Literary Criticism And Theory Multiple Choice Quiz

Created by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Kasturi Chaudhuri
K
Kasturi Chaudhuri
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 364 | Total Attempts: 196,265
| Attempts: 2,031
Quiz Flashcard Lesson
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/10 Questions

    Who countered Plato’s indictment by stressing what is normal and useful about literary art?

    • Aristotle
    • Socrates
    • Plato
    • Homer
Please wait...
About This 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 understanding the plot or characters; it's about uncovering the underlying themes, symbols, and social implications embedded within the text.

Literary Criticism And Theory Multiple Choice Quiz - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    Who were banished from the hypothetical republic according to Plato?

    • Poets

    • Philosophers

    • Scientists

    • Politicians

    Correct Answer
    A. Poets
    Explanation
    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:

  • 3. 

    What is literary criticism?

    • The reasoned consideration of literary works and issues

    • The study of historical events in literature

    • The analysis of scientific theories

    • The critique of artistic expressions

    Correct Answer
    A. The reasoned consideration of literary works and issues
    Explanation
    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:

  • 4. 

    What did critics look to for insight into the permanent laws of art during the Renaissance?

    • Ancient poems and plays

    • Modern novels and short stories

    • Religious texts and sermons

    • Scientific treatises and discoveries

    Correct Answer
    A. Ancient poems and plays
    Explanation
    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:

  • 5. 

    What did Plato argue in The Republic?

    • The social value of literature

    • The risky consequences of poetic inspiration

    • The critique of artistic expressions

    • The study of historical events

    Correct Answer
    A. The risky consequences of poetic inspiration
    Explanation
    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:

  • 6. 

    Who is often taken as the earliest important example of literary criticism?

    • Aristotle

    • Socrates

    • Plato

    • Homer

    Correct Answer
    A. Plato
    Explanation
    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:

  • 7. 

    Who was once again the most imposing presence behind literary theory from the Renaissance until the later part of the 18th century?

    • Aristotle

    • Socrates

    • Plato

    • Homer

    Correct Answer
    A. Aristotle
    Explanation
    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:

  • 8. 

    What did Renaissance criticism grow directly from?

    • The recovery of classic texts

    • The invention of the printing press

    • The exploration of new lands

    • The rise of humanism

    Correct Answer
    A. The recovery of classic texts
    Explanation
    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:

  • 9. 

    What happened to criticism in the Christian Middle Ages?

    • It flourished with the rise of Christianity.

    • It suffered from the loss of nearly all the ancient critical texts.

    • It was replaced by religious texts.

    • It was banned by the Church.

    Correct Answer
    A. 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:

  • 10. 

    Who renewed the Platonic argument against poetry in the Christian Middle Ages?

    • Tertullian, Augustine, and Jerome

    • Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato

    • Dante, Chaucer, and Shakespeare

    • Homer, Virgil, and Ovid

    Correct Answer
    A. Tertullian, Augustine, and Jerome
    Explanation
    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:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 17, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 17, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 29, 2024
    Quiz Created by
    Kasturi Chaudhuri
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.