American Realist Writers: Explore Their Impact on Literature

Question 1

To accurately depict daily life, how did Realist authors choose settings for their stories?

Accepted Answer

They chose settings that reflected the struggles of ordinary people.

Answer

They opted for grand settings like castles and palaces.

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They preferred exotic and distant locations for their stories.

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They avoided setting their stories in urban areas.

Question 2

Identify the defining characteristic of literary Realism:

Accepted Answer

Accurate portrayal of everyday life

Answer

Idealized characters and events

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Inclusion of fantastical elements

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Sentimental and melodramatic language

Question 3

Which central theme is explored in Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'?

Accepted Answer

The hypocrisy of societal norms

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The innocence of childhood

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The dangers of blind belief

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The value of formal education

Question 4

How does the ending of Mark Twain's 'The Gilded Age' impact the reader's perception?

Accepted Answer

Leaves a sense of uncertainty and irony

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Offers a sense of closure and resolution

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Symbolizes the triumph of virtue

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Foreshadows events in a potential sequel

Question 5

Which theme is uncommon in Realist literature?

Accepted Answer

The supernatural

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Social inequality

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Materialism

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Family relationships

Question 6

How did the Realists' writings capture the evolving social and cultural landscape of America in the late 19th century?

Accepted Answer

They portrayed the harsh realities of city life.

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They idealized rural life and the past.

Answer

They emphasized individualism and self-reliance.

Question 7

What is the literary approach that realistically depicts everyday life, including both its beauty and flaws?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Fantasy

Answer

Historical Fiction

Question 8

How did the use of regional settings in Realist literature enhance its portrayal of American society?

Accepted Answer

Regional settings provided a distinct context for exploring social issues.

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Regional settings were only used as background elements without influencing the characters or plot.

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Regional settings were primarily used to highlight scenic locations rather than contribute to the realism of the stories.

Question 9

Which of the following accurately describes a key characteristic of American Realism in literature?

Accepted Answer

It accurately portrayed everyday life as experienced by average people.

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It idealized characters and events to create a sense of wonder.

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It focused primarily on rural farm life and agricultural themes.

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It explored the supernatural and paranormal realms of existence.

Question 10

In what way did William Dean Howells' writing reflect the principles of Realism?

Accepted Answer

He focused on social issues and set his stories in urban environments.

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He created idealized characters and concluded stories with optimistic outcomes.

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He explored historical events and featured heroic figures in his works.

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He used allegory and symbolism to convey deeper meanings.

Question 11

Which of Edith Wharton's novels is known for its critique of New York's high society?

Accepted Answer

The House of Mirth

Answer

Ethan Frome

Answer

The Custom of the Country

Answer

Summer

Question 12

How did Realism influence the development of naturalism in American literature?

Accepted Answer

Naturalism emphasized the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

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Naturalism rejected Realism's focus on everyday life.

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Naturalism introduced elements of fantasy and the supernatural.

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Naturalism had no connection to American Realism.

Question 13

Which of the following is a common theme explored in Realist literature?

Accepted Answer

The struggle for social justice and equality

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The importance of upholding traditional values

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The relentless pursuit of wealth and power

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The transformative power of romantic love

Question 14

How did Realism challenge the prevailing literary conventions of its time?

Accepted Answer

It centered stories around ordinary characters and their daily experiences.

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It introduced completely new genres such as science fiction.

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It rejected the use of figurative language in writing.

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It glorified the past and promoted feelings of national pride.

Question 15

Which characteristic is NOT associated with American Realism?

Accepted Answer

Idealization of characters and events

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Depiction of everyday life

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Objective observation

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Exploration of social issues

Question 16

How best would you describe William Dean Howells' writing style?

Accepted Answer

Detailed and realistic descriptions

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Symbolic and allegorical elements

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Focus on introspection and psychology

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Romantic and sentimental tone

Question 17

Realism differs from Romanticism primarily in its:

Accepted Answer

Exploration of social and psychological realism

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Emphasis on emotions and imagination

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Idealization of nature and humanity

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Neglect of everyday life and common people

Question 18

Who is considered a trailblazer in the American Realist movement?

Accepted Answer

William Dean Howells

Answer

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Answer

Henry David Thoreau

Answer

Edgar Allan Poe

Question 19

How does Realism challenge traditional literary norms?

Accepted Answer

Focus on ordinary characters and events

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Rejection of symbols and imagination

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Promotion of optimism and hope

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Glorification of the past and human nature

Question 20

What is a distinctive characteristic of Edith Wharton's writing style?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of complex social and psychological issues

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Vivid imagery and sensory details

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Emphasis on historical events and settings

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Lyrical and poetic language

Question 21

What is a defining characteristic of American Realism?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of everyday life and ordinary characters

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Emphasis on sentimentality and idealism

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Use of idealized and romanticized settings

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Focus on the supernatural and the fantastic

Question 22

Which of Mark Twain's novels is a satirical critique of American society?

Accepted Answer

The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today

Answer

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Answer

The Prince and the Pauper

Answer

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Question 23

Which of the following is a literary technique commonly used by Realists?

Accepted Answer

Local colorism

Answer

Stream of consciousness

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Symbolism

Answer

Fabulism

Question 24

How did the American Realist movement challenge the literary conventions of its time?

