21st Century Literature: Exploring Africa, The Dark Continent

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary form of African literature up to the 19th century?

Oral literature (correct)

Written literature

Historical literature

Mythological literature

Which character is commonly found in African folklore?

The trickster spider (correct)

The wise queen

The wise old man

The warrior king

During which time period did African writers write about themes of liberation and independence?

Between the World Wars

During World War II

Between the end of World War I and independence (correct)

After independence

What did African writers use to express their cultural heritage during the period of liberation?

Both Western languages and traditional African languages Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary effect of colonization on the people of Africa?

Social and cultural disruption Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the book written by Chinua Achebe that is an example of liberation challenges to people?

Things Fall Apart Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of the literary and intellectual movement that originated in Paris in the 1930s?

To reaffirm the cultural identity of blacks and rebel against the implicit superiority of European cultures Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Chinese words?

They are made up of ideographs Signup and view all the answers

When did the earliest Chinese literature date back to?

1,000 B.C Signup and view all the answers

What type of poem is the 'lüshi'?

Regulated verse Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Chinese literature during the 1200s?

Drama and fiction developed as important forms Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Chinese drama during the 1200s?

It resembled European Opera Signup and view all the answers

Why is Africa called the Dark Continent?

Because most people know very little about it Signup and view all the answers

Where can you see wild animals in their natural habitats without risks of being harmed?

In national parks Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of African music?

It is based on the drum beat Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of African poetry?

To compose prayers for rain and success Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of African storytelling?

The call-and-response technique Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'griots' in African culture?

To tell stories with a musical background Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the rise of Chinese communist writers?

The Chinese Civil War Signup and view all the answers

What type of literature was dominant during the period of communist rule?

Political and social themes Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the earliest collection of Chinese poetry?

Shijing Signup and view all the answers

Where did Chinese writers have more artistic freedom during the communist period?

Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and USA Signup and view all the answers

What event in the 1980s led to a variety of literary styles and themes in China?

Cultural Fever Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Chinese writings in the 1990s?

Less influence from foreign authors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

African Literature

Primary form of African literature up to the 19th century was oral storytelling traditions.
Common characters in African folklore include trickster figures like the spider Anansi.
African writers of the mid-20th century focused on themes of liberation and independence.
Cultural heritage was expressed through proverbs, songs, and oral narratives during the period of liberation.
Colonization primarily disrupted traditional societies, leading to loss of identity and cultural fragmentation.

Notable Works

Chinua Achebe's book "Things Fall Apart" exemplifies the challenges of liberation faced by the people.

Literary Movements

The literary and intellectual movement that began in 1930s Paris, known as the Négritude movement, sought to celebrate African culture and identity.

Chinese Literature

Chinese words are characterized by a logographic system, where each symbol represents a word or morpheme.
Earliest Chinese literature dates back to the Shang dynasty (approximately 1600-1046 BCE).
The 'lüshi' is a form of regulated verse poetry in Chinese literature.
Chinese literature during the 1200s featured strong themes of moral teaching and human experience.
Chinese drama in the 1200s was characterized by intricate plots and elaborate performances.

Africa's Perception

Africa is referred to as the "Dark Continent" due to its historical lack of extensive contact with the Western world.
Wild animals can be observed in their natural habitats in protected environments like national parks and reserves, ensuring safety for both visitors and wildlife.

African Cultural Elements

A notable characteristic of African music is its rhythmic complexity and communal participation.
The purpose of African poetry often includes storytelling, cultural preservation, and conveying communal values.
Unique features of African storytelling involve interactive engagement with the audience and moral lessons.
Griots serve as oral historians and storytellers in African culture, preserving traditions and lineage through their performances.

Chinese Literature under Communism

The rise of communist writers in China was influenced by the socio-political changes after the Communist Party established control in 1949.
Dominant literature during communist rule often included propaganda and works glorifying revolutionary ideals.
The earliest collection of Chinese poetry is the "Shijing" (Book of Songs).
Chinese writers experienced more artistic freedom, particularly during the period of reform in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Literary Evolution in China

The 1980s, marked by the end of strict communist controls, led to diverse literary styles and themes emerging in China.
Chinese writings in the 1990s were often characterized by a focus on individualism and introspection amid globalization and modern challenges.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Africa, often referred to as the Dark Continent, and its rich cultural heritage. This quiz covers the continent's history, geography, and significance in the context of 21st century literature. Learn more about the land of sunshine and vibrant life.