Literary Theory: A Comprehensive Guide to Critical Approaches

Question 1

Which literary theory analyzes the inherent elements of a text, such as its structure, rhythm, and imagery?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Postcolonialism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 2

Which theory emphasizes the sociohistorical context as the primary shaper of literary meaning?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Question 3

Which theory postulates that literature emerges from the unconscious mind, reflecting deep-seated desires and tensions?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

New Criticism

Answer

Feminism

Question 4

Which theory investigates the relationship between language, its structures, and literary meaning?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Formalism

Question 5

Which theory proposes that the meaning of a literary text is continuously created and recreated by individual readers?

Accepted Answer

Reader-response criticism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Postcolonialism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 6

Which theory interrogates how race, gender, and sexuality shape literary representations?

Accepted Answer

Feminism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Formalism

Question 7

Which theory explores the influence of historical events and social conditions on literary production?

Accepted Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Question 8

Which theory analyzes literature through the lens of universal symbols and motifs, exploring its connection to the collective unconscious?

Accepted Answer

Archetypal criticism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Question 9

Which critical approach focuses solely on the intrinsic qualities of a literary work, such as its form, structure, and language?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Question 10

Which critical theory analyzes how literature reflects and reinforces a society's power structures?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Post-colonialism

Question 11

Post-colonialism contests the traditional literary canon, emphasizing works by writers from formerly colonized regions. Which of the following is NOT a defining aspect of post-colonial literary theory?

Accepted Answer

It dismisses the effects of colonialism on literature.

Answer

It amplifies the voices of marginalized authors.

Answer

It examines how power and representation shape literature.

Question 12

Feminism as a critical approach examines how literature reflects and perpetuates gender inequality. Which of the following is NOT a notable feminist literary critic?

Accepted Answer

Harold Bloom

Answer

Elaine Showalter

Answer

Virginia Woolf

Answer

Sandra Gilbert

Question 13

Psychoanalytic literary theory applies the ideas of Sigmund Freud to explore the unconscious motivations and desires of characters. Which of the following is a core concept in psychoanalytic criticism?

Accepted Answer

Oedipus complex

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Postmodernism

Answer

New Historicism

Question 14

Which critical approach emphasizes the historical and cultural context of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Reader-Response Theory

Question 15

Which of the following is a characteristic of postmodern literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Fragmented and disrupted narratives

Answer

Linear and coherent structure

Answer

Objectivity and realism

Answer

Fixed and stable meaning

Question 16

Which literary theory places primary emphasis on the formal elements of a text, such as structure, rhythm, and imagery?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Reader-Response theory

Answer

Structuralism

Question 17

Which literary theory emphasizes the underlying systems and structures that shape a literary work?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Question 18

Which literary theory explores the power dynamics, colonial experiences, and their influence on literary texts?

Accepted Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Ecocriticism

Question 19

Identify the theory that focuses on the psychological motivations and unconscious desires of characters and their impact on literature?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Feminism

Question 20

Which literary theory examines the historical and social context that surrounds the creation of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Reader-Response theory

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Ecocriticism

Question 21

Identify the theory that emphasizes the role of the reader in shaping the meaning and interpretation of a literary text?

Accepted Answer

Reader-Response Theory

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Marxism

Question 22

Which literary theory challenges the traditional assumptions and binary oppositions found in literary texts?

Accepted Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Question 23

Identify the theory that examines the economic and class-based relationships within a literary work?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Ecocriticism

Question 24

Which literary theory analyzes the representation of women in literature and their experiences?

Accepted Answer

Feminism

Answer

Ecocriticism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

New Historicism

Question 25

Identify the theory that examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Ecocriticism

Answer

Gender Studies

Answer

Reader-Response Theory

Answer

Marxism

Question 26

Which critical approach is NOT typically covered in 'Literary Theory'?

Accepted Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Question 27

According to Formalist theory, what primarily determines the meaning of a literary text?

Accepted Answer

Its internal structure and language

Answer

Its historical and social context

Answer

The author's personal experiences

Question 28

Which critical approach emphasizes the influence of political and economic forces on literary creation?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Feminist Criticism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 29

Post-colonial theory challenges the assumption that:

Accepted Answer

Western literature is inherently superior to non-Western literature.

Answer

The reader's interpretation is the only valid one.

Answer

Literature should be free from political influences.

Question 30

A key feature of Structuralist theory is its emphasis on:

Accepted Answer

Binary oppositions and underlying structures

Answer

Individual psychology and reader response

Answer

Historical context and authorial intent

Question 31

The 'reader-response' approach to literary analysis:

Accepted Answer

Focuses on the active role of the reader in shaping meaning.

Answer

Prioritizes the author's intentions above all else.

Answer

Assumes a single, 'correct' interpretation of a text.

Question 32

A potential limitation of psychoanalytic theory in literary analysis is its:

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity and reliance on personal interpretation

Answer

Scientific objectivity and empirical evidence

Answer

Ability to reveal hidden psychological themes

Question 33

The concept of 'intertextuality' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness and mutual influence among literary works

Answer

The relationship between a text and its historical period

Question 34

One of the main benefits of using literary theory in literary analysis is that it:

Accepted Answer

Provides frameworks for understanding and interpreting texts

Answer

Simplifies the study of literature by reducing it to a set of rules

Question 35

The 'New Historicist' approach examines literature in relation to its:

Accepted Answer

Historical and cultural contexts

Answer

Universal and timeless themes

Answer

Formal qualities and aesthetic value

Question 36

Which literary theory emphasizes the unconscious mind and the role of dreams in shaping literary works?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Feminism

Question 37

Post-colonialism examines the impact of colonialism on literature and culture. Which of the following is a key concept in post-colonialism?

Accepted Answer

Othering

Answer

Ideology

Answer

Binary oppositions

Answer

Discourse

Question 38

Which literary theory focuses on the power dynamics and social structures that shape literature, often analyzing class conflict and economic inequalities?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Gender studies

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 39

Using literary theory in literary analysis can offer several benefits. Which of the following is a significant advantage of applying literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Provides a framework for interpreting and understanding texts

Answer

Makes literary analysis more subjective

Answer

Reduces the complexity of literary works

Answer

Limits the scope of literary analysis

Question 40

Discourse analysis explores the relationship between language, power, and ideology. Which literary theory examines this relationship?

Accepted Answer

Discourse analysis

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 41

According to structuralism, the meaning of a text is derived from:

Accepted Answer

The relationships between its elements

Answer

The intention of the author

Answer

The reader's personal experiences

Answer

The historical context in which it was written

Question 42

While literary theory offers valuable insights, it also has limitations. Which of the following is a potential drawback of literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Can be overly reductive and limit interpretation

Answer

Stimulates critical thinking and analysis

Answer

Enhances students' appreciation of literature

Answer

Provides a comprehensive understanding of literary works

Question 43

Feminism is a literary theory that examines the representation and experiences of women in literature. Which of the following theories primarily focuses on this aspect?

Accepted Answer

Feminism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 44

Reader-response theory emphasizes the active role of the reader in creating meaning from a text. Which of the following is a key aspect of reader-response theory?

Accepted Answer

The reader's role in creating meaning

Answer

The identification of authorial intent

Answer

The exploration of historical and cultural contexts

Answer

The objective analysis of literary texts

Question 45

Which literary theory emphasizes close textual analysis, focusing on elements like imagery, metaphor, and symbolism?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Question 46

When analyzing a poem, a structuralist critic would primarily be interested in:

Accepted Answer

Identifying the underlying patterns and structures that shape the text's meaning.

Answer

Examining the author's biographical details and historical context.

Answer

Analyzing the emotional impact of the poem on the reader.

Question 47

A post-colonial critic examining *Jane Eyre* would likely focus on which question?

Accepted Answer

How does the novel portray the power dynamics between colonizer and colonized?

Answer

What are the symbolic meanings of the natural imagery in the text?

Answer

How does the novel's structure reflect Victorian societal norms?

Question 48

Which critical lens primarily examines power structures and societal norms as they relate to gender?

Accepted Answer

Feminist Criticism

Answer

Marxist Criticism

Answer

Psychoanalytic Criticism

Answer

New Criticism

Question 49

Which theory explores how a literary text reflects the author's unconscious desires and anxieties?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic Criticism

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Reader-Response Criticism

Answer

New Historicism

Question 50

Deconstruction, associated with Jacques Derrida, argues that meaning is:

Accepted Answer

Fluid and unstable, constantly deferred and contested within a text.

Answer

Fixed and intended by the author.

Answer

Primarily determined by the reader's subjective interpretation.

Question 51

Which theoretical approach emphasizes the active role of the reader in constructing meaning from a text?

Accepted Answer

Reader-Response Criticism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

New Historicism

Question 52

New Historicism emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Interconnectedness of literature with its historical and cultural context.

Answer

Author's personal life as the primary source for interpreting a text.

Answer

Timeless and universal themes in literary works.

Question 53

Which statement BEST describes the application of multiple literary theories to a single text?

Accepted Answer

Using a variety of critical lenses can provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of a text's meanings.

Answer

Applying multiple theories often leads to contradictory interpretations and undermines the text's coherence.