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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. When did J.L. Austin define the distinction between the various forms of utterance?

2. What is a typical theme in literature?

3. According to Chapter 7, why can the study of utterances be confusing?

4. According to Culler, what attracts readers to a character?

5. The way the plot is presented is referred to as the ________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the ultimate goal of literary theory, according to "Chapter 8, Identity, Identification, and the Subject"?

2. Why do some theorists believe that popular characterizations in novels create bad influences?

3. In terms of the "I," what is the product of someone's core?

4. According to Chapter 6, from where does unreliable narration typically come?

5. What is first-person narration?

6. What is the role of the narrator limited?

7. How does a rhetorical figure use language in poetry?

8. According to Culler, how is rhetoric defined today?

9. During the Renaissance, what was the definition of rhetoric?

10. According to Chapter 8, in terms of the "I," what do literary theorists debate?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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