The GATE Grind

GATE 2022 XH2 (English) – Question 53

History of English Literature and Literary Studies · Intersections of literature with political, social and intellectual movements · 2 marks · Multiple choice

“The people who believe most that our greatness and welfare are proved by our being very rich, and who most give their lives and thoughts to becoming rich, are just the very people whom we call Philistines.”
What can be inferred from the above statement of Matthew Arnold?

  1. Greatness of people lies in their being rich and prosperous.
  2. Material prosperity is not the true criterion of a nation’s achievement.
  3. Philistines are great people.
  4. Arnold thinks very highly of himself.

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) Material prosperity is not the true criterion of a nation’s achievement.

Explanation

Arnold calls those who equate greatness with wealth Philistines, so he is arguing that material prosperity is not the true measure of a nation's achievement.