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

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the majority of theorists, who has the power to determine what can be known as literature?

2. According to Chapter 4, how many specific elements do theorists analyze when considering a word in the text?

3. According to Culler, what do the authors of classical literature often hide within their words?

4. What literary approach begins a work with no preconceived ideas in an effort to discover its meaning?

5. In Chapter 1, "What is Theory?" Culler defines theory as the opportunity to __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 3, what are the two topics on which cultural studies and literary theory attempt to compromise?

2. According to Chapter 4, what does "reader-response" criticism depend upon?

3. What does literary theory work to uncover, according to Chapter 1?

4. Based on Chapter 1, what is the purpose of the critique that often comes from literary theory?

5. Theorists believe it is important to challenge ideas presented in literature for what reason?

6. Why is there concern that cultural study may surpass literary theory?

7. What is the goal of cultural studies?

8. In what way do word conventions vary globally?

9. According to Chapter 2, what style and subject make up literature?

10. According to Noam Chomsky, linguists help raise the quality of language for what purpose?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Literary theory is made up of works that strive to have an effect that stems beyond the basic story. Identify three examples of literary works that strove to be a part of literary theory. Determine whether or not this objective was achieved, citing examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

The purpose of literary theory is multifaceted yet does not always provide a conclusive result. Write an essay discussing:

1) The various facets of literary theory.

2) What literary theory aims to accomplish.

3) The end result of literary theory.

Essay Topic 3

According to Aristotle, three different plot points should appear in any good novel.

1) Identify these plot points.

2) Define these plot points.

3) Analyze why they are important to the structure of a novel.

(see the answer keys)

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