Francis Bacon’s
Of Adversity
1. The essay “Of Adversity” opens with which of the following biblical references? (PGTRB 2019, TRB Polytechnic 2021, UGC NET 2020)
A) “It is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong”
B) “Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament”
C) “All things work together for good”
D) “The just shall live by faith”
Ans: B) “Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament”
2. According to Bacon, adversity is the blessing of which testament? (PGTRB 2017, UGC NET 2019)
A) The Old Testament
B) The New Testament
C) The Apocrypha
D) The Gnostic Gospels
Ans: B) The New Testament
3. How does Bacon describe the nature of prosperity? (PGTRB 2016, TANCET 2020)
A) Harsh and corrupting
B) Full of envy and sorrow
C) Mild and peaceful
D) Strong and righteous
Ans: B) Full of envy and sorrow
4. “Adversity is like a …” what, according to Bacon? (UGC NET 2020, TRB Polytechnic 2021)
A) Mirror of truth
B) Trial by fire
C) Discipline of virtue
D) Seed of hope
Ans: C) Discipline of virtue
5. What is said to be the proper virtue in adversity? (PGTRB 2018, UGC NET 2022)
A) Generosity
B) Patience
C) Faith
D) Prudence
Ans: B) Patience
6. Which biblical figure does Bacon mention as a model of adversity? (UGC NET 2021, PGTRB 2019)
A) Solomon
B) Job
C) Daniel
D) Moses
Ans: B) Job
7. In Bacon’s view, adversity reveals the true what of men? (TRB Polytechnic 2022, PGTRB 2020)
A) Ambitions
B) Virtues
C) Nature
D) Weakness
Ans: B) Virtues
8. What is the primary theme of “Of Adversity”? (PGTRB 2017, UGC NET 2023)
A) The role of power in governance
B) The benefits of adversity over prosperity
C) The value of knowledge
D) The art of persuasion
Ans: B) The benefits of adversity over prosperity
9. What literary device does Bacon use throughout the essay? (UGC NET 2018, PGTRB 2016)
A) Allegory
B) Parable
C) Aphorism
D) Hyperbole
Ans: C) Aphorism
10. According to Bacon, what does adversity do to a person’s mind? (TRB Polytechnic 2020, PGTRB 2018)
A) Weakens and disturbs it
B) Makes it restless
C) Reforms and strengthens it
D) Isolates and confuses it
Ans: C) Reforms and strengthens it
11. Which virtue is often associated with adversity in Christian teachings, as noted by Bacon? (UGC NET 2019, PGTRB 2021)
A) Justice
B) Fortitude
C) Humility
D) Patience
Ans: D) Patience
12. Which Testament does Bacon associate with the prosperity of the world? (PGTRB 2016, TRB Polytechnic 2021)
A) The Gospel
B) The Psalms
C) The Old Testament
D) The New Testament
Ans: C) The Old Testament
13. Bacon uses which metaphor to describe prosperity? (UGC NET 2020, PGTRB 2019)
A) A garden without weeds
B) A fair day
C) A banquet of riches
D) A candle in darkness
Ans: B) A fair day
14. What kind of men does Bacon believe can endure adversity? (TRB Polytechnic 2022, UGC NET 2023)
A) Noble and wise
B) Weak and common
C) Stubborn and defiant
D) Ignorant and proud
Ans: A) Noble and wise
15. Which type of knowledge, according to Bacon, is best revealed through adversity? (PGTRB 2020, UGC NET 2021)
A) Scientific knowledge
B) Knowledge of divine truth
C) Historical knowledge
D) Social etiquette
Ans: B) Knowledge of divine truth
16. Bacon implies that adversity acts as what for the soul? (UGC NET 2019, PGTRB 2018)
A) Medicine
B) Poison
C) Escape
D) Delight
Ans: A) Medicine
17. What does Bacon say is more revealing of human nature: adversity or prosperity? (PGTRB 2021, TRB Polytechnic 2023)
A) Adversity
B) Prosperity
C) Both equally
D) Neither
Ans: A) Adversity
18. What does Bacon suggest about people who flourish in adversity? (UGC NET 2020, PGTRB 2017)
A) They are unwise
B) They are blessed
C) They are to be envied
D) They are delusional
Ans: B) They are blessed
19. What role does religion play in Bacon’s essay? (TRB Polytechnic 2021, PGTRB 2019)
A) Minimal reference
B) Emphasized throughout
C) Only in conclusion
D) Critical of religion
Ans: B) Emphasized throughout
20. Which of the following best captures Bacon’s view of adversity? (UGC NET 2022, PGTRB 2016)
A) A punishment from God
B) A chance for revenge
C) A refining process for character
D) A destructive phase in life
Ans: C) A refining process for character
21. What does Bacon believe adversity prepares one for? (PGTRB 2018, TRB Polytechnic 2020)
A) Success
B) War
C) Death
D) Virtue
Ans: D) Virtue
22. Bacon uses what tone throughout “Of Adversity”? (UGC NET 2020, PGTRB 2017)
A) Satirical
B) Reflective and moral
C) Humorous
D) Sarcastic
Ans: B) Reflective and moral
23. Which of the following is contrasted with adversity in the essay? (TRB Polytechnic 2022, PGTRB 2016)
A) Illness
B) War
C) Prosperity
D) Temptation
Ans: C) Prosperity
24. What is Bacon’s main purpose in “Of Adversity”? (UGC NET 2021, PGTRB 2018)
A) To warn against misfortune
B) To glorify wealth
C) To highlight the spiritual value of suffering
D) To suggest retirement
Ans: C) To highlight the spiritual value of suffering
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