Accepted Answer

By focusing on everyday life and ordinary characters

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By rejecting the use of figurative language and ornamentation

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By embracing supernatural and imaginative elements

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By emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy

Question 25

A defining characteristic of the American Realist literary movement is:

Accepted Answer

Focus on social and economic realities

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Emphasis on fantastical elements

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Preoccupation with allegory and symbolism

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Preference for idealized settings

Question 26

Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' explores the theme of:

Accepted Answer

Racial identity in the antebellum South

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Social conformity

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Religious morality

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Excessive ambition

Question 27

William Dean Howells' contribution to American Realism was:

Accepted Answer

Advocating for working-class characters

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Pioneering free verse poetry

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Emphasizing imagination in shaping reality

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Introducing experimental narrative techniques

Question 28

In terms of literary style, Realism differs from Romanticism by:

Accepted Answer

Depicting characters and events accurately

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Using ornate, poetic language

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Focusing on introspection and psychology

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Employing exaggerated, symbolic language

Question 29

A key aspect NOT present in the American Realist movement is:

Accepted Answer

Eliciting strong emotional responses

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Portrayal of everyday life

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Exploration of social and economic issues

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Emphasis on human psychology

Question 30

How does Mark Twain's work reflect the social and political landscape of his time?

Accepted Answer

Satirizes materialism and hypocrisy of the Gilded Age

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Glorifies virtues of the American frontier

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Advocates for radical political change

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Remains detached from social and political issues

Question 31

William Dean Howells' writing style is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Simple, direct language

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Verbose prose

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Experimental syntax

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High-flown poetic imagery

Question 32

Edith Wharton's 'The House of Mirth' critiques upper-class society by:

Accepted Answer

Exposing hypocrisy and shallowness of wealth and status

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Showing constraints and expectations faced by women

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Advocating for a socialist revolution

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Idealizing virtues and values of the upper class

Question 33

The primary goal of the American Realists in literature was to:

Accepted Answer

Engage with social and political issues

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Create a new form of prose poetry

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Explore the depths of the human psyche

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Promote national pride and unity

Question 34

How did regionalism shape American Realism, particularly in the depiction of local settings and social issues in literature?

Accepted Answer

Regionalism allowed Realist writers to explore local settings and social issues authentically and in depth.

Answer

Regionalism in American Realism focused on portraying universal human experiences.

Answer

Regionalism in American Realism promoted national unity by highlighting the diversity of American culture.

Question 35

How did the Civil War shape the emergence of American Realism in literature?

Accepted Answer

It intensified attention to social and economic inequalities.

Answer

It fostered an idealized and romantic portrayal of American society.

Answer

It had minimal influence on the development of American Realism.

Question 36

Identify the fundamental characteristic of Realism in literature:

Accepted Answer

Accurate portrayal of ordinary life and characters

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Emphasis on the supernatural

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Exploration of the subconscious

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Idealized portrayal of human nature

Question 37

Realist literature often employs satire to:

Accepted Answer

Criticize societal norms and human weaknesses

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Evoke a sense of awe and wonder

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Evoke empathy and pity

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Enhance historical accuracy

Question 38

Which technique is commonly used by Realist writers?

Accepted Answer

Vivid descriptions of everyday experiences

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Use of complex metaphors

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Emphasis on symbolism and allegory

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Exploration of the subconscious mind

Question 39

Why is vernacular language significant in Realist literature?

Accepted Answer

It adds authenticity and realism to characters and settings

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It creates a sense of distance and objectivity

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It allows for exploration of complex psychology

Question 40

What is a lasting legacy of American Realism?

Accepted Answer

Its influence on subsequent literary movements, such as Naturalism

Answer

The disappearance of realism from contemporary literature

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The decline of other literary genres

Question 41

How does Realism differ from Romanticism in its portrayal of human nature?

Accepted Answer

Realism depicts humans as flawed and complex, while Romanticism idealizes them

Answer

Realism focuses on external actions, while Romanticism explores inner thoughts

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Realism is optimistic about human potential, while Romanticism is pessimistic

Question 42

Which defining characteristic of American Realism is **NOT** exemplified by **NOT** using?

Accepted Answer

Idealized characters

Answer

Close observation of everyday life

Answer

Emphasis on social commentary

Answer

Focus on the common man

Question 43

Mark Twain's novel that is notable for its satirical critique of American society is:

Accepted Answer

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Answer

The Prince and the Pauper

Answer

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Answer

Tom Sawyer Abroad

Question 44

William Dean Howells' novel 'The Rise of Silas Lapham' primarily explores the theme of:

Accepted Answer

The pursuit of self-made success and its consequences

Answer

The complexities of human nature

Answer

The impact of industrialization on rural life

Question 45

Edith Wharton's novel 'The House of Mirth' is categorized as a:

Accepted Answer

Gilded Age novel

Answer

Gothic novel

Answer

Historical novel

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Naturalist novel

Question 46

Realist writers frequently employed which literary techniques to convey their social messages?

Accepted Answer

Irony and satire

Answer

Stream of consciousness and interior monologue

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Symbolism and allegory

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Gothic imagery and suspense

Question 47

A prominent theme in American Realist literature is:

Accepted Answer

The influence of social and environmental forces

Answer

The triumph of the individual over adversity

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The significance of imagination and fantasy

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The search for transcendental truth

Question 48

How did the Realists' focus on everyday life impact American literature?

Accepted Answer

It expanded the range of subjects considered worthy of literary exploration

Answer

It led to a decline in the popularity of poetry

Answer

It resulted in a decline in emphasis on literary form

Question 49

Which of the following is **NOT** a lasting legacy of the American Realist movement in literature?

Accepted Answer

The glorification of the common man

Answer

The use of colloquial language

Answer

The focus on social problems

Answer

The emphasis on objective observation