Twentieth-Century American Literature Quiz

Explanation
Toni Morrison is known as the Nobel Prize-winning author of 10 novels. This means that she has written a total of 10 novels throughout her career. Her novels have garnered critical acclaim and recognition, leading to her being awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. Morrison's works explore various themes such as race, identity, and history, and have had a significant impact on the literary world.

Explanation
T. S. Eliot is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the author of the famous poem "The Waste Land." Eliot's poem, published in 1922, is considered one of the most influential works of modernist literature. It explores themes of disillusionment, despair, and the fragmented nature of modern life. Eliot's use of multiple voices, allusions to various literary and cultural references, and innovative poetic techniques make "The Waste Land" a significant and enduring piece of literature.

Explanation
"As I Lay Dying" is a novel written by William Faulkner. Thomas Pynchon, John Updike, and None of these are not the authors of this particular novel.

Explanation
"Howl" is a poem written by Allen Ginsberg. It is a powerful and influential work of literature that explores themes of sexuality, spirituality, and the societal constraints of the time. Ginsberg's use of vivid imagery, free verse, and candid language challenged the conventions of poetry and established him as a prominent figure in the Beat Generation. The poem is known for its raw and emotional expression, making it a significant contribution to American literature.

Explanation
Carol Ann Duffy is the correct answer because she is a well-known poet who wrote the famous poem "Warming Her Pearls." This poem is part of her collection called "The World's Wife," which reimagines the stories of famous women from history and mythology. Duffy is known for her powerful and evocative poetry, and "Warming Her Pearls" is one of her notable works.

Explanation
William Hill Brown does not belong to the 20th century because he was an American author who lived from 1765 to 1793, making him a writer of the late 18th century. Tom Wolfe, Philip Roth, and William S. Burroughs are all American authors who were active in the 20th century.

Explanation
"A Bell for Adano" is a novel written by John Hersey. The other authors listed, Pat Conroy and Kurt Vonnegut Jr., did not write this particular book. Therefore, the correct answer is John Hersey.

Explanation
Harper Lee is the correct answer because she is the author of the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." This classic American literature explores themes of racial injustice and loss of innocence through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch. The novel was published in 1960 and has since become a beloved and influential work, earning Lee numerous accolades and a Pulitzer Prize. Her poignant storytelling and powerful characters have made "To Kill a Mockingbird" a timeless masterpiece.

Explanation
"The House of Mirth" is a novel written by Edith Wharton. Edith Wharton was an American author known for her insightful portrayals of upper-class society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. "The House of Mirth" specifically focuses on the life of Lily Bart, a young woman from a wealthy family who is navigating the social expectations and pressures of New York City's elite. Wharton's writing style and attention to detail make her a celebrated author in American literature, and "The House of Mirth" is considered one of her most significant works.

Explanation
"East of Eden" is a novel written by John Steinbeck. This book tells the story of two families in California, focusing on themes of good and evil, love and betrayal, and the struggle between free will and fate. Steinbeck's powerful storytelling and vivid characters make "East of Eden" a classic in American literature.