F.R. Leavis's The Great Tradition: A Guide to Modernist Literary Criticism

Question 1

According to Leavis, how does moral judgment contribute to the evaluation of literary works?

Accepted Answer

Moral judgments are one of several key criteria for evaluating the literary worth of a work.

Answer

Moral judgments should be excluded from literary criticism as they are irrelevant to the aesthetic value of a work.

Answer

The moral value of a work is the sole determinant of its literary merit.

Answer

Moral judgments are subjective and cannot provide an objective basis for evaluating literature.

Question 2

According to F.R. Leavis, the 'great tradition' in English literature is characterized by its:

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on moral values and intellectual engagement

Answer

Realist depictions of everyday life

Answer

Rejection of established literary forms and structures

Answer

Celebration of experimental and avant-garde techniques

Question 3

Leavis believed that literature's primary function is to:

Accepted Answer

Promote moral development and intellectual growth

Answer

Provide entertainment and escape

Answer

Reflect contemporary social and political issues

Answer

Facilitate individual self-expression

Question 4

Which of the following authors is excluded from Leavis's 'great tradition'?

Accepted Answer

James Joyce

Answer

Jane Austen

Answer

D.H. Lawrence

Answer

George Eliot

Question 5

Which literary movement is NOT explicitly mentioned in Leavis's 'The Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Expressionism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Symbolism

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic of F.R. Leavis's critical approach?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the moral and intellectual value of literature

Answer

Focus on individual genius and originality

Answer

Belief in the importance of social and historical context

Answer

Rejection of a literary canon

Question 7

According to Leavis, which of the following novels exemplifies the 'Great Tradition' in English literature?

Accepted Answer

Hamlet" by William Shakespeare

Answer

Ulysses" by James Joyce

Answer

The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Answer

The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Question 8

What is the significance of Leavis's introduction of the term 'close reading'?

Accepted Answer

It emphasized the importance of detailed analysis of literary language and form

Answer

It encouraged students to focus on the surface meaning of the text

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It allowed for the omission of historical and biographical context

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It devalued the role of the reader's experience and interpretation

Question 9

What is the central argument of Leavis's book, 'The Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

There exists a canon of great works that embody the best of Western civilization

Answer

Modernist literature is superior to traditional literature

Answer

English literature is superior to the literature of other countries

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The role of the reader is more important than the intentions of the author

Question 10

How did Leavis's criticism contribute to the development of literary studies in the 20th century?

Accepted Answer

It fostered a more rigorous and analytical approach to literary analysis

Answer

It marginalized the study of non-canonical works

Answer

It led to the decline of formalist criticism

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It had no significant impact on literary studies

Question 11

How does F.R. Leavis's view of the literary canon differ from that of T.S. Eliot, particularly in terms of their emphasis on literature's value?

Accepted Answer

Leavis emphasizes the moral and intellectual value of literature, while Eliot prioritizes its aesthetic qualities.

Answer

Leavis advocates for a narrow canon of great works, while Eliot supports a more inclusive approach.

Answer

Leavis dismisses the importance of historical context, while Eliot considers it crucial.

Answer

Leavis views criticism as purely evaluative, whereas Eliot sees it as both evaluative and interpretative.

Question 12

How did the pre-World War II intellectual and cultural climate shape F.R. Leavis's critical approach and the development of his 'Great Tradition' concept?

Accepted Answer

Leavis's 'Great Tradition' concept emerged in response to perceived societal decline in moral and intellectual standards.

Answer

Leavis's views were primarily influenced by the socio-political upheavals of World War I.

Answer

Leavis's critical approach was heavily influenced by the rise of modernism and the rejection of traditional literary forms.

Question 13

Which of the following authors is NOT included in Leavis's 'great tradition'?

Accepted Answer

George Orwell

Answer

Jane Austen

Answer

T.S. Eliot

Answer

D.H. Lawrence

Question 14

According to Leavis, the purpose of literary criticism is primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Promote understanding and appreciation of literary works

Answer

Judge the moral value of texts

Answer

Establish a definitive literary canon

Answer

Expose the social and political implications of literature

Question 15

Leavis's influence on modernist criticism has been:

Accepted Answer

Lasting and significant

Answer

Limited to the early 20th century

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Exclusively confined to British literature

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Undisputed and universally accepted

Question 16

Which of the following is a strength of Leavis's critical approach?

Accepted Answer

Rigorous intellectual analysis

Answer

Sensitivity to historical contexts

Answer

Attention to the diversity of literary genres

Answer

Exploration of psychological insights

Question 17

Revised: Which concept is central to F.R. Leavis's critical approach?

Accepted Answer

Revised: The moral and intellectual value of literature

Answer

The importance of formalist analysis

Answer

The influence of the subconscious on meaning

Answer

The role of the reader in interpreting literature

Question 18

Revised: What significance does Leavis attach to his concept of the 'great tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Establishing a canon of exemplary works that embody literary excellence

Answer

Emphasizing the historical context in literary analysis

Answer

Promoting a focus on popular and accessible literature

Answer

Challenging the idea of a definitive literary canon

Question 19

Revised: How does Leavis view the role of the literary critic?

