Literary Texts and Authors Flashcards
What is the central theme of ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
The American Dream, wealth, and social status in the 1920s.
What does ‘Moby-Dick’ by Herman Melville explore?
Themes of obsession cuz he just wants to find the whale, fate cuz we cant escape or chamge it, it is what it is , and humanity through Captain Ahab’s pursuit of the white whale.
What societal issues does ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain critique?
Societal norms, racism, and freedom along the Mississippi River.
What are the main themes of ‘The Scarlet Letter’ by Nathaniel Hawthorne?
Sin, guilt, and redemption set in Puritan New England.
Who is the protagonist in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger?
Holden Caulfield.
‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison addresses the legacy of _______.
[slavery]
‘The Grapes of Wrath’ by John Steinbeck deals with what historical context?
Economic hardship and family survival during the Great Depression.
What does ‘Invisible Man’ by Ralph Ellison explore?
Racial identity and the search for personal significance.
What is the central theme of ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck?
Friendship, dreams, and loneliness during the Great Depression.
‘Fahrenheit 451’ by Ray Bradbury is a dystopian novel about _______.
[censorship, loss of individuality, suppression of critical thought]
What does ‘Macbeth’ by William Shakespeare depict?
Ambition, guilt, and the corrupting power of unchecked desire.
‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare focuses on themes of _______.
[revenge, madness, consequences of indecision]
What themes are explored in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen?
Social class, marriage, and individual agency in 19th-century England.
‘Jane Eyre’ by Charlotte Brontë is a coming-of-age novel about _______.
[love, independence, personal growth]
‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley examines the consequences of _______.
[scientific overreach and the quest for knowledge]
What is the central conflict in ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Brontë?
Obsession and revenge in a dark love story.
‘1984’ by George Orwell critiques _______.
[government control, surveillance, totalitarianism]
What does ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens explore?
Social class, personal development, and the effects of ambition.
‘Dracula’ by Bram Stoker examines _______.
[the nature of evil and the supernatural]
‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde is about _______.
[vanity, moral corruption, pursuit of eternal youth]
‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allan Poe deals with themes of _______.
[grief, loss, madness]
‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ by William Wordsworth celebrates _______.
[nature’s restorative power]
‘Ozymandias’ by Percy Bysshe Shelley reflects on _______.
[the transient nature of power and human achievement]
‘The Waste Land’ by T.S. Eliot is a modernist poem that explores _______.
[fragmentation, disillusionment, spiritual decay of society]
‘Ode to a Nightingale’ by John Keats examines the tension between _______.
[the real world and the ideal]
‘How Do I Love Thee?’ by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a famous _______.
[sonnet expressing love and devotion]
‘Because I Could Not Stop for Death’ by Emily Dickinson personifies _______.
[death and reflects on life and the afterlife]
‘Song of Myself’ by Walt Whitman celebrates _______.
[individuality and the interconnectedness of life]
‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez is a landmark work of _______.
[magic realism]
‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe addresses the clash between _______.
[traditional African culture and British colonialism]
‘The Brothers Karamazov’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky explores themes of _______.
[morality, faith, nature of human existence]
‘The Stranger’ by Albert Camus is about _______.
[existentialism, absurdity, alienation of modern life]
‘Crime and Punishment’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky is a psychological novel about _______.
[guilt, redemption, moral dilemmas]
‘Don Quixote’ by Miguel de Cervantes follows the adventures of _______.
[a delusional knight]
‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer are epic poems that explore _______.
[heroism, fate, will of the gods]
‘The Aeneid’ by Virgil tells the story of _______.
[Aeneas’s journey and the founding of Rome]
‘The Tale of Genji’ by Murasaki Shikibu explores _______.
[the life of the noble Genji and complexities of love and power]
‘Les Misérables’ by Victor Hugo examines _______.
[justice, morality, redemption in post-revolutionary France]
‘The Road’ by Cormac McCarthy is a dystopian novel about _______.
[survival, love, despair in a post-apocalyptic world]
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood critiques _______.
[patriarchy and totalitarianism]
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee addresses _______.
[racial injustice and morality in the American South]
‘Slaughterhouse-Five’ by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical novel about _______.
[the absurdity of war]
‘Bridge to Terabithia’ by Katherine Paterson is about _______.
[friendship, imagination, and loss]
‘The Outsiders’ by S.E. Hinton explores themes of _______.
[social class differences, identity, teenage rebellion]
‘The Giver’ by Lois Lowry focuses on a society that eliminates _______.
[memories and emotions]
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ by J.K. Rowling follows _______.
[Harry Potter through his magical education]
‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar is a coming-of-age story about _______.
[Stanley Yelnats uncovering family secrets]
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ by Madeleine L’Engle blends _______.
[space, time, and family themes]
‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins critiques _______.
[power and inequality]
‘The Call of the Wild’ by Jack London tells the story of _______.
[Buck, a dog forced to survive in the wild]
‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E.B. White is about a friendship between _______.
[a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte]
‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green is a contemporary romance about _______.
[two teenagers meeting at a cancer support group]
‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller is set during _______.
[the Salem witch trials]
‘A Separate Peace’ by John Knowles explores _______.
[friendship, rivalry, and loss during World War II]
‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell critiques _______.
[the rise of totalitarianism]
‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding examines _______.
[human nature and the collapse of society]
‘The Hobbit’ by J.R.R. Tolkien follows _______.
[Bilbo Baggins on his journey through Middle-earth]
‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost reflects on _______.
[choices, paths, and their consequences]
‘Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night’ by Dylan Thomas is about _______.
[defiance against death]
‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnett is about _______.
[the transformation of a lonely girl through a hidden garden]
‘The Color Purple’ by Alice Walker focuses on the struggles of _______.
[African-American women in early 20th-century America]
‘The House on Mango Street’ by Sandra Cisneros reflects on _______.
[identity and community of a young Latina girl]
‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio tells the story of a boy with a _______.
[facial deformity navigating middle school]
‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe explores the impacts of _______.
[colonialism on traditional Igbo society]
‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a philosophical novella about _______.
[a young prince traveling and learning about love and human nature]
‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank offers a powerful voice of _______.
[resilience and hope during the Holocaust]
‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini explores themes of _______.
[friendship, betrayal, redemption]
‘A Raisin in the Sun’ by Lorraine Hansberry addresses _______.
