On Umbrella Morals MCQs
1. Who is the author of the essay “On Umbrella Morals”?
a) G.K. Chesterton
b) Alfred George Gardiner
c) Charles Dickens
d) Bertrand Russell
Answer: b) Alfred George Gardiner
Explanation: Alfred George Gardiner, a renowned British essayist and journalist, wrote the essay “On Umbrella Morals.” His works are known for their humor, wit, and deep moral insights into everyday situations. This essay humorously critiques human nature, particularly how people justify small dishonesties. Gardiner often wrote under the pen name “Alpha of the Plough” and contributed significantly to English literature through his engaging essays on social and moral issues.
2. What was Alfred George Gardiner’s primary profession?
a) Politician
b) Journalist
c) Scientist
d) Novelist
Answer: b) Journalist
Explanation: Gardiner was primarily a journalist and served as the editor of The Daily News, where he transformed it into one of the leading liberal newspapers of his time. His journalistic career was deeply intertwined with his literary works, as many of his essays were originally published in newspapers. His journalistic writing was known for its clarity, persuasive arguments, and moral reflections, making him a respected voice in British media.
3. Under what pen name did Alfred George Gardiner write essays?
a) Alpha of the Plough
b) Beta of the Ink
c) Charlie of the Quill
d) Omega of the Scroll
Answer: a) Alpha of the Plough
Explanation: Gardiner adopted the pen name “Alpha of the Plough” when writing essays for The Star, a British newspaper. This name symbolized the diligence and hard work of a farmer (ploughman), reflecting his commitment to writing thought-provoking yet accessible essays. His works under this pseudonym include “Pebbles on the Shore” and “Leaves in the Wind”, which remain widely studied for their moral and philosophical insights.
4. Alfred George Gardiner is best known for which type of writing?
a) Scientific articles
b) Humorous and reflective essays
c) Political manifestos
d) Tragedy novels
Answer: b) Humorous and reflective essays
Explanation: Gardiner specialized in writing humorous and reflective essays, which offered sharp observations on human nature, society, and morality. He had a talent for making serious topics engaging through wit and irony. His essays often used anecdotes from daily life to highlight moral dilemmas, making them relatable and insightful.
5. Which newspaper did Gardiner edit and make one of the leading publications in England?
a) The Times
b) The Daily Mail
c) The Daily News
d) The Observer
Answer: c) The Daily News
Explanation: As the editor of The Daily News from 1902 to 1919, Gardiner significantly improved its reputation, making it a leading liberal and politically influential newspaper in England. Under his leadership, the publication became a platform for discussions on democracy, human rights, and social issues. His editorial style reflected his belief in fairness, justice, and morality.
6. What was a key theme in most of Gardiner’s essays?
a) Social and moral issues
b) Scientific discoveries
c) Political revolutions
d) Fantasy and mythology
Answer: a) Social and moral issues
Explanation: Gardiner’s essays frequently explored social and moral dilemmas, such as honesty, self-deception, and ethics in daily life. He examined how people justified small dishonest acts, like borrowing books and not returning them or swapping umbrellas. His writings encourage readers to reflect on their own moral standards in an engaging and non-preachy manner.
7. Which of the following is a famous essay by Alfred George Gardiner?
a) “On the Origin of Species”
b) “Pebbles on the Shore”
c) “The Prince”
d) “A Tale of Two Cities”
Answer: b) “Pebbles on the Shore”
Explanation: “Pebbles on the Shore” is one of Gardiner’s best-known essay collections, published in 1916. It contains a series of engaging, thought-provoking essays that explore themes of morality, human behavior, and everyday life. The book remains widely studied and appreciated for its timeless wisdom and humor.
8. What was Gardiner’s writing style known for?
a) Satire and irony
b) Scientific precision
c) Lengthy philosophical arguments
d) Poetic and symbolic language
Answer: a) Satire and irony
Explanation: Gardiner’s essays are marked by satire, irony, and wit, making serious topics entertaining and digestible. His ability to blend humor with moral insight allowed him to critique human nature without being overly critical. His essays use storytelling techniques and exaggeration to highlight social hypocrisy and ethical contradictions.
9. What is the central theme of “On Umbrella Morals”?
a) The importance of owning an umbrella
b) Justifications people make for minor dishonest acts
c) The history of umbrellas in England
d) The impact of rain on human behavior
Answer: b) Justifications people make for minor dishonest acts
Explanation: The essay explores how people justify small moral lapses, like swapping umbrellas or keeping borrowed books. Gardiner humorously criticizes how individuals convince themselves that minor dishonest acts are acceptable while still considering themselves morally upright. This theme highlights human nature’s tendency to rationalize ethical inconsistencies, making the essay both entertaining and thought-provoking.
10. How does Gardiner make his point about moral behavior?
a) Through statistics and research
b) By narrating a humorous personal anecdote
c) By discussing philosophical theories
d) By using courtroom examples
Answer: b) By narrating a humorous personal anecdote
Explanation: Gardiner uses humor and storytelling rather than direct moral preaching. By describing relatable incidents—such as losing umbrellas, borrowing books, or making excuses—he engages the reader and makes his point more effective. This anecdotal style allows him to critique everyday moral failings in a lighthearted and non-accusatory way.
