A Christmas Gift from Santa Claus
For Students Preparing for UGC NET Folk Literature. Jan 3, 2026 | Code 71
Syllabus of UGC NET Folk Literature (Paper 2)
Unit-wise MCQs
UNIT 4: THEORIES OF FOLKLORE II (DIACHRONIC)
Q1. Diachronic approaches to folklore study focus on
(A) Structure at a given time
(B) Performance context
(C) Historical development over time
(D) Linguistic analysis
Correct Answer: (C)
Q2. Evolutionary theories of folklore are based on the idea of
(A) Cultural stagnation
(B) Historical progression
(C) Performance variation
(D) Symbolic interpretation
Correct Answer: (B)
Q3. The concept of cultural evolution in folklore was influenced by
(A) Marxism
(B) Darwinism
(C) Structuralism
(D) Psychoanalysis
Correct Answer: (B)
Q4. Unilinear evolution assumes that all cultures
(A) Evolve differently
(B) Follow the same stages of development
(C) Remain static
(D) Are incomparable
Correct Answer: (B)
Q5. Multilinear evolution suggests that cultures
(A) Follow identical paths
(B) Develop independently in varied ways
(C) Do not evolve
(D) Are ahistorical
Correct Answer: (B)
Q6. E. B. Tylor viewed folklore primarily as
(A) Performance
(B) Cultural survival
(C) Symbolic system
(D) Social charter
Correct Answer: (B)
Q7. Tylor’s concept of “survivals” refers to
(A) Living traditions
(B) Obsolete customs retained in culture
(C) Written texts
(D) Ritual performances
Correct Answer: (B)
Q8. George Murdock contributed to folklore studies through
(A) Psychoanalysis
(B) Cultural materialism
(C) Cross-cultural comparison
(D) Deconstruction
Correct Answer: (C)
Q9. Lewis Henry Morgan is associated with
(A) Structuralism
(B) Kinship and evolution
(C) Performance theory
(D) Symbolic anthropology
Correct Answer: (B)
Q10. James Frazer’s approach to folklore is best described as
(A) Structural
(B) Functional
(C) Comparative and evolutionary
(D) Postmodern
Correct Answer: (C)
Q11. Frazer’s The Golden Bough primarily deals with
(A) Folk performance
(B) Myth and ritual
(C) Linguistic structure
(D) Gender theory
Correct Answer: (B)
Q12. Myth–Ritual theory proposes that
(A) Myths are literary inventions
(B) Rituals give rise to myths
(C) Myths replace rituals
(D) Rituals are irrelevant
Correct Answer: (B)
Q13. Myth–Ritual theory emphasizes the relationship between
(A) Language and structure
(B) Text and performance
(C) Belief and ritual action
(D) Power and ideology
Correct Answer: (C)
Q14. Solar Mythology interprets myths as
(A) Political allegories
(B) Historical chronicles
(C) Nature symbolism, especially solar phenomena
(D) Psychological fantasies
Correct Answer: (C)
Q15. Comparative Philology links folklore study with
(A) Linguistic comparison
(B) Performance studies
(C) Functionalism
(D) Gender theory
Correct Answer: (A)
Q16. Devolutionary theories argue that folklore
(A) Evolves progressively
(B) Declines from higher culture
(C) Is static
(D) Is symbolic
Correct Answer: (B)
Q17. Devolution assumes a movement from
(A) Simple to complex
(B) Sacred to secular
(C) Elite to popular culture
(D) Oral to written
Correct Answer: (C)
Q18. Marxist interpretations of folklore emphasize
(A) Mythic structure
(B) Class relations
(C) Ritual symbolism
(D) Language form
Correct Answer: (B)
Q19. Elitist theories view folklore as
(A) Creative innovation
(B) Degraded form of elite culture
(C) Indigenous knowledge
(D) Cultural process
Correct Answer: (B)
Q20. Diffusion theories focus on
(A) Independent invention
(B) Spread of folklore elements
(C) Performance context
(D) Symbolic meaning
Correct Answer: (B)
Q21. Monogenesis diffusion theory argues that folklore
(A) Originates in multiple places
(B) Has a single origin
(C) Is timeless
(D) Is untraceable
Correct Answer: (B)
Q22. Benfey’s theory is also known as
(A) Finnish Method
(B) Indianist Theory
(C) Psychic Unity Theory
(D) Functionalism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q23. Benfey argued that many folktales originated in