[the struggles of a working-class African-American family]
‘Death of a Salesman’ by Arthur Miller explores the concept of _______.
[the American Dream]
‘Waiting for Godot’ by Samuel Beckett is a play about _______.
[existentialism and the absurdity of life]
What is Beowulf considered in literature?
The archetypical Anglo-Saxon work and a cornerstone of modern literature.
Originally an oral tradition before being written down around 700 AD.
What are the main themes of Beowulf?
- Heroism
- The heroic code
- Fate
- Divine intervention
Blends Pagan and Christian themes.
Who authored Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
The Gawain poet (also called the Pearl poet).
Part of the Medieval Romance Tradition.
What challenge does Sir Gawain accept from the Green Knight?
To strike him with the promise that the Green Knight will return the favor a year later.
What are the key themes in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
- Chivalry
- Loyalty
- Honor
- Testing one’s integrity
Who is the author of Things Fall Apart?
Chinua Achebe.
What significant historical context does Things Fall Apart explore?
The fall of the Igbo culture due to the arrival of Christian missionaries.
What are the major themes in Things Fall Apart?
- The struggle between change and tradition
- Masculinity
- Cultural differences
- Colonialism
What is the focus of A Death in the Family?
A boy’s relationship with his father and the death of a loved one.
Who is Chinua Achebe?
A prominent Nigerian author known for addressing colonialism and its effects on African societies.
What notable movement did Chinua Achebe support during the Nigerian Civil War?
The Biafran independence movement.
What is James Agee known for?
His semi-autobiographical work A Death in the Family, which won a posthumous Pulitzer Prize.
What is the primary focus of Little Women?
The lives of four sisters (Amy, Jo, Beth, Meg) in 19th-century New England.
What themes are explored in Little Women?
- Family
- Love
- Personal growth
- Social expectations
Who wrote I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
Maya Angelou.
What are the key themes in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?
- Identity
- Resilience
- The struggle against oppression
What is the main plot of Pride and Prejudice?
The struggles of Elizabeth Bennet with social expectations and her journey towards self-awareness.
What themes are central to Pride and Prejudice?
- Social class
- Marriage
- Morality
- The search for self-knowledge
Who is the author of Go Tell It On the Mountain?
James Baldwin.
What is the focus of Go Tell It On the Mountain?
John Grimes’ coming-of-age and his religious crisis.
What are the main themes in Go Tell It On the Mountain?
- Religion
- Identity
- Family conflict
- Racial issues in the U.S.
What is the main subject of Waiting for Godot?
Two characters waiting for a figure (Godot) who may never arrive.
What themes are explored in Waiting for Godot?
- Existentialism
- The futility of life
- The cyclical nature of human existence
Who wrote The Adventures of Augie March?
Saul Bellow.
What are the major themes in The Adventures of Augie March?
- Alienation
- Belonging
- Love
- Loss
What is the focus of The Life of Samuel Johnson?
A renowned biography considered one of the greatest in the English language.
Who is the author of Fahrenheit 451?
Ray Bradbury.
What are the key themes in Fahrenheit 451?
- Censorship
- Knowledge vs. ignorance
- The role of mass culture
What is the primary focus of In Reference to her Children?
Reflections on motherhood and family.
Who is the author of ‘In Reference to Her Children’?
Anne Bradstreet
Anne Bradstreet is recognized as the first notable American poet.
What genre does ‘In Reference to Her Children’ belong to?
Poetry
What themes does Anne Bradstreet explore in ‘In Reference to Her Children’?
Sorrow, mourning, love, grief, and religious perspective on death
Who wrote ‘Jane Eyre’?
Charlotte Brontë
What is the genre of ‘Jane Eyre’?
Gothic novel, Bildungsroman
What are the main themes in ‘Jane Eyre’?
Class, gender, independence, societal expectations
What significant aspect is highlighted in ‘Jane Eyre’?
Feminist work with strong social commentary
What years did Charlotte Brontë live?
1816–1855
What is Charlotte Brontë best known for?
Writing ‘Jane Eyre’
What genre does ‘Wuthering Heights’ belong to?
Gothic novel
What is the central story of ‘Wuthering Heights’?
The tragic love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff
What themes are explored in ‘Wuthering Heights’?
Obsessive love, social class, revenge
Who is the author of ‘Wuthering Heights’?
Emily Brontë
What is Elizabeth Barrett Browning known for?
Her poetry during the Victorian era
What themes are prevalent in Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s works?
Love, social injustice, personal suffering
Who is known as the national poet of Scotland?
Robert Burns
What years did Robert Burns live?
1759–1796
What is a significant aspect of Robert Burns’ writing?
Use of Scottish dialect and folk traditions
What genre does ‘The Stranger’ belong to?
Existentialist fiction
What is the main character’s name in ‘The Stranger’?
Meursault
What philosophical theme is central to ‘The Stranger’?
The absurd
Who authored ‘The Stranger’?
Albert Camus
What genre does ‘Death Comes for the Archbishop’ belong to?
Historical fiction
What themes are explored in ‘Death Comes for the Archbishop’?
Faith, sacrifice, cultural challenges
Who wrote ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
Geoffrey Chaucer
What is the genre of ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
Narrative poem
What is the significance of ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
Sharp social commentary and use of English vernacular
What era is Geoffrey Chaucer associated with?
14th century
What is the central focus of ‘The Cherry Orchard’?
A Russian aristocratic family’s loss of their estate
Who is the author of ‘The Cherry Orchard’?
Anton Chekhov
What genre does ‘The Awakening’ belong to?
Novel
What is the main character’s name in ‘The Awakening’?
Edna Pontellier
What themes are central to ‘The Awakening’?
Marital dissatisfaction, freedom, self-fulfillment
Who wrote ‘The Awakening’?
Kate Chopin
What year was ‘The Blue Cat of Castle Town’ published?
1950
What genre does ‘The Blue Cat of Castle Town’ belong to?
Children’s literature
What is Samuel Taylor Coleridge known for?
Poems like ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ and ‘Kubla Khan’
What genre does ‘Heart of Darkness’ belong to?
Novella
What themes are explored in ‘Heart of Darkness’?
Colonialism, civilization, darkness within humanity
Who is the author of ‘Heart of Darkness’?
Joseph Conrad
What is the central story of ‘The Last of the Mohicans’?
The adventures of Natty Bumppo during the French and Indian War
Who wrote ‘The Last of the Mohicans’?
James Fenimore Cooper
What genre does ‘The Red Badge of Courage’ belong to?
War novel
What themes are explored in ‘The Red Badge of Courage’?
Courage, fear, personal growth during wartime
Who is the author of ‘The Red Badge of Courage’?
Stephen Crane
What is the central theme in ‘The Story of an Hour’?
Marriage, freedom, identity
Who wrote ‘The Story of an Hour’?
Kate Chopin
Who was the first notable American poet and the first woman to be published in colonial America?
Anne Bradstreet
English-American writer known for her poetry.
What is ‘Jane Eyre’ and who wrote it?
‘Jane Eyre’ is a Gothic novel by Charlotte Bronte, published in 1847.
What genre does ‘Jane Eyre’ belong to?
Gothic novel
It includes elements of social criticism and features a strong, independent female protagonist.
What are the main themes explored in ‘Jane Eyre’?
- Class roles
- Gender roles
- Religious roles
The protagonist challenges societal norms.
Who is Mr. Brocklehurst in ‘Jane Eyre’?
The hypocritical headmaster of Lowood School.
What tragic event happens at Lowood School?
An epidemic that claims the life of Helen Burns, a dear friend of the protagonist.
What is the relationship between Jane Eyre and Rochester?
Jane becomes the governess at Thornfield and falls in love with Rochester.
What shocking revelation occurs about Rochester?
He is already married to a woman who has gone mad.
What happens to Thornfield in ‘Jane Eyre’?
It is burned down by Rochester’s mad wife, Bertha.
What is the outcome of Jane and Rochester’s relationship?
They marry and live happily ever after.
Who is Charlotte Bronte?
An English novelist known for ‘Jane Eyre’ and her feminist views.
What significant issues did Charlotte Bronte face in her lifetime?
Lack of success in her career due to being a woman.
What is ‘Wuthering Heights’ and who wrote it?
‘Wuthering Heights’ is a novel by Emily Bronte, published in 1847.
What narrative style does ‘Wuthering Heights’ employ?
Frame story
Involves multiple narrators, including Lockwood and Nelly Dean.
Who is Heathcliff in ‘Wuthering Heights’?
An orphan raised by Mr. Earnshaw who seeks revenge after being mistreated.
What happens to Catherine Earnshaw in ‘Wuthering Heights’?
She marries another man, causing Heathcliff great despair.
What is the primary conflict in ‘Wuthering Heights’?
The passionate but doomed love between Catherine and Heathcliff.
Who is Elizabeth Barrett Browning?
A prominent poet of the Victorian Era.
What is Robert Burns known for?
Being the national poet of Scotland and a pioneer of the Romantic movement.
Name a famous poem written by Robert Burns.
‘Auld Lang Syne’
Other notable works include ‘A Red, Red Rose’ and ‘To a Mouse’.
What is ‘The Stranger’ and who wrote it?
‘The Stranger’ is a novel by Albert Camus, published in 1942.
What philosophical view does ‘The Stranger’ illustrate?
Absurdism
Reflects on the aimless life of the protagonist, Meursault.
What event triggers the main conflict in ‘The Stranger’?
Meursault shoots the brother of Raymond’s mistress.
What is the fate of Meursault at the end of ‘The Stranger’?
He is sentenced to execution and accepts the ‘gentle indifference of the world’.
What is the subject of ‘Death Comes for the Archbishop’?
The establishment of a Catholic diocese in New Mexico Territory.
Who wrote ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
Geoffrey Chaucer.
What is the narrative structure of ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
Stories of 12 pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket.
What literary form is primarily used in ‘The Canterbury Tales’?
Verse
Some stories are written in prose.
What is ‘The Cherry Orchard’ about?
A Russian estate facing sale due to debt.
Who is the author of ‘The Awakening’?
Kate Chopin.
What themes does ‘The Awakening’ explore?
- Women’s aspirations
- Adultery
- Suicide
What is the significance of the title ‘The Red Badge of Courage’?
It symbolizes the desire for validation through war wounds.
Who is the main character in ‘The Red Badge of Courage’?
Henry Fleming.
What is ‘Heart of Darkness’ about?
A journey down the Congo River reflecting on colonialism.
Who wrote ‘Heart of Darkness’?
Joseph Conrad.
What major conflict is faced by characters in ‘Heart of Darkness’?
The conflict between their civilized identity and the temptation of moral abandonment.
What does Dante’s ‘Inferno’ depict?
A journey through hell with Virgil, illustrating the consequences of sin.
What are the nine circles of hell in Dante’s ‘Inferno’?
- Limbo
- Lust
- Gluttony
- Greed
- Anger
- Heresy
- Violence
- Fraud
- Treachery
Who are the three souls punished in the lowest circle of Dante’s ‘Inferno’?
Lucifer, Judas, and Brutus.
What is Dante’s full name?
Dante Alighieri.
What is ‘Don Quixote’?
‘Don Quixote’ is a 1605 Spanish novel inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’s life, featuring a middle-aged protagonist obsessed with chivalric ideals who sets out on adventures with his squire, Sancho Panza.
Who is Miguel de Cervantes?
Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) is a Spanish writer best remembered for ‘Don Quixote’, which satirizes chivalry and influenced the development of the novel form.
What is the plot of ‘Robinson Crusoe’?
‘Robinson Crusoe’ tells the story of a man shipwrecked on an island, where he lives for over 20 years, fending off cannibals and creating a pleasant life for himself.
Who wrote ‘Robinson Crusoe’?
Daniel Defoe, an English novelist of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, created ‘Robinson Crusoe’, which comments on survival in the 18th century.
What themes are explored in Charles Dickens’s works?
Charles Dickens’s novels illuminate the enormous inequities of class in 19th century England, depicting the struggles of the lower classes.
What is ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ about?
‘A Tale of Two Cities’ is a 1859 novel by Charles Dickens set during the French Revolution, focusing on a love triangle and themes of sacrifice and redemption.
Who is Oliver Twist?
Oliver Twist is a character from one of Charles Dickens’s most famous novels, which raised issues about workhouse conditions and led to reform.
What is the story of ‘David Copperfield’?
‘David Copperfield’ follows a boy who overcomes a poverty-stricken childhood and personal challenges to find success as a writer.
Who is Emily Dickinson?
Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was a reclusive poet known for her transcendentalist themes and use of slant rhyme in over 1700 poems, of which only 7 were published during her lifetime.
What is ‘Crime and Punishment’ about?
‘Crime and Punishment’ is a novel by Dostoyevsky that explores the psychological turmoil of Raskolnikov, a poor student who commits murder.
What is ‘Notes from Underground’?
‘Notes from Underground’ is a psychological novel by Dostoyevsky that presents the confessions of an unnamed narrator, exploring themes of free will and alienation.
Who is Fyodor Dostoyevsky?
Fyodor Dostoyevsky was a troubled Russian author known for his deep psychological insights and exploration of social and religious issues in works like ‘Crime and Punishment’.
What is ‘Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass’?
The autobiography of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, published in 1845, recounts his life from childhood to his escape from slavery.
Who was Frederick Douglass?
Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) was an American abolitionist and writer who escaped slavery and became a leading spokesperson for African American rights.
What is ‘An American Tragedy’ about?
‘An American Tragedy’ by Theodore Dreiser follows Clyde Griffiths as he navigates societal issues and ultimately faces the consequences of his actions.
Who is Theodore Dreiser?
Theodore Dreiser was a pioneer of naturalism in American literature, known for his realistic portrayal of life and the struggles of his characters.
Who is John Dryden?
John Dryden was an English poet, critic, and playwright of the Restoration period, known for his public themes and establishment of the heroic couplet.
What is ‘The Three Musketeers’ about?
‘The Three Musketeers’ is a novel by Alexandre Dumas about a young nobleman, d’Artagnan, who befriends three musketeers and embarks on adventures.
Who is Alexandre Dumas?
Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) was a French writer known for his historical novels, including ‘The Three Musketeers’ and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’.
What is ‘The Mill on the Floss’ about?
‘The Mill on the Floss’ by George Eliot follows Maggie Tulliver as she navigates her relationships and familial duties.
Who is George Eliot?
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Anne Evans (1819-1880), was a British writer known for her realistic analysis of Victorian society.
What is ‘The Wasteland’?
‘The Wasteland’ is a 1922 poem by T.S. Eliot that contrasts modern spiritual bankruptcy with past values, marking a foundation of modernist poetry.
Who is T.S. Eliot?
T.S. Eliot was an American poet and playwright who became a British citizen and won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
What is ‘Invisible Man’ about?
‘Invisible Man’ is a 1952 novel by Ralph Ellison that explores the struggles of a black narrator seeking identity in an oppressive society.
What is ‘Self-Reliance’?
‘Self-Reliance’ is an essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson that emphasizes the importance of individual thought and the rejection of conformity.
Who is Ralph Waldo Emerson?
Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American transcendentalist who advocated for self-reliance and individualism, influencing American thought.
What is ‘As I Lay Dying’ about?
‘As I Lay Dying’ is a 1930 novel by William Faulkner that follows a family’s journey to bury their deceased matriarch, exploring themes of grief and community.
What is ‘The Sound and the Fury’?
‘The Sound and the Fury’ is a 1929 novel by William Faulkner that tells the story of a Southern family’s decline through multiple perspectives.
What is the central theme of ‘The Sound and the Fury’?
It centers on the Compson family, a wealthy family who over a period of years fall into financial and personal ruin.
Who is the narrator of the first section of ‘The Sound and the Fury’?
The first section is narrated by a mentally disabled narrator named Benjy.
What is Quentin Compson obsessed with in ‘The Sound and the Fury’?
He is obsessed by questions of Southernness and the downfall of the American South.
What tragic event occurs involving Quentin Compson?
He commits suicide to escape the torments of his own thoughts.
What is the significance of Caddy naming her daughter Quentin?
Caddy names her daughter after her brother, Quentin, who committed suicide.
What is the plot of ‘Tom Jones’ by Henry Fielding?
It tells the story of an orphan who travels all over England to win the hand of his lady.
Who raises Tom Jones in ‘Tom Jones’?
Tom Jones is raised by Alworthy, who also raises his nephew, Blif.
What is the main theme of ‘This Side of Paradise’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald?
It depicts the revolution in manners and morals during the Jazz Age, especially among young people.
What is the setting of ‘The Great Gatsby’?
It takes place from spring to autumn, 1922, during the Roaring Twenties.
What does Gatsby’s story represent in ‘The Great Gatsby’?
It depicts the decline of the American Dream in the 1920s and the hollowness of the upper class.
What does Daisy say about being a fool in ‘The Great Gatsby’?
I hope she’ll be a fool - that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful fool.
This quote offers a revealing glimpse into Daisy’s character.
What is the main plot of ‘Madame Bovary’ by Gustave Flaubert?
The title character seeks happiness in an adulterous relationship and ultimately commits suicide.
What drives Emma Bovary to her tragic end in ‘Madame Bovary’?
She is driven to suicide by her unfulfilled desires and the constraints of her marriage.
What literary technique is used in ‘The Good Soldier’ by Ford Madox Ford?
The novel is narrated in a non-chronological order, using flashbacks.
What is the central conflict in ‘A Passage to India’?
Aziz is accused of raping Adela Quested, which alters his view of the British.
What is ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ about?
It chronicles the life of Anne Frank while she was in hiding during the Nazi occupation.
What happened to Anne Frank’s family during the Holocaust?
The family was apprehended in 1944, and Anne ultimately died of typhus in a concentration camp.
What is the main theme of ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ by Charlotte Perkins Gilman?
It is a satire against medical practices and conventions of marriage and gender roles.
What is the central conflict in Goethe’s ‘Faust’?
Faust makes a pact with the devil to gain knowledge, leading to tragic consequences.
What does ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’ explore?
It explores themes of individualism and the tragic consequences of unrequited love.
What is ‘Lord of the Flies’ about?
It tells the story of English boys marooned on an island who descend into savagery.
What influenced William Golding’s view of humanity?
His experiences in World War II profoundly affected his view of humanity and its evils.
What is the significance of Alex Haley’s ‘Roots’?
It traces his family’s history back to his ancestor, Kunta Kinte, combining fact and fiction.
What is the title of the first play by an African-American woman performed on Broadway?
A Raisin in the Sun
Written by Lorraine Hansberry in 1959, it addresses themes of discrimination and racial stereotyping.
Who is the author of A Raisin in the Sun?
Lorraine Hansberry
An African American playwright who lived from 1930 to 1965.
What major themes does A Raisin in the Sun explore?
- Discrimination
- Poverty
- Racial stereotyping
What is the significance of the title ‘A Raisin in the Sun’?
It comes from Langston Hughes’ poem ‘Harlem’ (often called ‘A Dream Deferred’).
What is the main plot of Tess of the d’Urbervilles?
It follows Tess, a young woman who is victimized by social morality and faces numerous tragedies in her life.
Who wrote Tess of the d’Urbervilles?
Thomas Hardy
The novel was published in 1891 and discusses themes of social class and morality.
What happens to Tess after she marries Angel?
Angel cannot forgive Tess for her past with Alec, leading to her struggles and eventual tragedy.
What is the central conflict in The Scarlet Letter?
Hester Prynne’s struggle with her identity and societal judgment after being convicted of adultery.
Who is the author of The Scarlet Letter?
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Published in 1850, it is set in Colonial America.
What does the scarlet letter ‘A’ symbolize in The Scarlet Letter?
Adultery and the societal punishment for sin.
What literary movement is Nathaniel Hawthorne associated with?
Romanticism/Dark Romanticism
His works often explore themes of guilt, sin, and the human condition.
What is the main theme of Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘Blackberry Picking’?
The loss of innocence and the inevitability of change.
What does the term ‘Catch-22’ refer to?
Any absurd arrangement that puts a person into a double bind.
Who wrote Catch-22?
Joseph Heller
The novel was published in 1961 and critiques the absurdities of war.
What is the main plot of A Farewell to Arms?
The love story between Lieutenant Frederic Henry and nurse Catherine Barkley during WWI.
Who is the author of A Farewell to Arms?
Ernest Hemingway
The novel reflects Hemingway’s experiences during World War I.
What happens to Catherine Barkley in A Farewell to Arms?
She dies during childbirth after complications.
What is the significance of The Iliad?
It is an epic poem that retells the events of the Trojan War.
Who wrote The Iliad?
Homer
An ancient Greek poet believed to have lived between 850 and 700 B.C.E.
What is the main theme of The Odyssey?
The adventures of Odysseus during his return home from the Trojan War.
What is the setting of The Hunchback of Notre Dame?
Medieval Paris
Written by Victor Hugo in the 17th century.
What are the main themes in Their Eyes Were Watching God?
- Self-discovery
- Oppression
- Individuality
Who is the author of Their Eyes Were Watching God?
Zora Neale Hurston
A key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.
What is the main conflict faced by Janie Crawford in Their Eyes Were Watching God?
Her struggle between societal expectations and her personal desires.
What is the primary theme of Brave New World?
The loss of humanity in a technologically advanced society.
Who wrote Brave New World?
Aldous Huxley
Published in 1932, it critiques modern social developments.
What does Nora’s journey in A Doll’s House symbolize?
A woman’s struggle for self-identity against societal constraints.
Who is the author of A Doll’s House?
Henrik Ibsen
A Norwegian playwright known for his focus on social issues.
What is the main plot of The Portrait of a Lady?
Isabel Archer’s struggle with her freedom and the consequences of her choices in marriage.
Who wrote The Portrait of a Lady?
Henry James
Considered James’s greatest achievement.
Who is Henry James?
American writer who lived in England and wrote numerous novels exploring the conflict between American innocence and European sophistication.
What is the significance of the novel ‘Washington Square’?
‘Washington Square’ is one of Henry James’s famous works that deals with psychological motivations of characters.
What theme does ‘The Turn of the Screw’ explore?
It involves intentional ambiguity and psychological realism.
What is ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ about?
It is a semi-autobiographical novel by James Joyce that details the early life of Stephen Dedalus and his struggles with faith and nationality.
Which literary technique is prominently used in ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’?
Stream of consciousness.
Who is the protagonist in ‘The Metamorphosis’?
Gregor Samsa, a salesman who wakes up transformed into a giant insect.
What does Gregor Samsa’s transformation symbolize?
The psychological terror and alienation of individuals.
What is the main theme of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’?
Racial inequality and moral growth.
Who is the author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’?
Harper Lee.
What type of novel is ‘The Screwtape Letters’?
A series of letters between a senior demon and a junior tempter.
Who wrote ‘The Giver’?
Lois Lowry.
What is the central setting of ‘The Magic Mountain’?
A sanatorium in the Swiss Alps.
What does the character Hans Castorp represent in ‘The Magic Mountain’?
The frivolous behavior of Europeans on the brink of war.
What is the significance of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’?
It tells the multi-generational story of the Buendia family set in the fictional town of Macondo.
What genre does ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ fall under?
Magic realism.
What is the main conflict in ‘The Call of the Wild’?
A tame dog named Buck reverts to his original wild instincts.
Who is the author of ‘The Call of the Wild’?
Jack London.
What does the character Bartleby refuse to do in ‘Bartleby the Scrivener’?
He refuses to do anything beyond copying documents, famously stating ‘I would prefer not to.’
What does Bartleby’s character represent in Melville’s story?
The struggle against societal expectations and the nature of inaction.
What significant event happens to Bartleby at the end of the story?
He dies of starvation after refusing to eat.
Fill in the blank: The author of ‘Babbitt’ is _______.
Sinclair Lewis.
What is the main theme of Sinclair Lewis’s ‘Babbitt’?
A satire on the American middle class.
What does ‘The Woman Warrior’ blend together?
Autobiography with ancient Chinese folk tales.
What is the main focus of Maxine Hong Kingston’s ‘The Woman Warrior’?
The experiences of Chinese-American women.
What does ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ involve?
A journey through space to rescue a father.
What is the narrative style of ‘The Magic Mountain’?
Explores competing views on politics and culture.
Who is the protagonist in ‘The Giver’?
Jonas.
Who is the narrator of the short story by Herman Melville?
The Lawyer
The story is narrated by a character known simply as the Lawyer.
What happens to Bartleby in the story?
Bartleby dies of starvation
He apparently chose not to eat.
What does the narrator reflect about dead letters?
They would make anyone sink into an even darker gloom
Dead letters symbolize a man’s morality and the failures of his best intentions.
What could Bartleby symbolize in the story?
An imprisoned citizen in a harsh, capitalist society
He might also represent mental illness or depression.
What is ‘Moby-Dick’ considered to be?
One of the Great American Novels
It is also a treasure of world literature.
What is the main plot of ‘Moby-Dick’?
The adventures of Ishmael on the whale ship Pequod, commanded by Captain Ahab
Ahab seeks revenge on a white sperm whale that destroyed his boat.
What themes does Melville explore in ‘Moby-Dick’?
Complex themes through stylized language, symbolism, and metaphor
It includes adventure, quest, and allegory.
What is ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller an allegory for?
A protest against the McCarthy anti-Communist ‘witch hunts’
It is set during the 1692 Salem witch trials.
Who accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft in ‘The Crucible’?
Abigail Williams
Abigail had an affair with Elizabeth’s husband.
What does the character John Proctor refuse to do in ‘The Crucible’?
Turn in others
His refusal leads to his execution.
What is the main theme of ‘Paradise Lost’ by John Milton?
To justify the ways of God to man
It also explores personal liberty and its limits.
Who leads a rebellion against God in ‘Paradise Lost’?
Satan
He suffers eternal damnation and seeks to corrupt Adam and Eve.
What is the central theme of the novel ‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison?
The immediate legacy of slavery and the haunting past
It urges readers to confront the history of slavery.
Who is the protagonist of ‘Beloved’?
Sethe
She is a former slave haunted by her past.
What does the character Beloved represent in the novel?
The inescapable, horrible past of slavery
She may also symbolize Sethe’s murdered daughter.
What significant award did Toni Morrison win in 1993?
Nobel Prize for Literature
She also won a Pulitzer Prize for ‘Beloved’ in 1988.
What is the plot of ‘It’s Like This, Cat’ by Emily Neville?
The story of Dave Mitchell and his pet cat in New York City
It explores family dynamics and personal growth.
What genre does ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’ epitomize?
Southern Gothic
The story follows a family on vacation who encounter an escaped convict.
Who is the main character in ‘The Violent Bear It Away’ and what is his calling?
Francis Marion Tarwater; he is called to be a prophet
Raised by his grand-uncle Mason, who was fanatical and tyrannical.
What major themes are explored in ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’?
Dysfunction, addiction, and the burden of the past
The play is autobiographical and set in 1912, focusing on the Tyrone family.
Which playwright wrote ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’?
Eugene O’Neill
O’Neill is considered America’s first major playwright.
What is the significance of the play ‘Morning Becomes Electra’?
It is based on the Oresteia cycle of Aeschylus and set during the Civil War
It explores themes of family murder and divine retribution.
What is ‘Animal Farm’ and what does it symbolize?
An anti-totalitarian novel that uses a fable format to critique oppression
It reflects on the Russian Revolution and critiques totalitarian regimes.
Identify two key characters in ‘Animal Farm’ and their real-life counterparts.
- Napoleon - Stalin
- Snowball - Leon Trotsky
What are the key themes of George Orwell’s ‘1984’?
Dehumanization, government surveillance, and totalitarianism
Key phrases include Big Brother, doublethink, and Newspeak.
Who wrote ‘Doctor Zhivago’ and what is its main theme?
Boris Pasternak; it challenges communism and explores human spirit amidst revolution
The novel was banned in the USSR but gained international acclaim.
What is the central conflict in ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen?
Brian Robeson must survive in the wilderness after a plane crash
The story is a bildungsroman focusing on his coming of age.
What is the significance of Samuel Pepys’ diary?
It provides detailed accounts of 17th century England, including the Great Fire of London
Pepys kept the diary from 1660 to 1669.
What literary genre did Charles Perrault help establish?
The fairy tale
He recorded French fairy tales in the 1600s.
What is the plot of ‘The Bell Jar’ by Sylvia Plath?
Esther Greenwood’s struggle with mental illness and her journey to recovery
The novel is autobiographical and addresses themes of identity and depression.
Which author is known for tales of mystery and the macabre?
Edgar Allan Poe
He is considered part of the Romantic period and invented the detective fiction genre.
What is ‘Swann’s Way’ and who wrote it?
‘Swann’s Way’ is the first volume of ‘Remembrance of Things Past’ by Marcel Proust
It explores themes of memory and social class.
What is the central theme of Thomas Pynchon’s ‘The Crying of Lot 49’?
The rivalry between mail distribution firms and the mystery surrounding them
The novel is often classified as postmodern fiction.
What notable characteristic defines the works of Thomas Pynchon?
Dense and complex narratives that often explore history, science, and sexuality
He is known for avoiding public attention.
Who is the author of ‘The Crying of Lot 49’ and ‘Gravity’s Rainbow’?
Thomas Pynchon
Pynchon is known for his complex narratives and postmodern themes.
What symbolizes the Trystero organization in Pynchon’s work?
Muted post-horn
The Trystero organization is involved in a conspiracy related to stamp auctions.
What is the significance of W.A.S.T.E. in Pynchon’s ‘The Crying of Lot 49’?
An underground postal system
It is linked to the historical group Tristero.
What does Pynchon’s use of the sign of Tristero illustrate?
Failure of communication today
It reflects the paranoia and conspiracy theories of the mid-1960s.
What genre is ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ primarily associated with?
War literature
The novel illustrates the horrors of World War I.
Who is the protagonist of ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’?
Paul Baumer
The novel depicts his experiences as a soldier.
What major event is depicted in Erich Maria Remarque’s novel?
Horrors of World War I
The novel was controversial and banned in Germany.
What is the main theme of ‘The Catcher in the Rye’?
Alienation and teenage confusion
It reflects the struggles of adolescence and societal expectations.
Who wrote ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’?
Edmond Rostand
The play parodies and is influenced by Dumas’s ‘Three Musketeers’.
What is a major theme in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’?
Unchecked ambition as a corrupting force
The play explores the consequences of ambition and morality.
What is the setting of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’?
Athens and a nearby enchanted forest
It revolves around the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta.
In which year was ‘Pygmalion’ written?
1912
It critiques the British class system and women’s independence.
What is the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation?
Creator and monster
‘Frankenstein’ explores themes of abandonment and identity.
What does Tayo struggle with in ‘Ceremony’?
Battle fatigue and identity
Tayo seeks healing through traditional ceremonies after WWII.
Who is Leslie Marmon Silko?
A Native American writer from the Laguna Pueblo tribe
She is a key figure in the Native American Renaissance.
What major event does the Night of Broken Glass refer to?
Kristallnacht
It was a violent anti-Jewish pogrom in Nazi Germany.
What is a defining characteristic of Christina Rossetti’s poetry?
Sensuous imagery and devotion to God
Her poems often reflect her Christian faith.
What does ‘The Satanic Verses’ by Salman Rushdie address?
Blasphemy and identity
The book led to a death sentence imposed by the Ayatollah Khomeini.
What does the character Hamlet seek to do after learning about his father’s murder?
Revenge against Claudius
Hamlet feigns madness to conceal his intentions.
What is the title of the novel published in 1977 that tells the story of Tayo, a veteran of mixed ancestry?
Ceremony
The novel addresses themes of identity and recovery after trauma.
What condition does Tayo struggle with after returning from World War II?
Battle fatigue (shell-shock)
This condition reflects the psychological impact of war.
Who helps Tayo gain a greater understanding of the world in ‘Ceremony’?
Mixed-blood shaman Betonie
Betonie represents traditional wisdom and healing.
What is the significance of ‘One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich’ published in 1962?
It was the first openly distributed account of Stalinist repression
This novel marked a shift in Soviet literature post-Stalin.
Who is the author of ‘One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich’?
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
He was a notable Russian writer and critic of the Soviet regime.
What is the main setting of ‘One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich’?
Soviet labor camp in the 1950s
The novel provides a grim portrayal of prison life.
What is the central theme of ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck?
The nature of dreams, dignity, loneliness, and sacrifice
It explores the human condition during the Great Depression.
What tragic event occurs at the end of ‘Of Mice and Men’?
George is forced to shoot Lennie
This act symbolizes the harsh realities of their dreams.
What novel follows the Joad family’s journey during the Great Depression?
The Grapes of Wrath
It highlights the struggles of displaced families during the Dust Bowl.
Who wrote ‘Dracula’, the novel that introduced the character of Count Dracula?
Bram Stoker
This 1897 novel is a cornerstone of gothic horror literature.
What is the main conflict in ‘Dracula’?
Dracula’s attempt to relocate from Transylvania to England
This story involves themes of fear and the supernatural.
What is the significance of ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ by Harriet Beecher Stowe?
It contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War
The novel exposed the inhumanity of slavery to Northern audiences.
What is the primary focus of Jonathan Swift’s ‘Gulliver’s Travels’?
Satirizing and critiquing English society
The novel uses fantastical lands to reflect on human nature.
What does Amy Tan’s ‘The Joy Luck Club’ explore?
Mother-daughter relationships and cultural conflicts
The narrative reflects the Chinese-American experience.
Who is the main character in ‘Treasure Island’?
Jim Hawkins
He embarks on a journey to find pirate treasure.
What does the jade pendant symbolize in ‘The Joy Luck Club’?
Cultural differences and a mother’s love
It signifies the evolving relationship between mother and daughter.
What genre does ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead’ by Tom Stoppard belong to?
Play
The play features existential themes through minor characters from ‘Hamlet’.
What does the novel ‘Antigone’ explore?
Conflict between individual moral duty and state laws
It raises questions about ethics and governance.
What is the primary theme of ‘Vanity Fair’ by William Makepeace Thackeray?
Satirizes society, focusing on greed and vanity
It critiques the social dynamics of 19th century Britain.
What do the members of the Joy Luck Club choose to do in the face of loss and hope?
They choose to gather to raise their spirits and money.
Who satirizes society in early 19th century Britain in the novel Vanity Fair?
William Makepeace Thackeray.
What is the title of Thackeray’s novel that portrays a panoramic portrait of English society?
Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero.
In Vanity Fair, how are the characters portrayed?
They are flawed, realistic, and not heroic.
Which two characters are the protagonists in Vanity Fair?
Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley.
What did Henry David Thoreau write about?
His experiences while living alone on Walden Pond.
What movement did Thoreau start with his essay ‘On Civil Disobedience’?
The movement of civil disobedience.
What is the central theme of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy?
The impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society.
What is the significance of Anna Karenina in literature?
It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of realist fiction.
What tragic decision does Anna Karenina make in the novel?
She takes her own life by leaping under a train.
What does Ivan Turgenev’s novel Fathers and Sons primarily explore?
The generational split between old-order liberals and young nihilists.
What is Mark Twain best known for?
His novels about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
What literary period is characterized by the works of Mark Twain?
The Gilded Age.
What is the main conflict in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
Huck struggles against society’s attempts to civilize him.
What character does Royall Tyler invent in his works?
The character of the Yankee.
What is the Aeneid about?
The legendary foundation of the Roman state by Aeneas.
What is a central theme of Voltaire’s novel Candide?
The folly of optimism.
Who is the author of the novel Slaughterhouse-Five?
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
What is the main theme of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple?
The struggles of African American women in the early 20th century.
What narrative style does The Color Purple use?
It is an epistolary novel, narrated through letters.
Fill in the blank: Thoreau lived alone on Walden Pond with only $______ a year.
8.
True or False: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn uses American Vernacular dialect.
True.
What does Candide critique through its narrative?
War, religious persecution, and unwarranted optimism.
Fill in the blank: Anna Karenina is the tragedy of married aristocrat Anna Karenina and her affair with Count _______.
Vronsky.
Who does Celie seek refuge with after escaping her father’s household?
Nettie and Mr.____
Mr.____ is characterized by a joyless marriage.
What advice does Kate give to Celie regarding Mr.____?
Not to put up with his abuse
Kate is Celie’s sister-in-law.
Who does Harpo marry after Sofa gets pregnant?
Sofa
Harpo is Mr.____’s son.
What is Celie’s reaction to Sofa’s resistance against Harpo and Mr.____?
Amazed
Sofa is physically stronger than her husband.
What happens when Shug Avery falls ill?
Mr.____ takes her into his house
This leads to a developing friendship between Celie and Shug.
How does Celie feel about Shug Avery?
Sexually attracted
Celie is confused by her feelings.
What does Harpo do after Sophie leaves him?
Opens a bar
Shug sings every night at the bar.
What does Celie discover with Shug’s help?
Letters from Nettie that Mr.____ kept from her
Nettie has been corresponding with Celie.
Who are Adam and Olivia in relation to Nettie?
Nettie suspects they are Celie’s children
Nettie resembles them, leading to her suspicion.
What tragic event happened to Celie’s real father?
Lynched by a mob of whites
They were envious of his success.
What does Celie do after leaving Mr.____?
Lives with Shug and Squeak in Tennessee
She becomes a successful seamstress.
What happens when Celie returns to Georgia?
Learns Mr.____ has reformed and she has inherited property
Her step-father has died.
Who wrote ‘The House of Mirth’?
Edith Wharton
Wharton contrasts American aristocracy with European upper class.
What is the main theme of ‘The House of Mirth’?
The consequences of a lavish lifestyle leading to debt
Lily Bart is the protagonist.
What happens to Lily Bart at the end of ‘The House of Mirth’?
She kills herself with sleeping pills
This follows her struggles with debt and societal rejection.
Who is H.G. Wells?
British author known as ‘The Father of Science Fiction’
He wrote ‘The War of the Worlds’, ‘The Time Machine’, and ‘The Invisible Man’.
What was the impact of the 1938 radio broadcast of ‘War of the Worlds’?
Caused panic among listeners who believed it was real
Directed by Orson Welles.
What societal classes are depicted in ‘The Time Machine’?
Eloi (oppressed) and Morlocks (oppressors)
The story explores themes of class separation.
Who is Walt Whitman?
American poet and transcendentalist known for ‘Leaves of Grass’
He is considered the father of free verse.
What is ‘Night’ by Elie Wiesel about?
Wiesel’s experience at Auschwitz
He is a Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
What is the main theme of ‘Native Son’ by Richard Wright?
Racism and its effects on the oppressed and oppressor
It features the character Bigger Thomas.
What happens to Bigger Thomas in ‘Native Son’?
He confesses to murder
The story explores his struggles with racism and societal expectations.
What is the significance of Lord Byron in literature?
Dramatized the melancholy Romantic hero in his works
Known for ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’.
What theme does Tennessee Williams explore in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’?
Alcoholism and mental instability
It reflects on the fragility of human nature.
What is the narrative style of ‘To the Lighthouse’ by Virginia Woolf?
Stream-of-consciousness narration
The novel explores characters’ inner thoughts and memories.
What is the significance of Wright’s revolutionary bluntness in his work?
It highlights oppression through the prosecuting lawyer’s racism and the discussion of communists like Mary’s boyfriend Jan and Max, his defending lawyer.
Who is Lord Byron and what is he known for?
An important British Romantic poet known for works like ‘She walks in Beauty’ and ‘Don Juan’.
What literary form does ‘Don Juan’ utilize?
Ottava rima ABABABCC.
What character archetype does the protagonist in ‘Don Juan’ represent?
Byronic hero, a typical brooding ‘bad guy’ who mocks societal norms.
What was Italo Calvino’s background?
Italian, born in Cuba, fought against Nazis, and wrote fables and fantasy.
What literary style was Italo Calvino associated with?
Neo-realism, influenced by American realist and contemporary authors.
What notable works did Italo Calvino write?
‘The Nonexistent Knight’ and ‘Cosmicomics’.
What philosophical movement is Jean-Paul Sartre associated with?
Existentialism.
What are two major works authored by Jean-Paul Sartre?
‘Nausea’ and ‘Being and Nothingness’.
What is a key belief of Sartre’s existentialism?
Human beings must formulate their own ethical values without reliance on tradition.
What did Blaise Pascal contribute to mathematics?
Invented the calculator and worked with probability and conic sections.
What is Pascal’s triangle?
A triangular array of numbers that has great influence in mathematical textbooks.
What philosophical contributions did Martin Heidegger make?
Wrote ‘Being and Time’ and focused on ‘being’ and human experiences.
What is the term Heidegger used to describe a person’s existential condition?
Dasein.
What did Friedrich Nietzsche mean by ‘God is dead’?
It signifies that lackadaisical people killed God with false values.
What is ‘slave morality’ according to Nietzsche?
A morality created by the weak to disarm the strong.
What does Nietzsche believe about the meaning of life?
That it is meaningless, and people should use this as a source of personal integrity and liberation.
Who is Soren Kierkegaard and what is his significance?
Danish philosopher, founder of existentialism, who emphasized personal relationships with God and subjectivity of truth.
What are two notable works by Soren Kierkegaard?
‘Either/Or’ and ‘The Sickness Unto Death’.
Fill in the blank: Soren Kierkegaard was the first writer to refer to himself as an _______.
existentialist.
What is the main theme of ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe?
The impact of British colonialism on an Igbo man’s life and his Nigerian village
The protagonist, Okonkwo, represents traditional Igbo society facing cultural disruption.
What is the author’s most famous work of Chinua Achebe?
Things Fall Apart (1958)
This novel is considered a classic in African literature.
What genre does ‘Anthem’ by Ayn Rand belong to?
Dystopian novella
The novella critiques collectivism and celebrates individualism.
What is the central plot of ‘Anthem’?
A man rediscovering individuality in a collectivist society
The protagonist, Equality 7-2521, seeks personal freedom.
What is the most famous work of Ayn Rand?
Atlas Shrugged (1957)
This novel elaborates on Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism.
What is the main theme of ‘Lord of the Flies’ by William Golding?
Exploration of human nature through boys stranded on an island
The novel depicts the descent into savagery and loss of civilization.
What is the author’s most famous work of William Golding?
Lord of the Flies (1954)
This novel is often studied for its commentary on society and human instincts.
What is the central theme of ‘The Bluest Eye’ by Toni Morrison?
A Black girl’s longing for blue eyes amid racial self-loathing
The novel addresses issues of race, beauty, and identity.
What is the author’s most famous work of Toni Morrison?
Beloved (1987)
This novel explores the legacy of slavery and its psychological effects.
Who is the author of ‘Gone With the Wind’?
Margaret Mitchell
‘Gone With the Wind’ was published in 1936 and is an epic romance set during the American Civil War.
What is the main theme of ‘The Secret Life of Bees’?
A coming-of-age story about a girl in 1960s South Carolina
Written by Sue Monk Kidd in 2001, the novel explores themes of race, motherhood, and female empowerment.
What type of literary work is ‘Mama Makes Up Her Mind’?
A humorous collection of essays about Southern life
Authored by Bailey White in 1993, this work reflects on everyday experiences and culture in the South.
What does ‘The Color Purple’ address?
African American women’s struggles in the South
Alice Walker’s 1982 novel highlights issues of racism, sexism, and the journey towards self-discovery.
