Introduction to Literary Theory: A Comprehensive Guide for Online Learning

Question 1

Which fundamental aspect is NOT characteristic of formalism in literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of socio-historical context

Answer

Intrinsic qualities of the text

Answer

Author's intent

Answer

Repetitive patterns and structures

Question 2

Which literary theory highlights the influence of cultural and ideological factors on textual meaning?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 3

Which technique is commonly employed in structuralist literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

Identification of binary oppositions

Answer

Deconstruction of language and signification

Answer

Exploration of psychological motivations

Answer

Examination of historical influences

Question 4

Which literary theory questions the notion of a fixed and objective meaning in texts?

Accepted Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Marxism

Question 5

Which feminist literary theory focuses on the depiction of women in literature?

Accepted Answer

Gynocriticism

Answer

Psychoanalytic feminism

Answer

Materialist feminism

Answer

Postcolonial feminism

Question 6

Which literary theory emphasizes the unconscious and psychological motivations in interpreting texts?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a distinctive feature of post-colonial theory in literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

Application of Marxist principles

Answer

Impact of colonialism on literature

Answer

Critique of Western literary canons

Answer

Representation of non-Western voices

Question 8

Which literary theory underscores the role of the reader in shaping the meaning of a text?

Accepted Answer

Reader-response theory

Answer

New Criticism

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Formalism

Question 9

Formalism, a literary theory, focuses on the intrinsic features of a text, excluding external context and authorial intent. Which of the following is the primary concern of formalism?

Accepted Answer

Examining the language, structure, and style of a text

Answer

Exploring the author's biography and historical background

Answer

Analyzing the social and political influences on a text

Answer

Interpreting the text based on personal and subjective experiences

Question 10

Structuralism, a critical approach in literary theory, emphasizes the significance of language in constructing meaning. Which of the following best describes the structuralist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Language actively shapes our understanding of the world and our experiences.

Answer

Language is a neutral and transparent medium that conveys meaning directly.

Answer

The meaning of a text is determined solely by the author's conscious intentions.

Answer

The interpretation of a text is subjective and varies from reader to reader.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a key concept associated with post-structuralist literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Authorial intention

Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Metanarrative

Question 12

Which literary theory emerged as a critique of structuralism's focus on objectivity and universal truths?

Accepted Answer

Post-Structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Question 13

Which of the following is a central tenet of formalism?

Accepted Answer

The primary focus of literary analysis should be on the text itself, examining its internal structures and patterns.

Answer

The author's intention and personal experiences are crucial for understanding the meaning of a literary work.

Answer

The reader's subjective response and interpretation hold equal weight to the text's objective qualities.

Answer

The socio-historical context surrounding a literary work significantly shapes its meaning and significance.

Question 14

According to structuralism, literary texts are best understood as:

Accepted Answer

Autonomous systems of signs that operate according to their own internal rules and structures.

Answer

Expressions of the individual creativity and unique experiences of the author.

Answer

Reflections of the social, cultural, and historical forces that shape them.

Answer

Products of the unconscious mind, revealing hidden desires and motivations.

Question 15

Which critical approach places primary emphasis on the role of ideology in shaping literary works?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 16

Post-structuralist critics argue that:

Accepted Answer

Meaning is fluid and unstable, subject to multiple interpretations and influenced by the reader's perspective.

Answer

Meaning in literature is fixed and unchanging, determined by the author's intent.

Answer

The text is a stable and objective entity that can be definitively interpreted.

Answer

The reader's interpretation is the only valid and meaningful one.

Question 17

Feminist literary theory seeks to analyze literature through the lens of:

Accepted Answer

Gender roles, power dynamics, and the experiences of women.

Answer

Formal elements such as structure, style, and language.

Answer

Historical and social context, examining the influence of the past on literary works.

Answer

Psychological perspectives, exploring the unconscious motivations of characters.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental aspect of literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Publication and dissemination of literary works

Answer

Exploration of historical and cultural contexts

Answer

Critical interpretation of literary texts

Answer

Analysis of literary techniques and structures

Question 19

Structuralism examines the relationship between:

Accepted Answer

Signifier and signified, exploring the ways in which language creates meaning.

Answer

Author and reader, focusing on the influence of the author's experiences on the reader's interpretation.

Answer

Form and content, analyzing how the structure of a text shapes its meaning.

Answer

History and literature, examining how social and cultural events influence literary works.

Question 20

The concept of 'ideology critique' is most closely associated with which critical approach?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Feminism

Question 21

The term 'deconstruction' is primarily associated with the work of which philosopher?

Accepted Answer

Jacques Derrida

Answer

Michel Foucault

Answer

Judith Butler

Answer

Roland Barthes

Question 22

Which of the following is a key concept in Formalist literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Defamiliarization

Answer

The Unconscious

Answer

The Author Function

Answer

Intertextuality

Question 23

Structuralist literary theory emphasizes the importance of analyzing:

Accepted Answer

Underlying systems and structures

Answer

The social and political implications of a text

Answer

Historical context and authorial intent

Answer

Personal interpretation and emotional response

Question 24

Which theorist, associated with Post-structuralism, is known for the concept of 'deconstruction' and challenging the idea of fixed meaning in a text?

Accepted Answer

Jacques Derrida

Answer

Edward Said

Answer

Michel Foucault

Answer

Judith Butler

Question 25

A primary aim of Feminist literary theory is to:

Accepted Answer

Analyze how gender influences the creation and interpretation of literary texts

Answer

Promote a specific political agenda within literature

Answer

Focus solely on texts written by women

Answer

Disregard the historical context of literary works

Question 26

Marxist literary theory primarily interprets literature through the lens of:

Accepted Answer

Economic power structures and class relations

Answer

Universal archetypes and symbols

Answer

Religious and spiritual beliefs

Answer

Individual psychological motivations

Question 27

Michel Foucault used which term to describe the interconnected systems of knowledge production and power dynamics within society?

Accepted Answer

Discourse

Answer

Hegemony

Answer

Subjectivity

Answer

Interpellation

Question 28

Which of the following is a central concern of Postcolonial literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Examining the impact of colonialism on literary representation and cultural identity

Answer

Completely rejecting all Western literary traditions

Answer

Focusing solely on the positive aspects of colonial encounters

Answer

Preserving traditional storytelling techniques from colonized cultures

Question 29

Ecocriticism explores the relationship between:

Accepted Answer

Literature and the natural environment

Answer

Literature and psychology

Answer

Literature and law

Answer

Literature and technology