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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. Who wrote "Jane Eyre"?

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

3. Culler reports that people in the 19th century believed that the "true nature" of an individual could be found in his ___________.

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

5. According to Goethe, "life devoid of passion" is ___________.

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Culler believe that Shakespeare has remained widely read and discussed while other writers from that time period have not?

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

5. What is the goal of cultural studies?

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

7. Why did Foucault consider "The History of Sexuality" to be repressed?

8. According to Culler, what do most literary works resemble?

9. According to Chapter 3, how have cultural studies expanded the literary canon?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

For an author, the opportunity to be published is a hurdle to overcome when it comes to having a work declared literary. Why is publication so important to the literary process? Create an argument citing specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Within literature, there are several models of identity. Identify and analyze at least three models of identity, citing examples from the text.

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