The GATE Grind

GATE 2024 XH2 (English) – Question 54

History of English Literature and Literary Studies · English Literary Traditions across Time: Chaucer to contemporary English literature · 2 marks · Multiple select

“[…] I mean negative capability, that is when a man is capable of being in uncertainties, mysteries, doubts, without any irritable reaching after fact and reason […].”
Based on this statement, which of the following options is/are correct?
Negative capability is the ability to _______ .

  1. be receptive to ambiguities
  2. be focused on precise resolutions
  3. not get irritated by people’s incompetence
  4. find value in partial knowledge

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) be receptive to ambiguities; (D) find value in partial knowledge

Explanation

Keats describes negative capability as staying in uncertainty and doubt without forcing a fact or reason, which means being open to ambiguity and finding value in partial knowledge.