Survey Literature 7.3.2 Quiz

1. The writer credited with writing the very first modern biography is:

Desiderius Erasmus

St. Augustine

James Boswell

James Boswell is credited with writing the very first modern biography. He is known for his work "The Life of Samuel Johnson," which was published in 1791. This biography revolutionized the genre by introducing a more personal and intimate style of writing. Boswell's work set the standard for future biographers, who began to focus on the individual's character, emotions, and experiences. His innovative approach to biography writing established him as the pioneer of modern biographical literature.

Explanation

James Boswell is credited with writing the very first modern biography. He is known for his work "The Life of Samuel Johnson," which was published in 1791. This biography revolutionized the genre by introducing a more personal and intimate style of writing. Boswell's work set the standard for future biographers, who began to focus on the individual's character, emotions, and experiences. His innovative approach to biography writing established him as the pioneer of modern biographical literature.

2. Which of the following is a hallmark of the modern biography?

Includes foucs on ordinary people and NOT just kings, rulers and saints

Allows subject to speak in his or her own words

All of the above

The modern biography is characterized by its inclusion of ordinary people, not just kings, rulers, and saints, as its focus. Additionally, it allows the subject to speak in their own words, providing a more authentic and personal account. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as both of these aspects are hallmarks of the modern biography.

Explanation

The modern biography is characterized by its inclusion of ordinary people, not just kings, rulers, and saints, as its focus. Additionally, it allows the subject to speak in their own words, providing a more authentic and personal account. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as both of these aspects are hallmarks of the modern biography.

3. In general, biographies have trended from what to since their start to today?

From dealing with normal, everday people to dealing with only rich, famous people

From dealing with only rich, famous people to dealing with everyday, normal people

None of the above- biographies have always ONLY dealt with famous, rich people

Biographies have evolved over time from focusing exclusively on rich and famous individuals to now including everyday, normal people. This shift reflects a broader interest in capturing the experiences and stories of a diverse range of individuals, rather than solely highlighting the lives of the elite. This change in focus allows for a more comprehensive understanding of history and society, as it encompasses a wider array of perspectives and experiences.

Explanation

Biographies have evolved over time from focusing exclusively on rich and famous individuals to now including everyday, normal people. This shift reflects a broader interest in capturing the experiences and stories of a diverse range of individuals, rather than solely highlighting the lives of the elite. This change in focus allows for a more comprehensive understanding of history and society, as it encompasses a wider array of perspectives and experiences.

4. Which of the following is the best description for the type of biography known as an authentic biography?

A biography that deals with only factual information; everything not backed by a reliable primary sources is not included

A biography of someone from his or her birth to his or her death

A biography that relies more on the author's imagination that on historical fact

An authentic biography is a type of biography that focuses solely on factual information. It includes only those details that are supported by reliable primary sources. This means that any information or claims that are not backed by such sources are not included in the biography. The emphasis is on presenting a true and accurate account of the person's life, based on verifiable evidence.

Explanation

An authentic biography is a type of biography that focuses solely on factual information. It includes only those details that are supported by reliable primary sources. This means that any information or claims that are not backed by such sources are not included in the biography. The emphasis is on presenting a true and accurate account of the person's life, based on verifiable evidence.

5. . Read the following section from a biography and pick the option below that best describes the type of biography it is most likely from. When he passed away, Juan Ginobli's famous accordion had been in his possession for over 50 years. A sales slip from Arturo and Sons' Musical Instruments of Buenos Aires, dated 1945, indicates the sale of an Italian-made Piazzola chromatic accordion to a J. Paternoso.

Authentic biography

Fictionalized biography

Biographical fiction

The given section provides factual information about Juan Ginobli and his possession of a famous accordion for over 50 years. It also includes a specific sales slip from a musical instrument store in Buenos Aires, indicating the sale of an Italian-made accordion to a specific individual. This suggests that the section is from an authentic biography, as it presents real-life events and details about a person's life.

Explanation

The given section provides factual information about Juan Ginobli and his possession of a famous accordion for over 50 years. It also includes a specific sales slip from a musical instrument store in Buenos Aires, indicating the sale of an Italian-made accordion to a specific individual. This suggests that the section is from an authentic biography, as it presents real-life events and details about a person's life.

