Correct option is C
Explanation:
The correct answer is (a)-(i), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(ii).
(a) Edgar Allan Poe - "The Fall of the House of Usher": Edgar Allan Poe is well-known for his Gothic and macabre stories. "The Fall of the House of Usher" is one of his most famous works, a short story that explores themes of decay, madness, and death. The story features a man named Roderick Usher, who lives in a crumbling mansion, and is psychologically and physically deteriorating alongside the house.
(b) E.M. Forster - "The Celestial Omnibus": E.M. Forster is an English author known for works that explore social themes. "The Celestial Omnibus" is a short story by Forster that blends fantasy with social commentary. It narrates the tale of a young boy who is taken on a fantastical journey that challenges his understanding of reality and social class.
(c) Katherine Mansfield - "The Garden Party": Katherine Mansfield is a New Zealand author whose works often deal with the complexities of human emotions and relationships. "The Garden Party" is a short story that portrays a young girl’s coming-of-age moment as she navigates the upper-class world of a garden party, only to encounter tragedy that forces her to confront the disparity between social classes.
(d) Salman Rushdie - "The Prophet’s Hair": Salman Rushdie is a famous British-Indian author whose works often blend magic realism and historical fiction. "The Prophet’s Hair" is a short story that discusses the theft of a sacred relic and the subsequent consequences. It touches on issues of religion, materialism, and personal belief systems.
Information Booster:
Edgar Allan Poe:
Poe was a master of Gothic literature and psychological horror. His stories often feature elements of the supernatural and explore themes of madness, death, and obsession. "The Fall of the House of Usher" remains a key example of his style, blending psychological depth with Gothic horror.
E.M. Forster:
Forster is known for works that question social structures and human relationships. In "The Celestial Omnibus," Forster uses fantastical elements to critique the disconnect between materialism and spiritual growth, while also highlighting the tension between the world of the living and the spiritual realm.
Katherine Mansfield:
Mansfield is celebrated for her mastery in creating complex characters and exploring the subtleties of human experience. "The Garden Party" illustrates her expertise in depicting the emotional growth of a young woman who is forced to confront the realities of life and death, social inequality, and personal loss.
Salman Rushdie:
Rushdie’s work often explores themes of identity, religion, and cultural conflict. "The Prophet's Hair" explores the intersection of religious reverence, personal morality, and the consequences of greed, in a modern-day setting infused with magical realism.