European & North American Literature Quiz

European Literature

• Includes literature in many languages, with notable works in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Polish, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Czech, and Russian.
• Notable genres in European literature include the novel, narrative theory, short story, novella, women's writing, autobiography, translation, and "faction" (blending fact and fiction).

Medieval Period

• Celebrated ideas about human potential and achievement through deliberate action and scientific methodology.
• Key writers like Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed enlightened ideas and political reform.

North American Literature

• Pre-Columbian Literature: Primarily oral tradition, with some written accounts from the Aztecs and Mayans.
• Colonial Literature: Explorers and conquistadors wrote accounts and "crónicas" of their experiences, such as Columbus’s letters and Bernal Díaz del Castillo's description of the conquest of Mexico.
• Nineteenth-century Literature: Novels focused on national identity, often addressing indigenous populations and the "civilization or barbarism" dichotomy.

Major Themes in North American Literature

• The Fantastic: Emphasizes the strange, bizarre, or grotesque, bending the boundaries of reality.
• Magical Realism: Blends reality with magical elements, with debates about its origin (Latin American or global phenomenon).
• Social Realism: Depicts the social and political realities of life in Latin America, often highlighting violence and historical traumas.
• Female Discourse: Critiques traditional gender roles in Latin American society, particularly "marianismo" and "machismo."

Award-Winning 21st Century North American Literature

• Jonathan Safran Foer: Known for novels like "Everything Is Illuminated" and "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," and non-fiction work "Eating Animals."
• Sara Gruen: Author of five novels including "At The Water’s Edge," "Ape House," and "Water for Elephants."
• Margaret Atwood: Renowned Canadian author known for "Oryx and Crake," "The Handmaid's Tale," and "The Blind Assassin."
• Valeria Luiselli: Contemporary Mexican writer known for novels "Faces in The Crow" and "The Story of My Teeth," and essays in "Sidewalks."
• