Literary Criticism MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Literary Criticism - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Warsan Shire.

Key Points

• Warsan Shire is a British writer, poet, editor, and teacher, born to Somali parents in Kenya.
• She is known for her work that explores themes of migration, identity, and the experience of diasporic communities.
• The quote, “You have to understand, that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land” is from her poem "Home."
• In this poem, Shire poignantly captures the harrowing experiences of refugees and the desperation that drives them to seek safety.
• Her work is celebrated for its emotional depth, vivid imagery, and its powerful commentary on the human condition.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4.

Additional Information

• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: A Nigerian writer known for her novels such as "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah," which explore themes of identity, migration, and the African experience.
• Teju Cole: A Nigerian-American writer and photographer, known for his novel "Open City" which delves into themes of identity, migration, and urban life.
• Zadie Smith: A British novelist known for works like "White Teeth" and "On Beauty," which address themes of multiculturalism, identity, and social dynamics in contemporary Britain.

The correct answer is The experiences relived by the descendants of diasporic individuals.

Key Points

• In diasporic literature, "postmemory" refers to the way in which descendants of diasporic individuals experience and remember the cultural and historical traumas of their predecessors.
• This concept is significant because it highlights how the memories of past generations continue to shape the identities and experiences of subsequent generations.
• Postmemory is a term coined by Marianne Hirsch to describe the relationship that the "generation after" bears to the personal, collective, and cultural trauma of those who came before them.
• It is characterized by a deep personal connection to the past events that one did not directly experience but that are transmitted through stories, images, and behaviors within the family or community.
• Postmemory is particularly relevant in the context of diasporic communities, where the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage and traumatic histories play a crucial role in identity formation.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• First-generation immigrants often have personal memories of their experiences, which can be distinct from postmemory.
• Collective memories shared by immigrant communities contribute to the formation of postmemory but are not synonymous with it.
• Official historical records of a nation provide a formal account of historical events but may not capture the personal and emotional dimensions of postmemory.

The correct answer is W.E.B. Du Bois.

Key Points

• W.E.B. Du Bois was an American sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author, writer, and editor.
• He was born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, United States.
• The concept of "double consciousness" was first articulated by Du Bois in his seminal work "The Souls of Black Folk" published in 1903.
• In this work, Du Bois describes "double consciousness" as the internal conflict experienced by subordinated or colonized groups in an oppressive society.
• It refers to the feeling of being caught between two worlds: the world of the colonizer and the world of the colonized.
• Du Bois used this concept to describe the African American experience of living in the United States, highlighting the struggle of maintaining one's cultural identity while assimilating into mainstream society.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• Salman Rushdie: An Indian-British novelist known for his work "Midnight's Children," which explores themes of identity, migration, and cultural change.
• Edward Said: A literary theorist and critic known for his book "Orientalism," which critiques Western perceptions and representations of the East.
• Gayatri Spivak: A scholar, literary theorist, and feminist critic known for her essay "Can the Subaltern Speak?" which addresses the challenges faced by marginalized groups.

The correct answer is A space of cultural negotiation and hybrid identity.

Key Points

• Homi K. Bhabha’s concept of the “third space” is pivotal in understanding diasporic studies and post-colonial theory.
• The “third space” is not a physical space but rather a metaphorical one where different cultures meet, clash, and hybridize.
• It represents a space of cultural negotiation where identities are not fixed but are constantly evolving and merging.
• This concept challenges the idea of a singular, homogeneous cultural identity and instead promotes the notion of hybridity and fluidity.
• The “third space” allows for the emergence of new cultural forms and meanings, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• The concept of the “third space” is significant for understanding the experiences of diaspora communities, who often navigate multiple cultural identities.
• It helps in analyzing the ways in which global migration and cultural exchanges influence and transform identities.
• This theoretical framework is widely used in cultural studies, literary criticism, and sociology to explore issues related to globalization, multiculturalism, and identity politics.

The correct answer is Hiraeth.

Key Points

• Hiraeth is a Welsh term that refers to a deep sense of longing for a homeland that one cannot return to or that no longer exists as it once did.
• This term encapsulates a profound homesickness and nostalgia, often mixed with grief or sadness for the lost place and time.
• In diasporic criticism, "hiraeth" is used to describe the emotional state of individuals or communities who are displaced from their original homeland.
• It reflects a yearning for a connection to one's roots and the cultural identity tied to the homeland.
• The term is distinct from general nostalgia, as it implies an unattainable return to a past that cannot be recreated.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• Exile: Refers to being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.
• Nostalgia: A general term for a sentimental longing for the past, often in an idealized form.
• Alienation: The feeling of being isolated or estranged from a group or society.

