View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The novel Joseph Andrews is an adaptation of what novel?

2. Forster quotes George Meredith as saying we must live by the ___________ or the block.

3. Forster says an easy way to define any aspect of fiction is to consider what kind of ___________ it makes on the reader.

4. Forster wonders if there is any rhythm in novels comparable to ____________.

5. Who is the author of Zuleika Dobson?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does a Marcel Proust novel demonstrate the aspect of rhythm?

2. How does Forster distinguish between fantasy and prophecy as aspects of the novel?

3. What is Forster's opinion of readers who do not like fantasy?

4. Who does Forster classify as the prophet and the non-prophet in literature?

5. What does Forster say that the fantasy aspect of a novel requires from the reader?

6. Why does Forster refer to George Elliot as a preacher?

7. Why does Forster say that some authors are suited to writing parody or adaptations?

8. How does Forster describe the Dostoevsky character, Dmitri Karamazov?

9. What two qualities does Forster believe the aspect of prophecy demands from a reader?

10. What is the relationship between pattern and plot in a novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the difference between the life in time and the life by value? How does Forster illustrate this point through the work of Sir Walter Scott?

Essay Topic 2

Using references from literature, describe how all seven aspects present in a novel can lead to a transcendent experience for the reader. Which aspect offers the best vehicle to transcendence? Do you agree with Forster that transcendence is the mark of a truly exceptional novel?

Essay Topic 3

What are some of the flaws of Forster's arguments throughout the lecture series? Please use references to literature to substantiate the various points.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 668 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample