How Well Do You Know About Biographical Literature? Quiz

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| By Kasturi Chaudhuri
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  • 1/10 Questions

    What is a literary biography?

    • The biographical exploration of individuals’ lives merging historical facts with the conventions of narrative
    • The study of historical events
    • The analysis of scientific theories
    • The critique of artistic expressions
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About This Quiz

Ready to dive into the lives of fascinating people? Take our Biographical Literature Quiz and explore the world of real-life stories! From famous figures to unsung heroes, this quiz delves into the captivating realm of biographical literature. Test your knowledge, learn something new, and uncover the stories behind the lives that have shaped history.

Each question in the quiz may focus on different aspects of the individual's life, such as their early years, major accomplishments, challenges faced, or impact on society. You are challenged to recall details from biographical texts, memoirs, autobiographies, or even fictionalized accounts based on real-life events.

How Well Do You Know About Biographical Literature? Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is biographical criticism?

    • A form of literary criticism which analyzes a writer’s biography to show the relationship between the author’s life and their works of literature

    • The study of historical events

    • The analysis of scientific theories

    • The critique of artistic expressions

    Correct Answer
    A. A form of literary criticism which analyzes a writer’s biography to show the relationship between the author’s life and their works of literature
    Explanation
    Biographical criticism is a unique form of literary criticism that analyzes a writer’s biography to establish a connection between their personal experiences and their literary creations. It seeks to understand how the author’s life may have influenced their work, providing a deeper insight into the themes and motifs present in their literature.

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  • 3. 

    What does a literary biographer have to balance against the biographical content to create a coherent narrative of the subject-author’s life?

    • The weight of commentary on the subject-author’s oeuvre

    • The subject-author’s personal life

    • The subject-author’s favorite books

    • The subject-author’s writing process

    Correct Answer
    A. The weight of commentary on the subject-author’s oeuvre
    Explanation
    Crafting a literary biography requires a delicate balance. The biographer must weigh the commentary on the subject-author’s complete body of works, or oeuvre, against the biographical content. This balance is crucial to creating a coherent narrative that accurately represents the subject-author’s life and literary accomplishments.

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  • 4. 

    Who is the author of the autobiography "The Diary of a Young Girl"?

    • Anne Rice

    • Anne Frank

    • Helen Keller

    • Maya Angelou

    Correct Answer
    A. Anne Frank
    Explanation
    “The Diary of a Young Girl” is a poignant firsthand account of Anne Frank’s experiences while hiding from the Nazis during World War II. This autobiographical work provides a deeply personal perspective on the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit, making it a significant contribution to Holocaust literature.

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  • 5. 

    What does a literary biographer have to incorporate into the biography?

    • Discussion of the subject-author’s literary works

    • The subject-author’s personal life

    • The subject-author’s favorite books

    • The subject-author’s writing process

    Correct Answer
    A. Discussion of the subject-author’s literary works
    Explanation
    The role of a literary biographer extends beyond merely chronicling the subject’s life. They are also tasked with integrating discussions of the subject-author’s literary works into the biography, thereby offering a holistic view of the author’s creative process and literary contributions.

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  • 6. 

    What term did the New Critics of the 1920s coin to describe criticism that neglected the imaginative genesis of literature?

    • Biographical fallacy

    • Literary fallacy

    • Critical fallacy

    • Analytical fallacy

    Correct Answer
    A. Biographical fallacy
    Explanation
    The New Critics of the 1920s introduced the term “biographical fallacy” to critique the tendency of some critics to overlook the imaginative genesis of literature. They argued that an excessive focus on the author’s life could lead to a neglect of the inherent artistic value and independent significance of the literary work itself.

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  • 7. 

    Which American Founding Father wrote the autobiography "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin"?

    • Thomas Jefferson

    • Alexander Hamilton

    • Benjamin Franklin

    • George Washington

    Correct Answer
    A. Benjamin Franklin
    Explanation
    “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” is a seminal work that offers valuable insights into Franklin’s life, achievements, and philosophical views. As one of the most famous autobiographies, it paints a vivid picture of Franklin’s multifaceted personality and his profound impact on American history.

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  • 8. 

    Who employed biographical criticism extensively in his Lives of the Poets?

    • Charles Dickens

    • F. Scott Fitzgerald

    • Samuel Johnson

    • George Orwell

    Correct Answer
    A. Samuel Johnson
    Explanation
    Samuel Johnson, a prominent figure in literary criticism, extensively employed biographical criticism in his work “Lives of the Poets” (1779–81). His approach underscored the importance of understanding an author’s life to fully appreciate their literary contributions.

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  • 9. 

    Who said, “Biographies of writers whether written by others or themselves are always superfluous and usually in bad taste”?

    • Charles Dickens

    • F. Scott Fitzgerald

    • Samuel Johnson

    • W.H. Auden

    Correct Answer
    A. W.H. Auden
    Explanation
    W.H. Auden, a renowned poet and critic, expressed a critical view of biographies of writers. He stated, “Biographies of writers whether written by others or themselves are always superfluous and usually in bad taste.” His statement reflects a belief that the focus should be on the works themselves rather than the personal lives of the authors.

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  • 10. 

    Who is the author of the memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"?

    • Toni Morrison

    • Zora Neale Hurston

    • Maya Angelou

    • Alice Walker

    Correct Answer
    A. Maya Angelou
    Explanation
    “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is Maya Angelou’s first autobiography, which chronicles her childhood and early adult experiences. The book delves into themes of racism, trauma, and resilience, providing a powerful exploration of Angelou’s personal struggles and triumphs. Her candid portrayal of her life experiences has made this work a cornerstone of modern American literature.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 29, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 29, 2024
    Quiz Created by
    Kasturi Chaudhuri

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