Understanding Literary Preferences and Critiques

The video discusses the perceived overrated status of authors like E.M. Forster and Graham Greene, questioning the fuss around their works. It contrasts American and British fiction, noting that some American authors like David Foster Wallace and George Saunders may not be well-received in Britain. The speaker highlights a particular strain of British fiction that defines what some consider a 'real' novel, while others see it as merely a well-made product. The discussion reflects on the cultural and taste differences in literature appreciation between the US and the UK.

What is the speaker's opinion on E.M. Forster's literary reputation?

• Highly underrated

• Overrated

• Perfectly rated

• Not mentioned

Which American writer does the speaker mention as not being well-received by British audiences?

• Dave Wallace

• Ernest Hemingway

• Stephen King

• Mark Twain

What does the speaker suggest about the transatlantic reception of certain American fiction?

• It is often misunderstood

• It is universally loved

• It is ignored

• It is banned

According to the speaker, what is a common perception of British novels?

• They are too complex

• They are the standard of what a novel should be

• They are too short

• They are outdated

How does the speaker describe the British novels that some Americans might not consider as 'real' novels?

• As too lengthy

• As too simplistic

• As near-perfect replicas

• As groundbreaking

What does the speaker imply about the concept of a 'real' novelist?

• It varies between cultures

• It is outdated

• It is universally agreed upon

• It is irrelevant

What tradition did Forster pioneer according to the speaker?

• The graphic novel

• The well-made novel

• The minimalist novel

• The postmodern novel

How does the speaker view the well-made novels of the 20th century in England?

• As the pinnacle of literature

• As either ideal or dismissible

• As irrelevant

• As universally acclaimed

What is the speaker's overall tone towards the literary works discussed?

• Admiring

• Enthusiastic

• Critical

• Indifferent

What does the speaker suggest about literary tastes?

• They are universally agreed upon

• They are subjective

• They are static

• They are irrelevant