(A) Greece
(B) Egypt
(C) India
(D) China
Correct Answer: (C)
Q24. The Egyptian School emphasized diffusion from
(A) India
(B) Greece
(C) Egypt
(D) Mesopotamia
Correct Answer: (C)
Q25. The Finnish School is associated with
(A) Structuralism
(B) Historical–Geographic Method
(C) Functionalism
(D) Psychoanalysis
Correct Answer: (B)
Q26. The Historical–Geographic Method focuses on
(A) Performance analysis
(B) Mapping tale variants
(C) Symbolic meaning
(D) Gender perspective
Correct Answer: (B)
Q27. The Finnish School attempted to reconstruct
(A) Original performance
(B) Ur-form of folktales
(C) Ritual origin
(D) Psychological meaning
Correct Answer: (B)
Q28. Diffusion theories were criticized for being
(A) Too contextual
(B) Eurocentric
(C) Overly textual and speculative
(D) Performance-oriented
Correct Answer: (C)
Q29. Polygenesis theory proposes that similar folklore
(A) Has one origin
(B) Emerges independently in many cultures
(C) Is borrowed
(D) Is ritual-based
Correct Answer: (B)
Q30. Psychic Unity theory is associated with
(A) Cultural relativism
(B) Universal human psychology
(C) Structural linguistics
(D) Gender studies
Correct Answer: (B)
Q31. Psychic Unity suggests that humans
(A) Share identical cultures
(B) Have similar mental capacities
(C) Are biologically equal only
(D) Think historically
Correct Answer: (B)
Q32. Convergence theory explains similarity in folklore through
(A) Borrowing
(B) Independent invention
(C) Colonial influence
(D) Translation
Correct Answer: (B)
Q33. Parallelism theory argues that
(A) Folklore diffuses from one centre
(B) Similar conditions produce similar folklore
(C) Performance determines meaning
(D) Ritual precedes myth
Correct Answer: (B)
Q34. Romantic Nationalism viewed folklore as
(A) Primitive residue
(B) National cultural spirit
(C) Superstition
(D) Colonial data
Correct Answer: (B)
Q35. Johann Gottfried Herder is associated with
(A) Structuralism
(B) Romantic nationalism
(C) Functionalism
(D) Psychoanalysis
Correct Answer: (B)
Q36. Romantic Nationalism emphasized
(A) Universal culture
(B) Volksgeist (spirit of the people)
(C) Globalization
(D) Performance
Correct Answer: (B)
Q37. Romantic folklorists collected folklore to
(A) Entertain audiences
(B) Preserve national identity
(C) Study psychology
(D) Promote literacy
Correct Answer: (B)
Q38. Diachronic theories were later criticized for
(A) Ignoring history
(B) Ignoring context and performance
(C) Overusing fieldwork
(D) Being postmodern
Correct Answer: (B)
Q39. Evolutionary theories ranked cultures as
(A) Equal
(B) Superior and inferior
(C) Contextual
(D) Dynamic
Correct Answer: (B)
Q40. Modern folklore studies reject unilinear evolution because it is
(A) Empirical
(B) Ethnocentric
(C) Structural
(D) Functional
Correct Answer: (B)
Q41. Diachronic approaches prioritize
(A) Synchrony
(B) Historical origin
(C) Performance event
(D) Symbolic meaning
Correct Answer: (B)
Q42. The main limitation of diffusion theories is their
(A) Emphasis on borrowing
(B) Neglect of creativity
(C) Focus on texts alone
(D) All of the above
Correct Answer: (D)
Q43. Devolutionary theories assume folklore
(A) Improves over time
(B) Declines from elite culture
(C) Is context-driven
(D) Is symbolic
Correct Answer: (B)
Q44. Marxist folkloristics critiques folklore in terms of
(A) Ritual
(B) Class struggle
(C) Language structure
(D) Performance
Correct Answer: (B)
Q45. Diachronic theories mainly belong to
(A) Early folkloristics
(B) Postmodern folklore
(C) Performance studies
(D) Gender studies
Correct Answer: (A)
Q46. The concept of folklore as “survival” comes from
(A) Functionalism
(B) Evolutionism
(C) Structuralism
(D) Contextualism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q47. Diffusionism attempts to answer the question
(A) What does folklore mean?
(B) Where did folklore come from?
(C) How is folklore performed?
(D) Why is folklore symbolic?
