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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. What has literary theory helped add to the study of classics?

2. What is no longer demanded of cultural scholars?

3. What, according to Culler, is unique about cultural studies?

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

5. Culler reports that cultural studies typically focus on the lifestyle of whom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the theme of Goethe's work as discussed in "Chapter 1, What is Theory"?

2. Why is publishing considered a stamp of approval on a literary work?

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

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

5. How do literary theorists explain the procedure used by poetics?

6. According to Chapter 4, "Meaning and Interpretation," what does society have to do with the understanding of words?

7. In Chapter 2, why are the use of words and language so meaningful to literature?

8. What is the goal of cultural studies?

9. According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, what does language determine?

10. When was literature used in Britain to control the masses?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The use of the individual or the "I" as a focal point in literature causes alarm for some theorists, as some of them feel that the focus on the individual detracts from potential influence on a group mentality. Write an essay arguing for or against this concern, 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

Literary performatives shape the words and phrases used in literature and conversation. Write a brief essay supporting or refuting the following statement, citing examples from the text to support your theory: Literary performatives have the power to change the way society communicates.

(see the answer keys)

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