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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In English literature, many lead characters were written in order to inspire ______________.
(a) Sequels.
(b) Nostalgia.
(c) Empathy.
(d) Aspiration.

2. On a grand scale, scholars believe literature to have the capability to speak for __________.
(a) Society.
(b) Lawmakers.
(c) Students.
(d) All of these.

3. According to Chapter 4, what effect should the words have on the reader?
(a) A subliminal message.
(b) All of these.
(c) An effect on imagination.
(d) An emotional response.

4. In Chapter 2, what does fiction aim to achieve?
(a) A true account of historical moments.
(b) An accurate portrayal of emotions.
(c) A fictional relationship with God.
(d) A fictional relationship with the world.

5. According to Chapter 4, what is Hamlet about on a deeper level?
(a) The greed of lineage.
(b) The downfall of Rome.
(c) The collapse of Elizabethan England.
(d) Family betrayal.

6. Many theorists believe that understanding the meaning of words in a text is ___________.
(a) All of these.
(b) Complex.
(c) Interesting.
(d) Elusive.

7. Focault warned the masses to be wary of _________.
(a) Poets as prophets.
(b) Words as gospel.
(c) Reading as a hobby.
(d) Starving artists.

8. According to theorists, what will a reader not measure equally when it comes to Shakespeare versus a dime-store novel?
(a) Popular appeal.
(b) Moral.
(c) Expectations.
(d) Entertainment value.

9. Examining the time period prior to modern literature, in what fashion are these works of fiction analyzed for literary theory?
(a) Verbal analysis.
(b) Written analysis.
(c) Both written and verbal analysis.
(d) They are not analyzed.

10. In what century did Rousseau write?
(a) 12th century.
(b) 17th century.
(c) 19th century.
(d) 18th century.

11. Thanks to cultural studies, the literary canon has succeeded in _____________.
(a) Growing.
(b) All of these.
(c) Attracting new readers.
(d) Bringing in timely literature.

12. According to Ferdinand de Saussure, the elements of language become unique based on their _________.
(a) Function.
(b) Similarity to other elements.
(c) Popularity among speakers.
(d) Contrast against other elements.

13. Culler reports that cultural studies typically focus on the lifestyle of whom?
(a) Famous people.
(b) World travelers.
(c) Ordinary men.
(d) Scholars.

14. What, according to Culler, is unique about cultural studies?
(a) Its global acceptance.
(b) The absence of fact.
(c) Its dual nature.
(d) The disrespect for literature.

15. According to the majority of theorists, who has the power to determine what can be known as literature?
(a) Readers.
(b) Society.
(c) Scholars.
(d) Professors.

Short Answer Questions

1. What theory believes that language limits the ability to think?

2. According to Chapter 4, what is Hamlet about on a surface level?

3. What is the absolute, end result of theory, as expressed in Chapter 1, "What is Theory?"

4. Rousseau was concerned that what form of communication could be easily misinterpreted?

5. According to Chapter 3, what creates tension within cultural studies?

(see the answer keys)

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