View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Foucault's beliefs, what does society determine?

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

3. According to Foucault, what form of communication had power over social ideals?

4. According to Culler, what do literary theorists work to expose in literature?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. In what way do word conventions vary globally?

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

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

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

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

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

9. Does pop culture change the relevance of classical literature?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

According to Aristotle, three different plot points should appear in any good novel.

1) Identify these plot points.

2) Define these plot points.

3) Analyze why they are important to the structure of a novel.

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 636 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample