American Realism and Naturalism: Explore the Major Works and Themes

Question 1

Which of the following novels by Theodore Dreiser exemplifies Naturalistic principles?

Accepted Answer

Sister Carrie

Answer

The Great Gatsby

Answer

Huckleberry Finn

Answer

The Scarlet Letter

Question 2

Which theme is commonly explored in Naturalist literature?

Accepted Answer

Both B and C

Answer

Struggle against societal pressures

Answer

Impact of environment on human behavior

Answer

Deterministic forces shaping human destiny

Question 3

A central characteristic of American Realism is its:

Accepted Answer

Accurate portrayal of ordinary life and contemporary society

Answer

Idealized characters and romanticized settings

Answer

Exploration of the supernatural and the fantastic

Answer

Use of intricate and allegorical language

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a prominent theme in American Naturalism?

Accepted Answer

Triumph of individualism and personal agency

Answer

Determinism and the influence of external forces

Answer

Social Darwinism and the struggle for survival

Answer

Environmental influence and the impact of setting

Question 5

Widely considered the "father of American Realism," which author is most closely associated with this literary movement?

Accepted Answer

William Dean Howells

Answer

Mark Twain

Answer

Henry James

Answer

Stephen Crane

Question 6

Which of the following novels best exemplifies the principles of American Naturalism?

Accepted Answer

McTeague

Answer

The Portrait of a Lady

Answer

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Answer

The Red Badge of Courage

Question 7

In American Realist literature, the use of local dialect and colloquial language serves to:

Accepted Answer

Enhance the authenticity of characters and their surroundings

Answer

Create a sense of alienation for readers unfamiliar with the language

Answer

Establish a historical distance between the reader and the characters

Answer

Demonstrate the author's exceptional command of language

Question 8

A key distinction between American Realism and Naturalism is:

Accepted Answer

Realism focuses on social commentary, while Naturalism prioritizes biological and environmental determinism

Answer

Realism employs symbolism, while Naturalism favors a literal and straightforward style

Answer

Realism celebrates the frontier, while Naturalism critiques its harsh realities

Answer

Realism depicts the supernatural, while Naturalism rejects it

Question 9

In American Naturalist literature, how do the principles of determinism and pessimism influence characterization and narrative structure?

Accepted Answer

Determinism restricts characters' choices, emphasizing their struggles against an unforgiving world, while pessimism highlights the futility of their efforts.

Answer

Determinism empowers characters to overcome obstacles, while pessimism fosters a sense of optimism.

Answer

Pessimism strengthens character development, while determinism limits narrative possibilities.

Answer

Determinism and pessimism have no impact on character portrayal or narrative development.

Question 10

Which characteristic is NOT associated with American Realism?

Accepted Answer

Idealized depiction of characters and situations

Answer

Focus on the details of ordinary life

Answer

Use of local color and dialect

Answer

Emphasis on social issues

Question 11

Which of the following techniques is commonly employed in Naturalist literature?

Accepted Answer

Determinism

Answer

Symbolism

Answer

Foreshadowing

Answer

Flashback

Question 12

Upton Sinclair's novel 'The Jungle' primarily explores the theme of:

Accepted Answer

The plight of the working class

Answer

The perils of industrialization

Answer

The significance of family

Answer

The beauty of the American wilderness

Question 13

Which of the following settings is commonly found in Naturalist novels?

Accepted Answer

Urban slums

Answer

Rural villages

Answer

Suburban neighborhoods

Answer

Historical battlefields

Question 14

In Naturalist literature, the author's primary role is to:

Accepted Answer

Remain detached and observe

Answer

Intervene and control the plot

Answer

Provide commentary and judgment

Answer

Create a hopeful and uplifting tone

Question 15

What is a key characteristic of American Realism?

Accepted Answer

Objective portrayal of reality

Answer

Emphasis on symbolism

Answer

Emotional language

Question 16

Within the context of American Naturalism, which of the following is **not** considered a factor that predetermines human behavior?

Accepted Answer

Free will

Answer

Biological factors (Heredity)

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Social and cultural influences

Question 17

Which of the following is a key characteristic of American Realism in literature?

Accepted Answer

Accurate and detailed portrayal of everyday life

Answer

Emphasis on imagination and fantasy

Answer

Exploration of abstract philosophical concepts

Answer

Idealized depictions of characters and settings

Question 18

A notable author associated with the American Naturalist movement is:

Accepted Answer

Theodore Dreiser

Answer

Nathaniel Hawthorne

Answer

Henry James

Answer

Walt Whitman

Question 19

Which of the following themes is NOT commonly explored in American Naturalism?

Accepted Answer

Transcendentalism

Answer

Determinism

Answer

Social Darwinism

Answer

Environmentalism

Question 20

A novel that exemplifies the unflinching realism of the American Naturalist movement is:

Accepted Answer

The Jungle

Answer

The Great Gatsby

Answer

Moby-Dick

Answer

The Scarlet Letter

Question 21

American Realism emphasized the use of:

Accepted Answer

Local dialect and colloquial speech patterns

Answer

Archaic and formal language

Answer

Elaborate metaphors and poetic language

Question 22

Which of the following techniques is a hallmark of Naturalism in literature?

Accepted Answer

Objective and detached narration, minimizing the author's voice

Answer

Subjective and emotional narration

Answer

Frequent use of flashbacks and foreshadowing

Question 23

American Realist writers often sought to:

Accepted Answer

Expose social problems and advocate for reform

Answer

Celebrate national identity and patriotism

Answer

Escape from the harsh realities of life

Answer

Evoke a sense of nostalgia for the past

Question 24

Naturalism emerged as a literary response to:

Accepted Answer

The rapid urbanization and industrialization of the late 19th century

Answer

The Romantic movement and its emphasis on emotion and imagination

Answer

The Civil War and its impact on American society

Answer

The American Revolution and its ideals of liberty and equality

Question 25

Which of the following is a major distinction between American Realism and American Naturalism?

Accepted Answer

Naturalism emphasizes the harsh realities of life, often depicting the struggles of the lower classes

Answer

Both movements use highly stylized and poetic language

Answer

Both movements depict ordinary characters and settings

Question 26

An important literary device employed by Naturalist writers is:

Accepted Answer

Irony, to highlight the contrast between expectations and reality

Answer

Metaphor, to create vivid and imaginative descriptions

Answer

Allusion, to draw parallels between past and present

Answer

Simile, to compare characters and events