The correct answer is Fredric Jameson.

Key Points

• Fredric Jameson is an American literary critic and Marxist political theorist.
• He is best known for his analysis of contemporary cultural trends.
• His seminal work, "The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act," integrates Marxist and psychoanalytic theories to analyze literature.
• Jameson's work emphasizes the role of ideology in shaping literature and cultural artifacts.
• He argues that all cultural production is inherently political and that literature serves as a symbolic act reflecting social and historical conditions.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• Terry Eagleton: A British literary theorist known for his Marxist critique of literature and his works such as "Literary Theory: An Introduction."
• Slavoj Žižek: A Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic known for his works on psychoanalysis, Marxism, and critical theory.
• Louis Althusser: A French Marxist philosopher known for his theory of ideological state apparatuses and his influence on structuralist Marxism.

The correct answer is Edmund Burke.

Key Points

• Edmund Burke was an Irish statesman and philosopher, renowned for his deep reflections on society and politics.
• His work, "On the Principles of Political Morality," delves into the intersections of Romantic aesthetics and political theory.
• Burke's writings emphasize the importance of tradition, virtue, and societal cohesion, which were pivotal themes during the Romantic era.
• He is often credited with laying the groundwork for modern conservatism, blending aesthetic and moral considerations in political discourse.
• Burke's contemplation on political dynamism and virtue reflects his broader intellectual pursuits, aligning with Romantic ideals of the time.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• William Hazlitt: An English essayist and critic, known for his humanistic essays and literary criticism.
• Percy Bysshe Shelley: A major English Romantic poet, famous for his lyrical poetry and radical political views.
• Samuel Taylor Coleridge: An English poet, literary critic, and philosopher, who, along with William Wordsworth, was a founder of the Romantic Movement in England.

The correct answer is Jean-François Lyotard.

Key Points

• Jean-François Lyotard was a French philosopher and sociologist.
• He is best known for his work "The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge," published in 1979.
• In this work, Lyotard examines the status of knowledge in postmodern societies and how it is legitimized.
• He argues that the era of grand narratives or metanarratives is over, and that knowledge is now more fragmented and dispersed.
• This work has been influential in the fields of postmodernism, cultural studies, and critical theory.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• Jean Baudrillard: A French sociologist and philosopher known for his work on simulation and hyperreality.
• Fredric Jameson: An American literary critic and Marxist political theorist, known for his analysis of postmodernity and capitalism.
• Michel de Certeau: A French Jesuit and scholar known for his work on the practice of everyday life and cultural studies.

The correct answer is A Map of Misreading.

Key Points

• "A Map of Misreading" is an influential essay by Harold Bloom where he discusses his theory of poetic influence.
• Bloom introduces the concept of the "swerve," which is the misreading or creative misinterpretation by a poet of a predecessor’s work.
• This misreading is essential as it creates new meaning and allows for the evolution of poetic tradition.
• Bloom’s ideas in this essay are central to his broader theory of how poets influence each other and how new works of literature are created.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 1.

Additional Information

• "Kabbalah and Criticism" is another work by Harold Bloom that explores the relationship between Jewish mysticism and literary criticism.
• "Agon: Towards a Theory of Revisionism" further develops Bloom's theories on poetic influence and the struggle between poets.
• "The Western Canon" is a later work by Bloom that lists and defends what he considers the great works of Western literature.

The correct answer is Option 2.

Key Points

• According to Dhananjaya, there are five elements of the plot, parallel with the five stages of the action, from which the five junctures (Samdhi) arise.
• The correct sequence of these junctures is as follows: Mukha (B), Pratimukha (C), Garbha (E), Avamarsa (A), and Upasamhrti (D).
• The stages of action and their respective junctures are structured to form a coherent and meaningful narrative.
• This sequence reflects the traditional dramaturgy principles in classical Indian literature.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• Mukha: The beginning or introduction of the plot.
• Pratimukha: The progression or the development of the plot.
• Garbha: The main body or the climax of the plot.
• Avamarsa: The retrospection or the falling action of the plot.
• Upasamhrti: The conclusion or the resolution of the plot.

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

• "Seven Types of Ambiguity" is a seminal work in the field of literary criticism, recognized for its innovative approach to interpreting literature.
• Written by William Empson, it was first published in 1930.
• The book is structured around the concept of 'ambiguity,' a term Empson defines broadly to encompass various ways a piece of writing can generate multiple meanings or responses.
• Empson organizes his analysis into seven distinct types of ambiguity, each illustrating a different manner in which a text may convey multiple meanings simultaneously or sequentially.
• These types range from simple lexical ambiguities to more complex structural ambiguities that affect the overall interpretation of the text.
• Empson’s method of literary analysis has been influential in the development of close reading practices within literary studies.

Therefore, the correct answer is 'Option 3'.

The correct answer is Hiraeth.

Key Points

• Hiraeth is a Welsh term that refers to a deep sense of longing for a homeland that one cannot return to or that no longer exists as it once did.
• This term encapsulates a profound homesickness and nostalgia, often mixed with grief or sadness for the lost place and time.
• In diasporic criticism, "hiraeth" is used to describe the emotional state of individuals or communities who are displaced from their original homeland.
• It reflects a yearning for a connection to one's roots and the cultural identity tied to the homeland.
• The term is distinct from general nostalgia, as it implies an unattainable return to a past that cannot be recreated.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• Exile: Refers to being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons.
• Nostalgia: A general term for a sentimental longing for the past, often in an idealized form.
• Alienation: The feeling of being isolated or estranged from a group or society.

The correct answer is Wayne C. Booth.

Key Points

• Wayne C. Booth was a prominent literary critic known for his work on the rhetoric of fiction and the analysis of narrative techniques.
• He made significant contributions to the study of irony and satire, especially in his landmark book "The Rhetoric of Fiction" (1961).
• Booth introduced key concepts such as the "implied author" and the "unreliable narrator," which have become central to narrative theory.
• His work bridges the gap between classical rhetorical theory and modern literary criticism, providing a framework for understanding how authors communicate with their readers.
• Booth's insights into the functions and effects of irony and satire have influenced subsequent generations of literary scholars.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Northrop Frye: A Canadian literary critic known for his work "Anatomy of Criticism," which explores archetypal literary criticism.
• Cleanth Brooks: An American literary critic and a central figure in the New Criticism movement, known for his close reading techniques.
• Kenneth Burke: An American literary theorist and philosopher known for his analyses of rhetoric and his concept of the "dramatistic pentad."

The correct answer is Philip Wheelwright.

Key Points

• Philip Wheelwright was a noted philosopher and literary critic known for his work on the nature of metaphor and its impact on human understanding and perception.
• His book "Metaphor and Reality" is a significant contribution to the study of metaphors, examining how they shape our conceptual framework and influence our experience of reality.
• Wheelwright's analysis delves into the philosophical implications of metaphor, arguing that metaphors are not merely linguistic decorations but fundamental to our cognitive processes.
• The book explores the intersection of language, thought, and reality, proposing that metaphors play a crucial role in how we interpret and engage with the world.
• Wheelwright's insights have been influential in fields such as literary theory, philosophy, and cognitive science, highlighting the deep connection between metaphor and human cognition.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 2.

Additional Information

• Paul Ricoeur: A prominent philosopher known for his work on hermeneutics and phenomenology, particularly in relation to narrative and identity.
• Kenneth Burke: An influential literary theorist and critic, known for his work on rhetoric and the symbolic nature of human interaction.
• I.A. Richards: A literary critic and rhetorician, recognized for his contributions to the study of semantics and the theory of communication.

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

• Horace's "Ars Poetica" is a celebrated work of literary criticism in which he offers advice to poets on various aspects of their craft.
• One of the key pieces of advice Horace provides is to treat ancient themes with a modern twist, allowing poets to bring fresh perspectives to well-known subjects.
• This advice encourages poets to innovate and adapt traditional themes to contemporary contexts, making their work more relevant and engaging for their audience.
• By modernizing ancient themes, poets can bridge the gap between past and present, creating works that resonate with readers across different eras.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option 3.

Additional Information

• Option 1: Sticking strictly to historical events may limit a poet's creative expression and ability to innovate.
• Option 2: Avoiding mythological subjects entirely would deprive poets of a rich source of inspiration and storytelling.
• Option 4: Using familiar themes to ensure audience understanding is important, but it does not preclude the possibility of modernizing those themes.
• Horace's advice emphasizes the balance between tradition and innovation, encouraging poets to honor the past while also pushing the boundaries of their art.