View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Bataille say his father looked like in "[Dream]"?
(a) A toad.
(b) A vulture.
(c) A house.
(d) A star.

2. For what field did Bataille go to school?
(a) Renaissance art critic.
(b) Medieval librarian.
(c) Philosopher.
(d) Writer.

3. What does Bataille compare roots to, in "The Language of Flowers"?
(a) Human bodies.
(b) Visible leaves.
(c) Corruption.
(d) Death.

4. How should materialism be disclaimed, in "Materialism"?
(a) By replacing idealism with matter.
(b) By including all idealism.
(c) By superseding idealism with dialogue.
(d) By excluding all idealism.

5. What form does Bataille take after being a boy in "[Dream]"?
(a) A priest.
(b) A butcher.
(c) An American gentleman.
(d) A girl.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bataille say conspicuous consumption was used for?

2. When did Bataille publish "W.C."?

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

4. What does Bataille say was the driving force beneath his heterodox theory?

5. What do flowers witness, in "The Language of Flowers"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Bataille's experience with psychoanalysis.

3. What claim did Bataille make in "The Lugubrious Game"?

4. Describe Bataille's religion in childhood.

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

6. How does the notion of parody apply to the sun in "The Solar Anus"?

7. What was Bataille's involvement with "Acephale"?

8. What is the value of Gnosticism in "Base Materialism and Gnosticism"

9. Describe Bataille's schooling.

10. How would you characterize Bataille's thoughts on society and economy?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 676 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample