The Grand Question Debated MCQs & Summary

Summary:

“The Grand Question Debated” is a satirical poem by Jonathan Swift, in which he humorously explores the debate between men and women regarding superiority. The poem is structured as a dialogue where both genders present arguments supporting their dominance over the other. Through witty exchanges and irony, Swift highlights the absurdity of gender-based superiority arguments, showing that neither men nor women are inherently superior.

The poem reflects Swift’s mastery of satire, as he mocks both sides for their exaggerated claims and weaknesses. Instead of providing a clear resolution, the poem leaves readers to reflect on the ongoing nature of gender debates and the flaws in human reasoning when driven by pride and prejudice.

Themes such as gender roles, power struggles, human vanity, and social criticism are central to the poem, making it a sharp commentary on 18th-century gender dynamics that still resonates today.

MCQs:

1. Who wrote The Grand Question Debated?
   A) Alexander Pope
   B) Jonathan Swift
   C) Samuel Johnson
   D) John Dryden
   Answer: B) Jonathan Swift
2. What is the main subject of the poem?
   A) A debate about religion
   B) A humorous discussion on gender superiority
   C) A political argument between nations
   D) A scientific debate about astronomy
   Answer: B) A humorous discussion on gender superiority
3. What literary device is primarily used in the poem?
   A) Tragic irony
   B) Satire and humor
   C) Religious allegory
   D) Metaphysical conceit
   Answer: B) Satire and humor

   

4. How is the debate in the poem structured?
   A) As a philosophical argument
   B) As a formal court trial
   C) As a dialogue between a man and a woman
   D) As a letter from a king
   Answer: C) As a dialogue between a man and a woman
5. What is the ultimate conclusion of the poem?
   A) Men are proven superior
   B) Women are proven superior
   C) Neither gender is truly superior
   D) The debate is left unresolved
   Answer: D) The debate is left unresolved
6. Which theme is central to the poem?
   A) Religious devotion
   B) The absurdity of gender superiority arguments
   C) The dangers of war
   D) The glory of monarchy
   Answer: B) The absurdity of gender superiority arguments
7. How does Swift portray both men and women in the poem?
   A) As wise philosophers
   B) As equal but flawed in their reasoning
   C) As warriors fighting for dominance
   D) As divine beings above petty arguments
   Answer: B) As equal but flawed in their reasoning
8. What does the poem criticize?
   A) The structure of the monarchy
   B) The conflict between science and religion
   C) The foolishness of pride and vanity in gender debates
   D) The economic struggles of the poor
   Answer: C) The foolishness of pride and vanity in gender debates
9. What type of poem is The Grand Question Debated?
   A) An epic
   B) A satire
   C) A romantic ballad
   D) A dramatic tragedy
   Answer: B) A satire
10. Why is the poem still relevant today?
    A) It reflects universal gender debates and human nature
    B) It describes an ancient tradition that still exists
    C) It predicts modern scientific discoveries
    D) It is based on true historical events
    Answer: A) It reflects universal gender debates and human nature