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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did Bataille write while he was working?
(a) Art criticism.
(b) Book reviews.
(c) A medieval romance.
(d) Articles on philosophy.

2. How do philosophers use natural forms, in "The Language of Flowers"?
(a) As metaphors for other natural forms.
(b) As symbols of sacred abstraction.
(c) As symbols for the experience and association of natural forms.
(d) As primitive forms of the things themselves.

3. What does Bataille say conspicuous consumption was used for?
(a) Attacking the inequalities in the economy.
(b) Destroying the foundation of wealth.
(c) Devaluing the trappings of wealth.
(d) Affirming the position of the rich.

4. How do the rats appear in "[Dream]"?
(a) Hanging by their tails.
(b) Swimming in the bilge.
(c) Scratching in the walls.
(d) Crawling in ditches.

5. What does Bataille say coitus is associated with, in "The Solar Anus"?
(a) Crime.
(b) Business.
(c) Prayer.
(d) Comedy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of eye does Victor Hugo describe in a poem Bataille cites?

2. How would you describe the images Bataille presents?

3. How does Bataille describe producing and selling in "The Use Value of D. A. F. de Sade"?

4. What description fits with the "Acephale" group?

5. What does Bataille remember his father spanking him with in "[Dream]"?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Bataille's involvement with the Popular Front.

2. What are the terrifying images in "[Dream]"?

3. What type of essay is "Formless"?

4. Describe the paradox at the heart of "Materialism".

5. How was Bataille's first book received?

6. Describe Bataille's schooling.

7. What was Bataille's relationship with Andrea Breton?

8. Describe Bataille's experience with psychoanalysis.

9. Describe the importance of myth in Bataille's writing and thinking.

10. Describe Bataille's birth and family origins.

(see the answer keys)

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