American Literature Quiz

An American author known for her realistic portrayal of upper-class American society, especially women and their roles, and her exploration of social issues like gender, class, and morality.

This book, written by Edith Wharton, follows the life of a young woman named Newland Archer as he navigates the complexities of love, class, and society in New York City during the Gilded Age.

This novel, written by Edith Wharton, explores the lives of several individuals whose paths intertwine in a complex web of relationships, desires, and secrets against the backdrop of a changing society.

This book, written by Edith Wharton, delves into the intricate social structures and cultural dynamics of a fictional society through the lens of one woman's experiences.

This book, written by Edith Wharton, portrays the intertwined lives of a family through several generations, exploring their hopes, dreams, and struggles against a backdrop of evolving social values.

A novel by John Barth, published in 1967, which explores the themes of exhaustion in literature and the limits of human narrative. It critiques the reliance on conventions and explores the potential for new forms of storytelling in a world saturated with existing narratives.

A 1961 novel by Joseph Heller that satirizes war, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of human behavior. Set during World War II, it tells the story of Captain John Yossarian, a bombardier who is determined to be declared insane so he can escape the war.

His most famous novel, Catch-22, is a satirical masterpiece that satirizes war, bureaucracy, and the absurdity of human behavior.

An American novelist known for his postmodern and experimental fiction. His work often explores the nature of storytelling, the limits of language, and the complexities of human consciousness.

A renowned novelist, essayist, and short story writer known for his satirical and often humorous works. His novels, such as Rabbit Run and The Centaur, are known for their insightful portrayals of American life and their exploration of themes like identity, marriage, and the search for meaning.

An American novelist known for his complex and often experimental works, including V. and Gravity's Rainbow. His writings explore themes of paranoia, conspiracy, and the absurdity of modern life.

An American short story writer known for his minimalist style and his honest and often bleak portrayals of working-class life. His stories often explore themes of alcoholism, addiction, and the challenges of human relationships.

A novel by E. L. Doctorow that tells the story of a family in New York City during the early 20th century, focusing on themes of immigration, social change, and artistic expression.

This book by J.D. Salinger is a collection of short stories that explore themes of childhood, adolescence, and alienation through the eyes of various characters.

An American novel by Truman Capote that follows the lives of two young boys who are brutally murdered in Kansas, and the investigation that follows.

An American playwright known for his realistic portrayal of working-class life and social issues, particularly during the Depression Era. He explored themes of poverty, labor struggles, and the American Dream.

A novel by Kurt Vonnegut that tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a man who experiences time travel and sees events in a non-linear fashion.

An American playwright known for his focus on family dynamics, the American Dream, and the psychological complexities of his characters. His plays are often tragedies that explore themes of guilt, responsibility, and the pressures of conformity.

This novel by Ken Kesey follows the story of Randle Patrick McMurphy, a new patient in a mental institution who challenges the authority of the staff and encourages his fellow patients to rebel.

An American playwright known for his exploration of human sexuality, Southern Gothic themes, and the complexities of human relationships. His plays often feature strong female characters grappling with societal expectations and personal struggles.

A novel by Norman Mailer that reflects on the experiences of the author during the 1967 anti-Vietnam War protests in Washington, D.C.

A play by Clifford Odets set during the 1930s, focusing on a group of left-wing activists in New York City. It explores themes of labor struggles, social injustice, and collective action during the Depression Era.

A novel by Don DeLillo that explores themes of consumerism, media, and the search for meaning in a technologically advanced society.

A novel by Gore Vidal that explores the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, using historical and fictional elements.

A play by Arthur Miller that explores the tragic life of a former factory worker who is haunted by guilt over his past actions. It deals with themes of responsibility, justice, and the consequences of choices.

A play by Arthur Miller that follows the downfall of a traveling salesman named Willy Loman. It deals with themes of the American Dream, failure, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a changing world.

A play by Tennessee Williams that explores the life of a fading Southern belle named Blanche DuBois as she struggles with the harsh realities of New Orleans. It deals with themes of desire, delusion, and the clash between fantasy and reality.

A play by Tennessee Williams that explores the relationship between Amanda Wingfield, a faded Southern belle, and her two children: Laura, a fragile young woman, and Tom, a restless young man. It deals with themes of family, loss, and the struggle to find happiness in a changing world.

A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a focus on clarity, precision, and concreteness in language, as well as a rejection of traditional poetic forms and themes.

An American poet, critic, and editor who was a key figure in the Imagist movement. Her works are known for their vivid imagery, free verse, and focus on the concrete.

An American poet, novelist, and playwright who was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His works often explored themes of race, identity, and the African American experience.

An American poet who was a pioneer of free verse and a major influence on modern poetry. He is known for his use of short, sharp lines and his emphasis on the concrete.

An American poet and critic who was a key figure in the Imagist movement. He is known for his experimental approach to poetry and his influence on modern poetry.

An American novelist, journalist, and social activist who is known for his exposé of the meatpacking industry in his novel The Jungle.

An American novelist, poet, and social activist who is known as a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. He is known for his novels Home to Harlem and Banjo.

An American novelist, critic, and philosopher who was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His work often explored themes of race, culture, and identity.

A prominent novelist and social activist known for her sharp and insightful portrayals of Black life in America. She is considered one of the most significant figures of the Harlem Renaissance.

An African American sociologist, Pan-Africanist, historian, civil rights activist, author, and editor. He is known for his pioneering work on race relations and his advocacy for racial equality.

An American novelist and journalist who is known for his realistic portrayals of American life. His novels often explored themes of social class, ambition, and the American Dream.

An American novelist, poet, and short-story writer who is known for his vivid portrayals of rural life in the Midwest. He is considered a member of the Regionalist movement.

An American novelist and dramatist who is known for his intricate and psychologically complex characters. In his work, he explores themes of class, social status, and the complexities of human relationships.

An American novelist known for his realistic portrayals of American life. His novels often explored themes of social class, ambition, and the American Dream. His works are notable for their detailed and nuanced descriptions of American society.

A literary and artistic movement that celebrated the culture and creativity of African Americans in the United States. It took place primarily in Harlem, New York City, during the 1920s.

A literary genre focusing on frightening and often supernatural themes, usually featuring intense suspense and graphic depictions of violence or terror.

A subgenre of science fiction that combines futuristic technology with dystopian settings often dealing with social and political themes, particularly technology's impact on humanity and society.

A science fiction author renowned for his contributions to the genre, particularly his military science fiction works like "Starship Troopers" and his exploration of social and political themes within a science fiction context.

A science fiction author known for his "Foundation Series" and "Galactic Empire series", his works often explored themes of science, history, and the future of humanity.

A science fiction and fantasy author known for his works like "Fahrenheit 451" and "The Martian Chronicles", exploring themes of technology, society, and humanity's place within a larger universe.

A science fiction author known for his cyberpunk works, including "The Sprawl Trilogy," which explores the intersection of technology, society, and identity in a future world dominated by cyberspace.

A playwright and actor, known for his works exploring themes of family, masculinity, and the American West, including iconic plays like "True West" and "Buried Child".

An American novelist, known for his diverse and impactful works, including "Blood Meridian" and "The Road", exploring human nature, violence, and the American journey.