Copy of The Principles of Literary Criticism - Test Prep

What is the structure of this text?

• compare and contrast
• chronological
• problem and solution
• sequence

Which rhetorical appeal is being used in Paragraph 1?

• Ethos
• Kairos
• Logos
• Pathos

What contributed to the rise of literary theory during the 20th century? Use check marks to select all that apply.

• the popularity of Psychoanalysis
• Marxism
• the development of post-structural philosophy
• the Catholic Emancipation Movement
• the Fennoman Movement

The task of a literary critic is to explain and attempt to reach a critical understanding of what literary texts mean in terms of their aesthetic, as well as social, political, and cultural statements and suggestions. What does the word, “aesthetic” mean, as used in Paragraph 3?

• a reaction to the beauty of artwork, typically applying to the cover of a novel
• a suggestion based on the author’s thoughts and feelings
• a lack of integrity in the response of literary criticism
• a set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular author

What is literary criticism?

• To interpret literature
• To interpret literature, and argue on the behalf of the interpretation
• To compare and contrast literature from one century to another
• To compare and contrast an author’s current work to their past achievements

What argument does Richard present about the role of the literary critic?

• It includes checking all resources to make sure the text is authentic and true.
• It includes the idea that the text can provide conflicting meaning and an ambiguous ending.
• It includes the possibility of hidden meaning on the author’s part, and whether or not to expose it.
• It includes searching for understanding of how cultures and ideologies affect the text’s meaning.

Which type of reasoning is being used in Paragraph 3?

• Inductive
• Deductive
• Abductive
• Informal Fallacy

What is “literary theory”?

• Interpreting literature by comparison only.
• Interpreting literature using meaning only.
• Interpreting literature in a systematic fashion.
• Interpreting literature based on upbringing.

For example, a psychoanalytic theorist might examine and interpret a literary text strictly through the theoretical lens of psychoanalysis and psychology and, in turn, offer an interpretation or reading of a text that focuses entirely on the psychological dimensions of it. Which rhetorical device is being used with the underlined word in this excerpt from Paragraph 4?

• Antithesis
• Asyndeton
• Metonymy
• Zeugma

Part A – What advantage does a literary theorist have over a traditional critic?

• Their process enables them to choose the text they want to write about.
• Their process requires extra schooling on literary thought.
• Their process allows them to develop new ideas concerning the text.
• Their process is open to criticism from other types of critics.