Fraternity MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 22, 2025

Summary:

Fraternity is a novel by John Galsworthy, published in 1909. It explores themes of social class, morality, and the growing divide between the privileged and the working class in early 20th-century England. The novel critiques the superficial benevolence of the upper class toward the poor while highlighting the struggles of the working class.

The story follows a wealthy idealist, Hilary Dallison, who becomes involved in the life of a working-class girl named Bianca. He sees himself as a benevolent protector, but his efforts reveal the hypocrisy and limitations of upper-class philanthropy. Meanwhile, his brother, Stephen, represents the more pragmatic and indifferent side of the privileged class. The novel examines the complexities of social responsibility, morality, and the contradictions within the so-called “fraternity” between the rich and the poor.

Through its realistic portrayal of class struggles and moral dilemmas, Fraternity serves as a social critique of the era, questioning whether true empathy and brotherhood can exist across class lines.

MCQs:

1. What is the central theme of Fraternity?
   A) The decline of the aristocracy
   B) The conflict between idealism and reality in social reform
   C) The effects of war on society
   D) The romantic struggles of a nobleman
   Answer: B) The conflict between idealism and reality in social reform
2. Who is the main protagonist of Fraternity?
   A) Lord Miltoun
   B) Hilary Dallison
   C) Soames Forsyte
   D) Michael Mont
   Answer: B) Hilary Dallison
3. What role does Bianca play in the novel?
   A) She is an aristocrat fighting for women’s rights
   B) She is a working-class girl whom Hilary tries to help
   C) She is a wealthy widow who falls in love with Hilary
   D) She is Hilary’s sister
   Answer: B) She is a working-class girl whom Hilary tries to help

   

4. What does the title Fraternity symbolize?
   A) The deep bond between family members
   B) The idealistic yet flawed notion of brotherhood between classes
   C) The secret society of aristocrats
   D) The moral corruption of the rich
   Answer: B) The idealistic yet flawed notion of brotherhood between classes
5. How does Stephen Dallison’s character contrast with Hilary’s?
   A) Stephen is more indifferent and pragmatic about social issues
   B) Stephen is more passionate about helping the poor
   C) Stephen is a religious leader guiding Hilary
   D) Stephen is an outcast who rejects society
   Answer: A) Stephen is more indifferent and pragmatic about social issues
6. What is John Galsworthy criticizing in Fraternity?
   A) The corruption of politicians
   B) The insincerity of upper-class charity
   C) The decline of religious values
   D) The lack of education in rural areas
   Answer: B) The insincerity of upper-class charity
7. What is Hilary’s main internal conflict?
   A) His love for a married woman
   B) His struggle to balance social duty with personal desires
   C) His fear of financial ruin
   D) His ambition to rise in politics
   Answer: B) His struggle to balance social duty with personal desires
8. How does Galsworthy portray the working class in the novel?
   A) As noble and heroic
   B) As helpless and dependent on the upper class
   C) As strong but trapped in a system that limits their opportunities
   D) As criminal and corrupt
   Answer: C) As strong but trapped in a system that limits their opportunities
9. What literary style is Fraternity written in?
   A) Gothic fiction
   B) Realism and social commentary
   C) Science fiction
   D) Historical romance
   Answer: B) Realism and social commentary
10. What is the overall tone of Fraternity?
    A) Humorous and lighthearted
    B) Hopeful and optimistic
    C) Critical and reflective
    D) Adventurous and thrilling
    Answer: C) Critical and reflective