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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. Literature, according to Culler, has the ability to do what for ideology?

2. What was Richard Rorty's area of expertise?

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

4. What theory believes that language limits the ability to think?

5. Why are cultural studies and literary theory not at odds with each other?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Modern Western literature can be traced back to what group and when?

3. What is the goal of cultural studies?

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. In what way do word conventions vary globally?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As time changes perspectives, many of the ideas that appear in literary theory from past centuries seem outdated. Yet, others have managed to remain relevant. Choose an example of literary theory that has held the test of time, citing support as to why this objective has been achieved.

Essay Topic 2

Literary theorists use poetics and hermeneutics to translate the meaning of a text. Write a brief essay examining these two methods and their function in understanding literature.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 576 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample