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

2. Culler reports that theory has the ability to undo which of the following?

3. What form of structuralism organizes culture into certain, rule-based practices?

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

5. For what types of literature has cultural studies gained new attention?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What types of writing topics have been used to create literary theory and why?

4. In what way do word conventions vary globally?

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

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

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

8. Compare the approach used by theorists when analyzing cultural studies versus literary theory.

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

10. What do theorists mean when they say that a reader is limited by his "horizon of expectations"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Literary performatives shape the use and meaning of language. Write an essay, examining the following:

1) What are the rules of literary performatives?

2) What is accomplished by literary performatives?

3) Why is the study of literary performatives significant to literature?

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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