Literary Criticism And Theory Multiple Choice Quiz
Ready to delve into the world of analyzing literature? Take our Literary Criticism Quiz and test your understanding of different approaches to interpreting literary texts. From formalism to feminist theory, this quiz covers a wide range of critical perspectives. Literary criticism is a fascinating field that involves the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works. This Literary Criticism Quiz is designed to test your knowledge and understanding of various critical approaches used to analyze literature.
By taking this quiz, you can deepen your appreciation for literature by learning how to dissect and interpret texts from different perspectives. It's not just about Read moreunderstanding the plot or characters; it's about uncovering the underlying themes, symbols, and social implications embedded within the text.
Literary Criticism Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is literary criticism?
- A.
The reasoned consideration of literary works and issues
- B.
The study of historical events in literature
- C.
The analysis of scientific theories
- D.
The critique of artistic expressions
Correct Answer
A. The reasoned consideration of literary works and issuesExplanation
Literary criticism is a field that involves the careful analysis and interpretation of literary works. It encompasses any form of argument or discussion about literature, irrespective of whether specific works are scrutinized. This discipline allows for a deeper understanding of literature by examining its various aspects such as themes, style, structure, and context.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Who is often taken as the earliest important example of literary criticism?
- A.
Aristotle
- B.
Socrates
- C.
Plato
- D.
Homer
Correct Answer
C. PlatoExplanation
Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher, is often regarded as one of the earliest significant figures in literary criticism. His work, “The Republic”, contains cautionary remarks about the potential dangers of poetic inspiration. He warned about the risks associated with the powerful influence of poetry on the mind, making his views a notable example in the realm of literary criticism.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Who countered Plato’s indictment by stressing what is normal and useful about literary art?
- A.
Aristotle
- B.
Socrates
- C.
Plato
- D.
Homer
Correct Answer
A. AristotleExplanation
Aristotle, another influential Greek philosopher, responded to Plato’s criticisms by emphasizing the beneficial and normal aspects of literary art. In his seminal work, “Poetics”, he argued that literature has a significant role in society and contributes to human understanding of the world, thereby countering Plato’s negative views.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What happened to criticism in the Christian Middle Ages?
- A.
It flourished with the rise of Christianity.
- B.
It suffered from the loss of nearly all the ancient critical texts.
- C.
It was replaced by religious texts.
- D.
It was banned by the Church.
Correct Answer
B. It suffered from the loss of nearly all the ancient critical texts.Explanation
During the Christian Middle Ages, literary criticism faced significant challenges. The loss of almost all ancient critical texts and a pervasive antipagan sentiment led to a general distrust of the literary imagination. This period saw a decline in the development of critical thought.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Who renewed the Platonic argument against poetry in the Christian Middle Ages?
- A.
Tertullian, Augustine, and Jerome
- B.
Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato
- C.
Dante, Chaucer, and Shakespeare
- D.
Homer, Virgil, and Ovid
Correct Answer
A. Tertullian, Augustine, and JeromeExplanation
Church Fathers such as Tertullian, Augustine, and Jerome revived the Platonic argument against poetry during the Christian Middle Ages. They echoed Plato’s concerns about the potential dangers of poetic inspiration, reinforcing the notion that literature, particularly poetry, could have harmful effects.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What did Renaissance criticism grow directly from?
- A.
The recovery of classic texts
- B.
The invention of the printing press
- C.
The exploration of new lands
- D.
The rise of humanism
Correct Answer
A. The recovery of classic textsExplanation
Renaissance criticism emerged directly from the rediscovery of classical texts. A significant event was Giorgio Valla’s translation of Aristotle’s “Poetics” into Latin in 1498. This reintroduced Aristotle’s ideas to a wider audience and sparked a renewed interest in literary criticism.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was once again the most imposing presence behind literary theory from the Renaissance until the later part of the 18th century?
- A.
Aristotle
- B.
Socrates
- C.
Plato
- D.
Homer
Correct Answer
A. AristotleExplanation
From the Renaissance until the late 18th century, Aristotle’s influence dominated literary theory. His ideas about tragedy, plot structure, and character development, among others, became foundational principles in the field of literary criticism.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What did critics look to for insight into the permanent laws of art during the Renaissance?
- A.
Ancient poems and plays
- B.
Modern novels and short stories
- C.
Religious texts and sermons
- D.
Scientific treatises and discoveries
Correct Answer
A. Ancient poems and playsExplanation
During the Renaissance, critics sought insights into the enduring principles of art by studying ancient poems and plays. They believed that these classical works held timeless truths about literature and its creation, providing valuable lessons for writers and critics alike.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What did Plato argue in The Republic?
- A.
The social value of literature
- B.
The risky consequences of poetic inspiration
- C.
The critique of artistic expressions
- D.
The study of historical events
Correct Answer
B. The risky consequences of poetic inspirationExplanation
In “The Republic”, Plato presented a strong argument against the potential risks of poetic inspiration. He suggested that poetry could stir intense emotions and irrational behavior, leading to potential instability in society.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Who were banished from the hypothetical republic according to Plato?
- A.
Poets
- B.
Philosophers
- C.
Scientists
- D.
Politicians
Correct Answer
A. PoetsExplanation
Plato proposed a radical idea in his hypothetical republic: the banishment of poets. He believed that poets, through their powerful and emotive language, could sway public opinion and disrupt societal order. This controversial stance has been a subject of debate in literary criticism for centuries.Rate this question:
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Mar 29, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Mar 29, 2024Quiz Created by
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