Accepted Answer

Revised: As a guardian of literary standards and values

Answer

As an objective observer with no personal bias

Answer

As a guide who assists readers in forming their interpretations

Answer

As a subjective voice whose opinions are not more valid than others

Question 20

Revised: How does Leavis's critical approach differ from that of the New Critics?

Accepted Answer

Revised: Leavis prioritizes moral and intellectual significance, while New Critics emphasize formal analysis

Answer

Leavis emphasizes historical context, while New Critics focus on textual autonomy

Answer

Leavis promotes a narrow canon, while New Critics embrace a more inclusive approach

Answer

Leavis focuses on traditional literature, while New Critics embrace modernism

Question 21

Revised: What is a key characteristic of Leavis's concept of 'organic form'?

Accepted Answer

Revised: An integrated relationship between a work's form and content

Answer

A focus on external structure and formal conventions

Answer

A preoccupation with symbolism and allegory

Answer

A fragmentation and juxtaposition of different elements

Question 22

Revised: How does Leavis's emphasis on 'moral realism' influence his interpretation of literature?

Accepted Answer

Revised: He values works that explore ethical dilemmas and human complexity

Answer

He dismisses works that lack clear moral lessons

Answer

He focuses solely on the aesthetic qualities of literature

Answer

He prioritizes works that engage with contemporary social issues

Question 23

Which of the following is a key aspect of F.R. Leavis's critical approach, as outlined in 'The Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on the moral and intellectual value of literature

Answer

Rejection of the notion of a literary canon

Answer

Focus on the influence of social and historical context

Answer

Exploration of the relationship between literature and language

Question 24

According to Leavis, what is the purpose of literature?

Accepted Answer

To elevate the moral and intellectual sensibilities of readers

Answer

To provide entertainment and escapism

Answer

To reflect and critique social conditions

Answer

To promote political and social change

Question 25

How does Leavis's work relate to the broader intellectual and cultural context of modernism?

Accepted Answer

It provides a conservative critique of modernist literature

Answer

It aligns with the modernist emphasis on experimentation and innovation

Answer

It challenges modernist assumptions about the nature of reality and knowledge

Answer

It has no significant connection to the modernist movement

Question 26

In 'The Great Tradition', Leavis argues that literature should be judged based on its:

Accepted Answer

Moral and aesthetic value

Answer

Popularity and commercial success

Answer

Relevance to contemporary social issues

Answer

Influence on future generations of writers

Question 27

Leavis argued that the greatest literature achieves its status by:

Accepted Answer

Its exploration of universal human experiences and profound truths

Answer

Its ability to entertain and provide escapism

Answer

Its focus on moral instruction and social commentary

Answer

Its adherence to traditional literary forms and conventions

Question 28

Leavis believed that the role of the literary critic is to:

Accepted Answer

Promote the appreciation and understanding of great literature

Answer

Establish a definitive interpretation of literary works

Answer

Provide historical and biographical context for understanding literature

Answer

Censor and suppress literature that does not meet certain standards

Question 29

Which of the following literary movements was most strongly critiqued by Leavis in The Great Tradition?

Accepted Answer

Modernism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

The Enlightenment

Question 30

How did Leavis's Great Tradition contribute to the development of the New Criticism movement?

Accepted Answer

It provided a theoretical framework for the close reading and analysis of literary texts

Answer

It emphasized the importance of historical and biographical context in understanding literature

Answer

It encouraged a more subjective and intuitive approach to literary interpretation

Answer

It had no significant influence on the New Criticism movement

Question 31

How did Leavis's concept of 'organic form' shape his evaluation of literary works?

Accepted Answer

He favored works with a cohesive and unified narrative structure.

Answer

He preferred works that defied traditional literary forms.

Answer

He emphasized the moral and ethical messages in literary works.

Answer

He believed the author's intent solely determined a text's meaning.

Question 32

In F.R. Leavis's view, which characteristic is essential for a literary work to have a lasting impact?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of universal themes

Answer

Focus on social realism

Answer

Conformity to traditional literary forms

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a primary characteristic of F.R. Leavis's 'The Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Focus on the psychological depth of characters

Answer

Emphasis on moral and intellectual value of literature

Answer

Introduction of the concept of a literary canon

Answer

Analysis of the social and political context of literature

Question 34

According to Leavis, which of these authors is NOT included in the 'Great Tradition' of English literature?

Accepted Answer

Virginia Woolf

Answer

George Eliot

Answer

Jane Austen

Answer

D.H. Lawrence

Question 35

What did Leavis believe was the purpose of literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

To provide moral and intellectual guidance

Answer

To objectively evaluate literary merit

Answer

To analyze literary structure and language

Answer

To support contemporary literary trends

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of Leavis's list of 'great' authors?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate his understanding of literary quality

Answer

To create a definitive ranking of literary works

Answer

To present a historical account of English literature

Answer

To promote the recognition of contemporary authors

Question 37

According to Leavis, what is a defining characteristic of a 'major' literary work?

Accepted Answer

Profound exploration of human nature and the human condition

Answer

Technical mastery and stylistic brilliance

Answer

Popularity and commercial success

Answer

Adherence to traditional literary conventions

Question 38

How did Leavis's emphasis on close reading shape literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

It encouraged more detailed and thorough analysis of literary works.

Answer

It reduced the significance of historical and contextual analysis.

Answer

It resulted in a shift towards more subjective and personal criticism.

Answer

It had little impact on the development of literary criticism.

Question 39

According to F.R. Leavis, what is a key characteristic of a great novel?

Accepted Answer

It explores profound and nuanced moral and intellectual issues.

Answer

It appeals to a vast and diverse readership.

Answer

It is written in an elaborate and ornate style.

Answer

It is set in an exotic location.

Question 40

What is Leavis's fundamental criticism of modern literature?

Accepted Answer

It has largely abandoned traditional moral and intellectual values.

Answer

It is inaccessible to the general public.

Answer

It is overly experimental and avant-garde.

Question 41

How does Leavis define "organic unity" in a literary text?

Accepted Answer

The elements of the work are interconnected and contribute to a coherent and meaningful whole.

Answer

The work has a clear and logical structure.

Answer

The work is free from any contradictions or inconsistencies.

Question 42

According to Leavis, what is the primary function of literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

To provide readers with insights into and an appreciation of great literature.

Answer

To promote specific political or social agendas.

Answer

To identify and analyze literary techniques and devices.

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a potential criticism of Leavis's Great Tradition?

Accepted Answer

It is overly inclusive and allows for a wide range of literary works.

Answer

It is based on subjective and personal judgments.

Answer

It prioritizes tradition over originality.

Answer

It neglects the influence of historical and cultural contexts.

Question 44

How does Leavis's concept of "moral seriousness" differ from traditional moralism in literature?

Accepted Answer

It encourages literature to explore complex moral dilemmas without providing simplistic or didactic answers.

Answer

It insists that literature must conform to established religious or ethical doctrines.

Question 45

In what way can Leavis's critical approach be applied to the study of contemporary literature?

Accepted Answer

It enables readers to discern and evaluate works of genuine literary merit and appreciate their intellectual and moral significance.

Answer

It justifies the censorship or suppression of literature deemed morally objectionable.

Question 46

Identify the central criterion that Leavis used to select literature for his 'Great Tradition'.

Accepted Answer

Moral and intellectual value

Answer

Chronological order of publication

Answer

Autobiographical elements of the author

Answer

Popularity among contemporary readers

Question 47

According to Leavis, which literary era marked the decline of the English novel?

Accepted Answer

Victorian era

Answer

Enlightenment era

Answer

Romantic era

Answer

Modernist era

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Leavis's 'Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Focus on social realism

Answer

Emphasis on the 'organic' nature of the novel

Answer

Preoccupation with moral and intellectual value

Answer

Establishment of a canon of essential authors and works

Question 49

According to Leavis, what is the primary role of literature?

Accepted Answer

To provide moral and intellectual sustenance

Answer

To represent the human condition

Answer

To provide entertainment and amusement

Answer

To promote social and political change

Question 50

Which of the following authors did Leavis include in his 'Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

George Eliot

Answer

Ezra Pound

Answer

James Joyce

Answer

Virginia Woolf

Question 51

What does Leavis mean by the term 'organic form'?

Accepted Answer

A literary work where all elements are interconnected and contribute to a coherent whole

Answer

A literary structure that follows a predetermined pattern or formula

Answer

A literary form that emphasizes experimentation and innovation

Question 52

How did Leavis's 'Great Tradition' influence modernist literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

It established a moral and intellectual framework for evaluating literature

Answer

It led to the rejection of traditional literary forms

Answer

It promoted the use of experimental techniques

Question 53

How did Leavis's work contribute to the development of the English literary canon?

Accepted Answer

It established a set of criteria for determining literary value

Answer

It challenged the dominance of established authors

Answer

It led to the inclusion of new and diverse voices

Question 54

What was Leavis's attitude towards the role of the critic?

Accepted Answer

He believed the critic should be an active guide and interpreter.

Answer

He advocated for a strictly objective and detached approach.

Answer

He promoted the idea of the critic as a passive observer.

Question 55

How does Leavis's concept of 'minority culture' relate to his 'Great Tradition'?

Accepted Answer

He saw minority culture as a source of resistance to the dominant culture.

Answer

He believed minority culture was inferior to mainstream culture.

Answer

He argued that minority culture should be ignored by literary critics.