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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. Readers often respond emotionally to a particular use of language due to _____________.

2. Interpretation is important in language because it can affect ______________.

3. Culler reports that some scholars are worried that isolation for readers may become __________.

4. In the West, most theorists believe language allows for _____________.

5. According to Ferdinand de Saussure, the elements of language become unique based on their _________.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is theory a difficult subject from which to obtain an absolute, according to Culler?

3. What is the goal of cultural studies?

4. What factors determine what will be read by a particular society?

5. According to Rousseau's argument, what does writing have the power to clarify?

6. According to the Western culture, what does language help to express?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, words can limit the ability of thought and, therefore, the reading experience.

1) What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

2) Who created it?

3) What are the implications of this theory, in terms of its impact upon classical literature?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Much English literature sought to control the masses and instill a sense of national pride. Create an argument for or against the following topic, citing specific examples from the text: Although literature sought to control the masses, this technique often backfired. Literature allowed the lower class to understand the difference in the class system. This instilled a desire for the lower class to obtain the same lifestyle as the upper class.

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