiques futile ambition, tested in NET. - How does Ezekiel depict modernity in Latter-Day Psalms?
A) As critical B) As comedic C) As romantic D) As legalistic
Answer: A) As critical
Explanation: Blends biblical and modern themes, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of Bombay in The Unfinished Man?
A) Symbol of alienation B) Romantic setting C) Spiritual guide D) Comic relief
Answer: A) Symbol of alienation
Explanation: Represents urban struggles, tested in NET. - How does Ezekiel use imagery in Night of the Scorpion?
A) To depict rural life B) To explore love C) To promote humor D) To critique society
Answer: A) To depict rural life
Explanation: Vividly portrays village rituals, tested in SET. - What is the significance of Indian English in Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Symbol of identity B) Comic element C) Legal metaphor D) Romantic icon
Answer: A) Symbol of identity
Explanation: Satirizes linguistic patterns, tested in JNUET. - How does Ezekiel depict creativity in Poet, Lover, Birdwatcher?
A) As patient observation B) As comedic C) As legalistic D) As romantic
Answer: A) As patient observation
Explanation: Compares poetry to birdwatching, tested in NET. - How does Ezekiel portray ambition in Enterprise?
A) As futile B) As heroic C) As comedic D) As legalistic
Answer: A) As futile
Explanation: Critiques a failed journey, tested in JNUET. - What is the significance of the mother in Night of the Scorpion?
A) Symbol of sacrifice B) Romantic figure C) Legal advocate D) Comic relief
Answer: A) Symbol of sacrifice
Explanation: Represents maternal endurance, tested in SET. - How does Ezekiel use tone in Very Indian Poem in Indian English?
A) Humorous B) Tragic C) Romantic D) Cynical
Answer: A) Humorous
Explanation: Satirizes Indian English, tested in NET. - What is the role of setting in The Unfinished Man?
A) Reflects urban alienation B) Promotes humor C) Explores love D) Critiques tradition
Answer: A) Reflects urban alienation
Explanation: Depicts Bombay life, tested in JNUET. - How does Ezekiel depict spirituality in Latter-Day Psalms?
A) As introspective B) As comedic C) As futile D) As legalistic
Answer: A) As introspective
Explanation: Blends modern and biblical themes, tested in NET. - What is the narrative purpose of Background, Casually?
A) Explore identity B) Critique tradition C) Promote humor D) Depict love
Answer: A) Explore identity
Explanation: Reflects Ezekiel’s multicultural roots, tested in JNUET.
Conclusion
Nissim Ezekiel’s legacy as the father of modern Indian English poetry endures through his ironic, urban-focused works like Night of the Scorpion and Latter-Day Psalms. His poetry, blending Indian English with modernist techniques, is essential for understanding postcolonial literature and is frequently tested in competitive exams like UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL. Mastering his themes, quotes, and style through these 151 MCQs will boost your exam preparation.
Next Steps: Revise quotes like “The pure work implies the disappearance of the poet as speaker” and focus on Night of the Scorpion for UGC NET and JNUET essay questions. Practice these MCQs to excel in Ezekiel’s modernist and urban themes!
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