Correct Answer: (B)
Q48. Polygenesis challenges diffusionism by arguing for
(A) Single origin
(B) Multiple independent origins
(C) Elite transmission
(D) Colonial spread
Correct Answer: (B)
Q49. Romantic nationalism helped establish folklore as
(A) Academic discipline
(B) Popular entertainment
(C) Colonial data
(D) Performance art
Correct Answer: (A)
Q50. Diachronic approaches are concerned more with
(A) Meaning
(B) Function
(C) Origin and history
(D) Performance
Correct Answer: (C)
Q51. The historical–geographic method relies heavily on
(A) Field performance
(B) Textual variants
(C) Gender analysis
(D) Oral formula
Correct Answer: (B)
Q52. Diffusion theories assume folklore spreads through
(A) Genetics
(B) Contact between cultures
(C) Ritual performance
(D) Symbolism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q53. Diachronic theories often ignored
(A) Myth
(B) Performance context
(C) Texts
(D) Classification
Correct Answer: (B)
Q54. The main contribution of diachronic theories is
(A) Understanding performance
(B) Understanding origins
(C) Understanding symbolism
(D) Understanding communication
Correct Answer: (B)
Q55. Diachronic approaches treat folklore primarily as
(A) Process
(B) Product
(C) Event
(D) Interaction
Correct Answer: (B)
Q56. Early folklorists believed folklore would
(A) Adapt to modernity
(B) Disappear with progress
(C) Become literature
(D) Globalize
Correct Answer: (B)
Q57. Diachronic theories influenced folklore studies by
(A) Emphasizing collection
(B) Promoting performance
(C) Introducing reflexivity
(D) Rejecting classification
Correct Answer: (A)
Q58. Finnish School scholars focused on
(A) Structural analysis
(B) Tale-type indexing
(C) Ritual meaning
(D) Gender roles
Correct Answer: (B)
Q59. The Aarne–Thompson index is related to
(A) Performance theory
(B) Historical–geographic method
(C) Psychoanalysis
(D) Marxism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q60. Diachronic approaches are limited because they often
(A) Ignore social function
(B) Overemphasize texts
(C) Neglect performers
(D) All of the above
Correct Answer: (D)
Q61. Evolutionary folklorists assumed folklore belonged to
(A) Modern societies
(B) Earlier stages of culture
(C) Urban populations
(D) Elite groups
Correct Answer: (B)
Q62. Romantic nationalism countered evolutionism by valuing folklore as
(A) Survival
(B) National heritage
(C) Primitive belief
(D) Error
Correct Answer: (B)
Q63. Diffusion theories depend on the idea of
(A) Cultural isolation
(B) Cultural contact
(C) Symbolic structure
(D) Ritual practice
Correct Answer: (B)
Q64. The historical focus of diachronic theories makes them
(A) Contextual
(B) Origin-oriented
(C) Performance-based
(D) Symbolic
Correct Answer: (B)
Q65. Diachronic theories were later supplemented by
(A) Structural and functional approaches
(B) Evolutionism
(C) Diffusionism
(D) Devolutionism
Correct Answer: (A)
Q66. The study of folklore origins often relied on
(A) Field observation
(B) Comparative texts
(C) Performance analysis
(D) Participant observation
Correct Answer: (B)
Q67. The major criticism of evolutionary theories is that they are
(A) Too empirical
(B) Ethnocentric and hierarchical
(C) Too contextual
(D) Too symbolic
Correct Answer: (B)
Q68. Diachronic approaches treat folklore change as
(A) Contextual adaptation
(B) Historical progression or decline
(C) Performance improvisation
(D) Symbolic negotiation
Correct Answer: (B)
Q69. The idea of folklore as “degraded culture” comes from
(A) Functionalism
(B) Devolutionary theory
(C) Structuralism
(D) Contextualism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q70. Diachronic approaches prioritize
(A) Present meaning
(B) Past origin
(C) Social interaction
(D) Performance dynamics
Correct Answer: (B)
Q71. Evolutionary theory assumes cultures move from
(A) Complex to simple
(B) Simple to complex
(C) Sacred to secular
(D) Oral to written
Correct Answer: (B)
Q72. Romantic nationalism influenced folklore collection by
(A) Devaluing folk culture
(B) Celebrating folk traditions
(C) Ignoring oral forms
(D) Promoting elitism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q73. The Finnish School treated folklore as
(A) Living performance
(B) Textual artifact
(C) Social interaction
(D) Ritual action
Correct Answer: (B)
Q74. Diachronic approaches helped establish folklore studies by
