Literary Criticism and Theory: Enhance Your Literary Analysis Skills

Question 1

Which of the following is a key emphasis of post-structuralist literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

The fluidity of meaning and the deconstruction of binary oppositions

Answer

The author's intent as the sole determinant of meaning

Answer

The reader's interpretation as the primary source of meaning

Answer

The historical and cultural context as the primary lens for analysis

Question 2

According to post-structuralist literary theory, what is the primary influence on a text's meaning?

Accepted Answer

The reader's unique interpretation and interaction with the text

Answer

The author's original intent

Answer

The historical and cultural context surrounding the text's creation

Answer

The universal and objective truths contained within the text

Question 3

Which literary criticism approach emphasizes the reader's interpretation as the primary factor in determining a text's meaning?

Accepted Answer

Reader-response theory

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Question 4

Which critical approach places primary importance on the reader's interpretation of the text?

Accepted Answer

Reader-response theory

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Question 5

In literary theory, which approach focuses on analyzing a text's structure, language, and imagery, prioritizing the text's internal elements over external influences?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Post-colonialism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Reader-Response Criticism

Question 6

Which concept is **not** emphasized in post-structuralism?

Accepted Answer

Author's intention

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Intertextuality

Answer

Binary oppositions

Question 7

Which critical approach focuses on the detailed examination of a text's structure, including its imagery, diction, and organization?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 8

In structuralist literary criticism, what is considered the primary factor in determining a literary work's meaning?

Accepted Answer

The interactions of language, symbols, and literary elements within the work

Answer

The author's personal experiences

Answer

The work's connections to other literature and cultural contexts

Answer

The reader's individual interpretation and reaction to the work

Question 9

In Roland Barthes' structuralist theory, what is the primary determinant of a literary text's meaning?

Accepted Answer

The internal patterns and relationships within the text

Answer

The author's background and intentions

Answer

The historical context and circumstances

Answer

The reader's personal interpretation

Question 10

Which critical theory focuses on the power imbalances between colonizers and the colonized?

Accepted Answer

Postcolonialism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 11

In Marxist literary criticism, which element of literature is considered most influential?

Accepted Answer

The social and economic context of its creation

Answer

The author's personal psychology

Answer

Common human experiences across cultures

Answer

The structural and formal aspects of the text

Question 12

Which critical approach focuses primarily on analyzing a text's structure, imagery, and language?

Accepted Answer

Formalist Criticism

Answer

Marxist Criticism

Answer

Feminist Criticism

Answer

Structuralist Criticism

Question 13

Formalism, a critical approach to literature, emphasizes which of the following characteristics in literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

Close reading of the text

Accepted Answer

Analysis of the relationship between form and meaning

Answer

Consideration of historical and biographical context

Answer

Subjective and personal interpretation

Question 14

In formalism, the meaning of a text is primarily found within:

Accepted Answer

The text itself, independent of external influences

Answer

The author's personal intentions and experiences

Answer

The reader's subjective interpretations and emotions

Answer

Unconscious psychological processes revealed through symbolism

Question 15

In post-structuralist literary theory, which concept highlights the reader's role in creating meaning from a text?

Accepted Answer

Reader-response criticism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Author's intent

Answer

Intertextuality

Question 16

In Marxist literary criticism, which concept prioritizes the collective over the individual?

Accepted Answer

Class struggle

Answer

Individualism

Answer

Alienation

Answer

Ideology

Question 17

Which of the following is a key principle of post-structuralist criticism?

Accepted Answer

Meaning is created through diverse viewpoints and interpretations.

Answer

The author's intent solely determines a text's meaning.

Answer

Language clearly conveys meaning without ambiguity.

Answer

Literature mirrors reality, revealing universal truths.

Question 18

Formalism, in literary criticism, prioritizes which aspects of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic qualities, such as form, structure, and language

Answer

Extrinsic factors, such as the author's life and historical context

Answer

Thematic content and moral lessons

Answer

The reader's personal interpretation and reaction

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a primary critical approach to literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Psychology

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Deconstruction

Answer

Formalism

Question 20

In Structuralism, which concept emphasizes the text as a complete and independent entity?

Accepted Answer

The text is a self-contained entity.

Answer

The author's intention is the primary consideration.

Answer

The reader's interpretation is paramount.

Answer

The text mirrors the author's personal experiences.

Question 21

According to Marxist literary criticism, what is the primary factor influencing literature?

Accepted Answer

The economic and social context of its time

Answer

Its aesthetic value

Answer

The author's intention

Answer

Its potential for social change

Question 22

Which critical approach is renowned for analyzing the interplay between language, power dynamics, and ideology in literary texts?

Accepted Answer

Marxist Criticism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Reader-Response Theory

Question 23

In structuralism literary criticism, which principle is considered fundamental?

Accepted Answer

A text is a self-contained system of signs and structures.

Answer

The author's subjective intent is the primary factor in interpreting a text.