6. Read the following section from a biography and pick the option below that best describes the type of biography it is most likely from. Horatio P. Hossenfeffer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in August of 1815. He went to school and then graduated from Harvard. He worked for many years, married once, and had four children. He died in July of 1910. He had that moustache the whole time.

Complete biography

Partial biography

Biographical fiction

The passage provides a comprehensive overview of Horatio P. Hossenfeffer's life, including his birth, education, career, marriage, children, and death. It does not contain any fictional elements or incomplete information. Therefore, it can be inferred that this passage is from a complete biography.

Explanation

The passage provides a comprehensive overview of Horatio P. Hossenfeffer's life, including his birth, education, career, marriage, children, and death. It does not contain any fictional elements or incomplete information. Therefore, it can be inferred that this passage is from a complete biography.

7. Which is NOT a major development of the biography genre through history.

Greece and Rome

Middle Ages to Renaissance

The American era

The major developments of the biography genre through history include Greece and Rome, as well as the Middle Ages to Renaissance. These periods saw the emergence and evolution of biographical writing, with notable figures such as Plutarch and Suetonius in Greece and Rome, and the rise of humanism and individualism in the Middle Ages to Renaissance. However, the American era is not considered a major development in the biography genre. While there have been notable biographies written during this time, it does not represent a distinct period or significant shift in the genre's development.

Explanation

The major developments of the biography genre through history include Greece and Rome, as well as the Middle Ages to Renaissance. These periods saw the emergence and evolution of biographical writing, with notable figures such as Plutarch and Suetonius in Greece and Rome, and the rise of humanism and individualism in the Middle Ages to Renaissance. However, the American era is not considered a major development in the biography genre. While there have been notable biographies written during this time, it does not represent a distinct period or significant shift in the genre's development.

8. Which of the following is the best definiton for a complete biography?

A biography that weaves together the life story of MORE than one person whose lives have something in common

A biography of someone from his birth to his death

A biography that relies more on the author's imagination than on actual historical fact

A complete biography refers to a detailed account of someone's life, starting from their birth and ending with their death. It encompasses all significant events, achievements, and experiences that occurred throughout their lifetime. This type of biography provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual's journey and allows readers to gain insights into their personal and professional development.

Explanation

A complete biography refers to a detailed account of someone's life, starting from their birth and ending with their death. It encompasses all significant events, achievements, and experiences that occurred throughout their lifetime. This type of biography provides a comprehensive understanding of the individual's journey and allows readers to gain insights into their personal and professional development.

9. Which of the following is something a reader should do when reading a biography

Ask how the writer's perspective might affect his or her view of the facts

Ask meaningful questions about the writer, his or her research and the evidence

All of the above

When reading a biography, it is important for a reader to ask how the writer's perspective might affect his or her view of the facts. This is because the writer's biases, beliefs, and experiences can influence the way they present information and shape the narrative of the biography. Additionally, asking meaningful questions about the writer, his or her research, and the evidence is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the biography's credibility and reliability. By considering these factors, readers can critically analyze the biography and form a more informed interpretation of the subject's life.

Explanation

When reading a biography, it is important for a reader to ask how the writer's perspective might affect his or her view of the facts. This is because the writer's biases, beliefs, and experiences can influence the way they present information and shape the narrative of the biography. Additionally, asking meaningful questions about the writer, his or her research, and the evidence is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the biography's credibility and reliability. By considering these factors, readers can critically analyze the biography and form a more informed interpretation of the subject's life.

10. Which of the following is the best description for the type of biography known as the collective biography?

A biography that weaves together the life story of MORE than one person whose lives have something in common

A biography of someone from his birth to his death

A biography includes: fake dialalogue or situations that may be believable but are not backed by real sources

Collective biography is a type of biography that focuses on weaving together the life stories of multiple individuals who share a common theme or characteristic. This type of biography highlights the connections and similarities between these individuals, providing a comprehensive view of their lives and experiences. It offers a broader perspective and allows readers to understand the commonalities that link these individuals together.

Explanation

Collective biography is a type of biography that focuses on weaving together the life stories of multiple individuals who share a common theme or characteristic. This type of biography highlights the connections and similarities between these individuals, providing a comprehensive view of their lives and experiences. It offers a broader perspective and allows readers to understand the commonalities that link these individuals together.