Of Marriage and Single Life MCQs & Summary

Summary:

Francis Bacon’s essay Of Marriage and Single Life explores the pros and cons of both states. He argues that married men tend to be more responsible and cautious, but they are also less free to take risks due to their obligations. On the other hand, single men are more ambitious, generous, and better suited for public service, as they have fewer distractions. Bacon acknowledges that while wives can be supportive companions, marriage can also limit a man’s pursuit of personal ambitions. In the end, Bacon suggests that both marriage and single life have their own benefits and drawbacks, leaving the choice to individual preference.

MCQs:

1. What is the main theme of Bacon’s essay Of Marriage and Single Life?
   a) The advantages of marriage over single life
   b) The comparison between married and single life
   c) The necessity of marriage for success
   d) The disadvantages of single life
   Answer: b) The comparison between married and single life
2. According to Bacon, which type of people make the best public servants?
   a) Married men
   b) Single men
   c) Wealthy men
   d) Religious men
   Answer: b) Single men
3. What does Bacon suggest about married men?
   a) They are more devoted to public duties
   b) They are more responsible and cautious
   c) They are ambitious and selfish
   d) They are more likely to be corrupt

   

   Answer: b) They are more responsible and cautious

4. How does Bacon describe single men in terms of generosity?
   a) They are more charitable
   b) They are selfish and greedy
   c) They lack ambition
   d) They are more prone to revenge
   Answer: a) They are more charitable
5. What does Bacon believe about unmarried men in positions of power?
   a) They are more dedicated to their profession
   b) They are unreliable
   c) They are easily influenced
   d) They lack leadership skills
   Answer: a) They are more dedicated to their profession
6. According to Bacon, why do some men avoid marriage?
   a) Fear of financial burden
   b) Lack of romantic interest
   c) Desire for complete freedom and ambition
   d) Religious reasons
   Answer: c) Desire for complete freedom and ambition
7. What is one advantage Bacon attributes to married men?
   a) They are more adventurous
   b) They are better at accumulating wealth
   c) They are more disciplined and careful
   d) They are more likely to be philosophers
   Answer: c) They are more disciplined and careful
8. How does Bacon describe wives in Of Marriage and Single Life?
   a) As a necessary burden
   b) As companions and helpers
   c) As obstacles to success
   d) As sources of financial gain
   Answer: b) As companions and helpers
9. What does Bacon say about single men and risk-taking?
   a) They are more cautious
   b) They are more reckless
   c) They are more successful
   d) They avoid innovation
   Answer: b) They are more reckless
10. What is Bacon’s final conclusion about marriage and single life?
    a) Marriage is always better than being single
    b) Both have their advantages and disadvantages
    c) Single men are happier
    d) Married men are more successful
    Answer: b) Both have their advantages and disadvantages