American Literature Time Periods Quiz
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Advanced Placement and American Literature classes need to take this quiz by Friday, January 15, 2009. You may use your notes from class presentations. All questions are based on the presentations of your classmates. Please turn in a copy of your completion certificate to Ms. Heiner by Friday.
- 1.
A good definition of American Realism is:
- A.
An examination of life as it actually is.
- B.
A romantic portrayal of life.
- C.
An examination of the countryside versus the city.
- D.
A sad and depressing view of reality.
- E.
A type of writing that examines nothing but death.
Correct Answer
A. An examination of life as it actually is.Explanation
American Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the late 19th century, focusing on depicting life as it truly is, without romanticizing or idealizing it. It aimed to present a realistic portrayal of everyday life, often highlighting social issues and the struggles of ordinary people. This definition aligns with the core principles of American Realism, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The American Renaissance overlapped the ____________ time period, in which American writers were trying to ______________.
- A.
Postmodern; end slavery.
- B.
Colonial; end patriotism for England.
- C.
Modernism; end individualism.
- D.
Renaissance; end sexism.
- E.
Romanticism; define themselves and their writing style as independent from England.
Correct Answer
E. Romanticism; define themselves and their writing style as independent from England.Explanation
The American Renaissance overlapped with the Romanticism time period, during which American writers were attempting to define themselves and their writing style as independent from England.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Some of the movements that took place in the modernist time period include:
- A.
Transcendentalism, Symbolism, and Dark Romanticism.
- B.
The Harlem Renaissance, The Lost Generation, and Confessional Poetry.
- C.
There were no movements during the modernist time period.
- D.
Symbolism, Naturalism, and Postmodernism.
- E.
Realism, Romanticism, and the American Renaissance.
Correct Answer
B. The Harlem Renaissance, The Lost Generation, and Confessional Poetry.Explanation
The correct answer is The Harlem Renaissance, The Lost Generation, and Confessional Poetry. These movements were all significant during the modernist time period. The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural and artistic movement that celebrated African American culture and identity. The Lost Generation referred to a group of American writers who lived in Paris after World War I and expressed disillusionment with society. Confessional Poetry was a style of poetry that focused on personal experiences and emotions. These movements were all part of the larger modernist movement, which sought to break away from traditional forms and explore new artistic and literary techniques.Rate this question:
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- 4.
During the Colonial Time Period, the writing was influenced most by what religious persuasion?
- A.
The Puritans
- B.
The Catholics
- C.
The Pilgrims
- D.
The Anglo Saxons
- E.
Pagan Rituals
Correct Answer
A. The PuritansExplanation
During the Colonial Time Period, the writing was influenced most by the Puritans. The Puritans were a religious group that settled in the New England colonies and had a significant impact on the culture and literature of the time. Their beliefs and values, such as strict religious discipline, the importance of education, and a focus on moral righteousness, greatly influenced the writing produced during this period. Their influence can be seen in works such as sermons, diaries, and religious texts that emphasized religious devotion, self-examination, and a sense of community.Rate this question:
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- 5.
During the Revolutionary time period, what great document was written?
- A.
The first romance novel.
- B.
The Declaration of Independence.
- C.
Confessional poetry.
- D.
The Heiner Papers
- E.
The great American novel.
Correct Answer
B. The Declaration of Independence.Explanation
During the Revolutionary time period, the Declaration of Independence was written. This document is a significant piece of American history as it declared the colonies' independence from British rule and established the principles of freedom and equality that are still cherished today. It outlined the grievances of the colonists and asserted their right to self-governance. The Declaration of Independence played a crucial role in shaping the United States as a nation and continues to be a symbol of American ideals and values.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Writers in the Romantic time period were concerned with:
- A.
Nature as a source of secular and spiritual knowledge, emotion as truth, and exploration of the self.
- B.
Scientific exploration.
- C.
Love and romance.
- D.
The philosophy of how to run a new country.
- E.
The future.
Correct Answer
A. Nature as a source of secular and spiritual knowledge, emotion as truth, and exploration of the self.Explanation
During the Romantic time period, writers were focused on the idea that nature could provide both secular and spiritual knowledge. They believed that by immersing themselves in nature, they could gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. Additionally, they believed that emotions were a source of truth and authenticity, and they sought to explore and express these emotions through their writing. Finally, writers of this time period were interested in exploring the self and understanding the individual's unique experiences and perspectives.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Postmodern writing often uses ___________ and __________ as literary devices.
- A.
Black humor; metafiction.
- B.
Metaphors; verbal irony.
- C.
Hyperbole; Personification.
- D.
Symbolism; Imagery.
- E.
Biblical Allusion; Mythical Allusion.
Correct Answer
A. Black humor; metafiction.Explanation
Postmodern writing is known for its unconventional and self-referential nature. Black humor, which involves using dark and satirical humor to highlight the absurdity of life, is commonly employed in postmodern literature. Metafiction, on the other hand, refers to the technique of self-awareness in writing, where the author acknowledges the artificiality of the narrative and breaks the traditional boundaries of storytelling. Both black humor and metafiction are frequently used in postmodern writing to challenge traditional literary conventions and explore the complexities of the human experience.Rate this question:
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Jan 13, 2010Quiz Created by
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