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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) Articles on philosophy.
(b) Book reviews.
(c) Art criticism.
(d) A medieval romance.

2. What interrupts the road in "[Dream]"?
(a) Rats and vermin.
(b) Children.
(c) Construction workers.
(d) Fishermen.

3. What is the benefit Bataille sees to having more than one meaning in his work?
(a) It gives a clearer statement of his thought.
(b) It keeps the reader uncomfortable.
(c) It demonstrates the impossibility of truth.
(d) It keeps all Bataille's options open.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bataille say about monsters in "The Deviations of Nature"?

2. What did Bataille describe in "The Lugubrious Game"?

3. Who introduced Bataille to surrealism?

4. What two stances did Bataille combine?

5. What did Bataille say about his book "W.C."?

Short Essay Questions

1. What distinguished the big toe in "The Big Toe"?

2. What does Bataille say about 'freaks' in "The Deviations of Nature"?

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

4. Describe the change in Bataille's early work to his more mature work and values.

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

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

7. How does self-mutilation in "Sacrificial Mutilation and the Severed Ear of Vincent Van Gogh" relate to Bataille's description of body parts in other essays.

8. What was Bataille's objection to Nietzsche?

9. Describe Bataille's experience with psychoanalysis.

10. What is Bataille's relationship with Hegel?

(see the answer keys)

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