Manfred MCQs & Summary

Summary:

“Manfred” is a dramatic poem by Lord Byron, first published in 1817. It follows the story of Manfred, a tormented and guilt-ridden nobleman who lives in isolation in the Alps. Unlike traditional plays, Manfred lacks a conventional plot and instead explores philosophical themes through dialogues with supernatural beings.

Manfred is haunted by a mysterious guilt, hinted to be related to the death of a woman named Astarte, whom he deeply loved. Seeking to escape his suffering, he summons spirits, witches, and supernatural forces, but they refuse to grant him forgetfulness or redemption. He ultimately rejects both divine salvation and demonic control, choosing to face his fate alone.

The poem reflects Byron’s own struggles, especially his exile from England due to scandal, and embodies the Byronic Hero—a proud, defiant, and tormented individual. Manfred is also influenced by Goethe’s “Faust”, but unlike Faust, Manfred does not seek knowledge or power—he desires oblivion and self-determination.

MCQs:

1. Who wrote Manfred?
   A) Percy Bysshe Shelley
   B) John Keats
   C) Lord Byron
   D) William Wordsworth
   Answer: C) Lord Byron
2. When was Manfred first published?
   A) 1815
   B) 1817
   C) 1820
   D) 1832
   Answer: B) 1817
3. Where is Manfred primarily set?
   A) Rome
   B) The Alps
   C) Venice
   D) The Arabian Desert
   Answer: B) The Alps

   

4. What supernatural beings does Manfred interact with?
   A) Angels
   B) Spirits and witches
   C) Demons and werewolves
   D) Fairies
   Answer: B) Spirits and witches
5. Who is Astarte in the poem?
   A) A goddess of wisdom
   B) Manfred’s sister or forbidden love
   C) A servant in Manfred’s castle
   D) A demon disguised as a woman
   Answer: B) Manfred’s sister or forbidden love
6. What does Manfred seek from the supernatural beings?
   A) Power over the world
   B) Immortality
   C) Forgetfulness and escape from guilt
   D) Wealth and knowledge
   Answer: C) Forgetfulness and escape from guilt
7. How does Manfred differ from Faust by Goethe?
   A) Manfred seeks pleasure, while Faust seeks knowledge
   B) Manfred does not make a pact with the Devil
   C) Manfred is a hero, while Faust is a villain
   D) Manfred is a comedy, while Faust is a tragedy
   Answer: B) Manfred does not make a pact with the Devil
8. How does Manfred die?
   A) He is struck by lightning
   B) He is killed by spirits
   C) He dies defiantly, refusing to submit to supernatural forces
   D) He takes his own life
   Answer: C) He dies defiantly, refusing to submit to supernatural forces
9. What is a key characteristic of Manfred’s personality?
   A) Optimism
   B) Cowardice
   C) Pride and defiance
   D) Humor
   Answer: C) Pride and defiance
10. Which literary archetype does Manfred represent?
    A) The Tragic Hero
    B) The Byronic Hero
    C) The Romantic Fool
    D) The Noble Savage
    Answer: B) The Byronic Hero