Answer

The reader's personal experiences and biases inevitably shape their understanding of a text.

Answer

The social and historical context of a text is crucial for comprehending its meaning.

Question 24

In literary analysis, formalism prioritizes which textual aspect?

Accepted Answer

Structure and form

Answer

Historical context

Answer

Author's intent

Answer

Social and economic factors

Question 25

Which concept is NOT a central tenet of Marxist literary criticism, which focuses on social dynamics and class conflict?

Accepted Answer

Individualism

Answer

Historical Materialism

Answer

Alienation

Answer

Ideology

Question 26

Which critical approach focuses on the formal elements of a literary work, such as its structure and language, and views it as independent of the author's intent or the reader's interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Answer

Reader-response theory

Question 27

In literary criticism, formalism focuses primarily on which aspect of a text?

Accepted Answer

Structure, language, and form

Answer

Plot and character development

Answer

Figurative language and imagery

Answer

Historical and cultural context

Question 28

Roland Barthes' concept of the 'death of the author' suggests that:

Accepted Answer

The author's intentions are irrelevant to interpreting a text.

Answer

The author is the sole authority on their work.

Answer

The author's personal history is crucial for understanding their writing.

Answer

The author's social and historical context is unimportant for interpreting their work.

Question 29

Which principle is central to New Criticism?

Accepted Answer

Examining the text's language and structure

Answer

Analyzing the author's life to interpret the text

Answer

Exploring the social and historical context of the text

Question 30

Which critical approach emphasizes analyzing a literary work within its historical and societal context, acknowledging its reflection of economic and political realities?

Accepted Answer

Marxism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Question 31

Which critical approach emphasizes the reader's subjective experiences and interpretations in literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

Reader-response theory

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Question 32

In psychoanalytic criticism, which concept delves into the hidden desires and motivations driving characters?

Accepted Answer

Oedipus complex

Answer

Marxist dialectic

Question 33

In post-structuralist literary theory, which factor is considered essential in shaping the meaning of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

The reader's active role in interpretation

Answer

The author's intent

Answer

The text's fixed and immutable meaning

Answer

The text's structural components

Question 34

In structuralism, how is meaning generated from a text?

Accepted Answer

Meaning is constructed through the relationships and patterns within the text's structure.

Answer

Meaning is determined by the author's personal history and experiences.

Answer

Meaning is derived solely from the literal interpretation of words.

Question 35

Which element is NOT a defining characteristic of Marxist literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

The author's personal background and creative intent

Answer

The interplay between economic structures and cultural expressions

Answer

The pervasive influence of ideology in shaping societal beliefs and values

Answer

The concept of alienation as a result of labor exploitation

Question 36

In formalism, what is considered the main source of meaning in a literary work?

Accepted Answer

The text itself

Answer

The author's background and historical context

Answer

The reader's personal experiences and interpretations

Question 37

Reader-response theory prioritizes which element in the meaning-making process?

Accepted Answer

Reader's interpretation as a crucial aspect of meaning creation

Answer

Author's sole authority in determining a text's meaning

Answer

Text's inherent meaning, independent of the reader

Answer

Historical and cultural context as the primary shaper of meaning

Question 38

According to structuralism, which element is crucial to a literary text's structure?

Accepted Answer

Binary oppositions

Answer

Sequence of events

Answer

Character interactions

Answer

Author's personal experiences

Question 39

Which principle is central to post-structural literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

Meaning emerges from the interplay of language, power dynamics, and social ideologies.

Answer

A literary text has a single, objective meaning.

Answer

The author's intention is the most important factor in determining a text's meaning.

Answer

The author's unconscious mind is the sole determinant of a text's interpretation.

Question 40

Which characteristic is central to post-structuralist literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

Meaning is fluid and subject to multiple interpretations.

Answer

Meaning in texts is fixed and unchanging.

Answer

The author's intention solely determines a text's meaning.

Answer

Language directly reflects reality.

Question 41

In literary criticism, discuss the ethical responsibilities of critics. How might biases, ideologies, and personal values influence their analysis and evaluation of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

Critics should be transparent about their biases and ideologies, and how these may shape their interpretations.

Answer

Literary criticism is subjective and free from ethical considerations.

Answer

Critics should prioritize their personal beliefs and values when interpreting literature.

Answer

Critics should refrain from taking ethical stances in their criticism.

Question 42

How can a reader's personal experiences and cultural background affect their understanding and evaluation of a literary work?

Accepted Answer

They can influence interpretation and evaluation regardless of the reader's awareness.

Answer

They have no impact.

Answer

They can influence interpretation but not evaluation.

Answer

They can influence interpretation and evaluation only if the reader is aware of them.

Question 43

Which core concept underpins formalism's approach to literary analysis?