(A) Introducing theory
(B) Encouraging documentation
(C) Rejecting history
(D) Ignoring context
Correct Answer: (B)
Q75. Diffusionism is mainly concerned with
(A) Meaning
(B) Origin and spread
(C) Performance
(D) Function
Correct Answer: (B)
Q76. Psychic Unity theory explains similarity through
(A) Borrowing
(B) Universal human mind
(C) Colonial influence
(D) Ritual law
Correct Answer: (B)
Q77. Polygenesis rejects the idea of
(A) Cultural creativity
(B) Single origin
(C) Multiple origins
(D) Independent invention
Correct Answer: (B)
Q78. Romantic nationalism’s main legacy in folklore studies is
(A) Evolutionism
(B) Cultural valuation of folk traditions
(C) Structuralism
(D) Psychoanalysis
Correct Answer: (B)
Q79. Diachronic approaches are primarily historical rather than
(A) Structural
(B) Symbolic
(C) Contextual
(D) Functional
Correct Answer: (C)
Q80. Diachronic theories were most prominent during
(A) Late 20th century
(B) Early folklore studies
(C) Postmodern era
(D) Digital age
Correct Answer: (B)
Q81. Evolutionary folklorists often treated folklore as
(A) Contemporary creativity
(B) Residual culture
(C) Living performance
(D) Symbolic system
Correct Answer: (B)
Q82. The critique of diachronic theories led to the rise of
(A) Performance and synchronic approaches
(B) Evolutionism
(C) Diffusionism
(D) Devolutionism
Correct Answer: (A)
Q83. Diachronic approaches emphasize
(A) How folklore works
(B) What folklore means
(C) Where folklore comes from
(D) How folklore is performed
Correct Answer: (C)
Q84. Diachronic theories contributed mainly to understanding folklore’s
(A) Social function
(B) Historical origin
(C) Symbolic meaning
(D) Performance dynamics
Correct Answer: (B)
Q85. The idea of folklore as “vanishing” is linked to
(A) Performance theory
(B) Evolutionary thinking
(C) Structuralism
(D) Feminism
Correct Answer: (B)
Q86. Modern folkloristics rejects the “vanishing folklore” idea because folklore
(A) Is archived
(B) Continues to adapt
(C) Is written
(D) Is institutionalized
Correct Answer: (B)
Q87. Diachronic approaches are useful but limited because they
(A) Ignore history
(B) Overfocus on origins
(C) Reject theory
(D) Promote performance
Correct Answer: (B)
Q88. The historical–geographic method assumes
(A) Performance defines meaning
(B) Textual comparison reveals origin
(C) Ritual precedes myth
(D) Context determines value
Correct Answer: (B)
Q89. Diachronic theories are best complemented by
(A) Synchrony and contextual study
(B) Evolutionism
(C) Diffusionism
(D) Devolution
Correct Answer: (A)
Q90. Diachronic approaches helped shape folklore studies by
(A) Rejecting fieldwork
(B) Encouraging large-scale collection
(C) Ignoring performers
(D) Eliminating theory
Correct Answer: (B)
Q91. Evolutionary approaches often ranked cultures as
(A) Contextual equals
(B) Superior and inferior
(C) Functionally different
(D) Symbolically diverse
Correct Answer: (B)
Q92. The legacy of diachronic theories remains important for
(A) Performance analysis
(B) Historical understanding
(C) Gender studies
(D) Media folklore
Correct Answer: (B)
Q93. Diffusion theories are concerned more with
(A) Meaning
(B) Movement of motifs
(C) Performance
(D) Function
Correct Answer: (B)
Q94. The critique of diffusionism emphasized
(A) Cultural creativity
(B) Textual purity
(C) Ritual origin
(D) Historical accuracy
Correct Answer: (A)
Q95. Diachronic theories belong mainly to
(A) Structural anthropology
(B) Early folkloristics
(C) Postmodern folklore
(D) Media studies
Correct Answer: (B)
Q96. Diachronic study of folklore treats time as
(A) Irrelevant
(B) Central
(C) Secondary
(D) Symbolic
Correct Answer: (B)
Q97. The diachronic perspective helps trace
(A) Performance events
(B) Historical development of forms
(C) Contextual meaning
(D) Social interaction
Correct Answer: (B)
Q98. Diachronic approaches laid groundwork for
(A) Modern theoretical critiques
(B) Performance ethnography
(C) Gender studies
(D) Media folklore
Correct Answer: (A)
Q99. The study of folklore origins is most associated with
(A) Diachronic theories
(B) Functionalism
(C) Structuralism
(D) Contextualism
Correct Answer: (A)
Q100. Unit 4 of the syllabus primarily examines
(A) Folk genres
(B) Historical and origin-based theories of folklore
(C) Performance-centered analysis
(D) Fieldwork methods
Correct Answer: (B)