SSC CGL (Prelims) General: Literature questions with solutions

Q1. Who is the author of the novel 'The Guide'?

1. R.K. Narayan
2. Khushwant Singh
3. Chetan Bhagat
4. Vikram Seth

Answer: R.K. Narayan

The Guide is a famous novel by R.K. Narayan. He is one of the best-known Indian English writers and the creator of the fictional town of Malgudi.

Q2. Who is the author of *The Lowland*, a novel shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2013?

1. Arundhati Roy
2. Kiran Desai
3. Jhumpa Lahiri
4. Anita Desai

Answer: Jhumpa Lahiri

*The Lowland* was written by Jhumpa Lahiri. It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2013, making her the correct answer.

Q3. What is the primary literary importance of the book Malgudi Days by R. K. Narayan?

1. It presents futuristic scientific innovations in India.
2. It portrays everyday life in a fictional South Indian town through short stories.
3. It is a political biography of a national leader.
4. It is a translated version of ancient Sanskrit drama.

Answer: It portrays everyday life in a fictional South Indian town through short stories.

Malgudi Days is a famous collection of short stories by R. K. Narayan set in the fictional town of Malgudi. It is known for depicting simple, everyday life in South India with warmth and realism.

Q4. Which of the following best describes the central theme of the book The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank?

1. A historical analysis of World War II military strategies
2. Personal experiences of a Jewish girl hiding during the Nazi occupation
3. A fictional story about life in post-war Europe
4. A biography of political leaders during World War II

Answer: Personal experiences of a Jewish girl hiding during the Nazi occupation

The Diary of a Young Girl is Anne Frank's diary, describing her life in hiding during the Nazi occupation. It is a personal account, not a military analysis, fiction, or biography of leaders.

Q5. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the author and thematic focus of the novel "A Fine Balance"?

1. Salman Rushdie, focusing on post-colonial identity and magical realism
2. Rohinton Mistry, exploring social injustices during India's Emergency period
3. Jhumpa Lahiri, depicting the immigrant experience in 1980s New York
4. Arundhati Roy, examining environmental activism and political corruption

Answer: Rohinton Mistry, exploring social injustices during India's Emergency period

A Fine Balance is written by Rohinton Mistry. The novel is set during the Emergency in India and highlights social hardship, inequality, and injustice.

Q6. Who is the author of the book "The Great Indian Novel"?

1. Devdutt Pattanaik
2. Shashi Tharoor
3. Sanjeev Sanyal
4. Gurcharan Das

Answer: Shashi Tharoor

The Great Indian Novel is written by Shashi Tharoor. The book is a satirical work that reimagines the Mahabharata in a modern Indian political context.