Introduction to Literary Theory: Master the Fundamentals

Question 1

According to formalism, what is the primary focus of literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

The structure and form of the text.

Answer

The historical context of the text.

Answer

The author's intention.

Answer

The moral and social values promoted by the text.

Question 2

What is the core premise of feminist literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Literary texts can be analyzed from a gendered perspective.

Answer

Women's writing is inherently superior to men's writing.

Answer

The literary canon should be revised to exclusively include works by women.

Answer

Literature only reflects the experiences of men.

Question 3

Which type of literary text is most suitable for a formalist analysis?

Accepted Answer

A modernist poem with intricate imagery and symbolism.

Answer

A historical novel exploring past social and political dynamics.

Answer

A postmodern novel that questions traditional narrative structures.

Answer

A memoir written in a confessional style.

Question 4

What is a primary focus of analysis in structuralism?

Accepted Answer

The recurring use of symbols and motifs.

Answer

The relationship between characters.

Answer

The author's personal experiences and motivations.

Answer

The text's impact on readers.

Question 5

Identify the key concept that emphasizes the significance of a text's form over external influences?

Accepted Answer

Formalist approach

Answer

Extrinsic interpretation

Answer

Author-centered analysis

Answer

Historical contextualization

Question 6

Who is widely regarded as the pioneer of structuralism in literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Ferdinand de Saussure

Answer

Roland Barthes

Answer

Mikhail Bakhtin

Answer

Jacques Derrida

Question 7

Which theoretical movement served as the impetus for the emergence of post-structuralism?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Feminism

Answer

Formalism

Question 8

Which literary theory places primary emphasis on the power dynamics and ideological influences within literary texts?

Accepted Answer

Feminist criticism

Answer

Psychoanalytic criticism

Answer

New Historicism

Answer

Reader-response theory

Question 9

A deconstructive reading of a literary text is characterized by which of the following features?

Accepted Answer

Exploration of multiple and potentially conflicting meanings

Answer

Emphasis on the author's original intent

Answer

Identification of a single, definitive meaning

Answer

Use of traditional literary terminology

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT considered a fundamental principle of reader-response theory?

Accepted Answer

The text possesses a fixed and immutable meaning

Answer

The reader's experience is subjective and unique

Answer

The reader's background influences their interpretation

Answer

Multiple diverse responses are elicited by the text

Question 11

Which literary theory posits that the meaning of a text is not fixed and is produced by the interaction between the text and the reader?

Accepted Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 12

Post-structuralism emerged as a reaction against which literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Feminism

Question 13

Which literary theory explores the psychological motivations and unconscious processes that shape literary characters and narratives?

Accepted Answer

Psychoanalytic criticism

Answer

Marxist criticism

Answer

Gender criticism

Answer

Postcolonial criticism

Question 14

In Literary Theory, the term 'discourse' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ways in which language is used to construct knowledge and meaning

Answer

The structure and organization of a literary text

Answer

The author's intention and purpose

Answer

The reader's subjective response to a text

Question 15

According to structuralism, literary texts can be viewed as:

Accepted Answer

Self-contained systems of signs

Answer

Reflections of the author's personal experience

Answer

Products of their social and historical context

Answer

Windows into the universal human condition

Question 16

Which of the following is a central concept in post-structuralism?

Accepted Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Close reading

Answer

Biographical criticism

Answer

Feminist analysis

Question 17

Which literary theory is characterized by its attention to the author's intention and the historical context of the text?

Accepted Answer

New Criticism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Reader-Response Theory

Question 18

Reader-Response Theory emphasizes the:

Accepted Answer

Subjectivity of the reader's interpretation

Answer

Objectivity of the literary text

Answer

Author's dominant role in shaping meaning

Answer

Historical and social circumstances surrounding the creation of the text

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a tenet of Formalist theory?

Accepted Answer

Literature should reflect the author's autobiography.

Answer

The structure and form of a literary work are central to its meaning.

Answer

Literature should be analyzed objectively, without regard to the author's intention.

Question 20

Which literary theory emphasizes the connection between language, meaning, and societal structures?

Accepted Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Feminism

Question 21

A prominent feature of Post-structuralist theory is its:

Accepted Answer

Rejection of binary oppositions and a fixed, singular meaning.

Answer

Emphasis on the author's intention as the primary source of meaning.

Answer

Belief that literary works can be interpreted objectively.

Question 22

Which literary theory focuses on analyzing the representation of gender and power dynamics in literary texts?

Accepted Answer

Feminism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Question 23

One of the main limitations of Formalist literary analysis is its:

Accepted Answer

Potential neglect of the social and historical context of literary works.

Answer

Emphasis on the appreciation of literature's aesthetic qualities.

Answer

Ability to provide a complete and objective understanding of a text.

Question 24

A core concept in Structuralist theory is:

Accepted Answer

Binary oppositions

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Free association

Answer

Patriarchy

Question 25

A major contribution of Post-structuralism to literary criticism has been:

Accepted Answer

Challenging the notion of a fixed meaning and expanding possibilities for interpretation.

Answer

Reinforcing the importance of the author's intent.

Answer

Establishing a comprehensive and objective method for analyzing literary works.

Question 26

A key concept in Feminist theory is:

Accepted Answer

Patriarchy

Answer

Binary oppositions

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Autonomy

Question 27

In terms of their relationship, Post-structuralism can be described as:

Accepted Answer

A response to and a departure from Formalist ideas.

Answer

Unrelated and incompatible with Formalism.

Answer

A continuation and refinement of Formalist principles.

Question 28

One way literary theory can be useful in the classroom is by:

Accepted Answer

Fostering critical thinking and enhancing meaningful engagement with literature.

Answer

Replacing traditional methods of literary analysis and interpretation.