Accepted Answer

The inherent unity and self-sufficiency of the artwork

Answer

The paramount importance of the author's intentions

Answer

The profound influence of the reader's subjective interpretations

Answer

The inseparable connection to the work's socio-historical context

Question 44

According to structuralism, a literary text can be understood as:

Accepted Answer

A self-contained system of interconnected signs and symbols

Answer

A reflection of the author's unconscious psychological processes

Answer

A product shaped entirely by its social and historical circumstances

Answer

A unique and unrepeatable experience for each individual reader

Question 45

According to structuralism, the meaning of a literary text is:

Accepted Answer

Inherent within the text itself, independent of external factors

Answer

Solely determined by the author's conscious intentions

Answer

Created solely by the reader's subjective interpretations

Answer

Dependent on the specific socio-historical context in which it was produced

Question 46

Post-structuralism argues that literary texts:

Accepted Answer

Are open to multiple, often contradictory interpretations

Answer

Possess a single, definitive meaning that can be objectively determined

Answer

Solely reflect the unconscious desires and motivations of the author

Answer

Are entirely shaped and determined by their social and historical context

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT a major critical approach to literature covered in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Neoclassicism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Question 48

Which critical approach prioritizes the inherent unity and structure of a literary text, disregarding external factors?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Feminism

Question 49

Which concept is fundamental to structuralist criticism?

Accepted Answer

Binary oppositions

Answer

Archetypal symbols

Answer

Subjective interpretation

Answer

Power dynamics

Question 50

Which critical approach deconstructs traditional binary oppositions and explores the fluidity of meaning?

Accepted Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Marxism

Question 51

A concept central to feminist literary criticism is:

Accepted Answer

The male gaze

Answer

The unconscious

Answer

The hero's journey

Answer

The sublime

Question 52

Which critical approach would be most suitable for analyzing recurring motifs and their significance in a literary text?

Accepted Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Reader-response theory

Question 53

Which critical approach would be most effective for analyzing a contemporary work of literature that challenges traditional narrative structures?

Accepted Answer

Post-structuralism

Answer

Formalism

Answer

Structuralism

Answer

Deconstruction

Question 54

How does the historical context of a literary work impact its interpretation?

Accepted Answer

It influences the themes and character development.

Accepted Answer

It sets the backdrop for the setting and plot.

Answer

It has no bearing on the work's meaning.

Question 55

Which of the following is NOT a core tenet of formalism in literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

Attention to the social and historical context surrounding literature

Answer

Emphasis on the examination of literary form detached from external influences

Answer

Objective and analytical study of literary texts

Answer

Identification of recurring patterns and structures within literary works

Question 56

Feminist literary criticism primarily centers on:

Accepted Answer

Examining representations of gender and women in literature

Answer

Analyzing the influence of class and race on literary production

Answer

Exploring the psychological motivations of literary characters

Answer

Tracing the evolution of literary genres throughout history

Question 57

Which concept is NOT central to Jacques Derrida's theory of deconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Authorial intention

Answer

Logocentrism

Answer

Binary oppositions

Answer

Subversion of meaning

Question 58

The New Historicist approach to literary analysis emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

Investigating the connections between literature and its historical context

Answer

Analyzing texts solely based on their intrinsic literary qualities

Answer

Focusing on the author's life story as the primary lens for interpreting literary meaning

Answer

Prioritizing the reader's subjective response as the ultimate source of interpretation

Question 59

The term 'intertextuality' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The dynamic relationship between a text and its literary precedents and influences

Answer

The direct inclusion of other texts within a literary work as a literary technique

Answer

The interplay of diverse voices and perspectives within a single text

Answer

The exclusive connection between a text and its immediate historical context

Question 60

Reader-Response Criticism finds its foundation in the belief that:

Accepted Answer

The reader's subjective experience is paramount in interpreting a literary work

Answer

New Criticism offers the most rigorous and objective approach to literary analysis

Answer

Marxist Criticism provides the most comprehensive framework for understanding literary texts

Answer

Structuralism unveils the underlying patterns and structures that govern literary works

Question 61

The 'affective fallacy' refers to the:

Accepted Answer

Error of evaluating a literary work based primarily on its emotional impact

Answer

Use of scientific methods to analyze literary texts

Answer

Employment of literary criticism for social and political activism

Answer

Interpretation of a literary text as a direct reflection of the author's personal experiences

Question 62

Which of the following is a central tenet of Formalism in literary criticism?

Accepted Answer

Interpretation of a text based solely on its own internal structure and form

Answer

Examination of the author's intent and biography in understanding a text

Answer

Exploration of the social and historical context that influences a text

Answer

Focus on the reader's subjective response and experience of a text

Question 63

Who is widely recognized as a leading figure in Structuralist literary theory?

Accepted Answer

Roland Barthes

Answer

Jacques Lacan

Answer

Michel Foucault

Answer

Julia Kristeva

Question 64

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of Post-Structuralist criticism?

Accepted Answer

Deconstruction of binary oppositions and the search for hidden meanings

Answer

Emphasis on the stability and objectivity of textual meaning

Answer

Focus on the author's conscious and unconscious intentions

Answer

Examination of the text as a reflection of the author's personal experiences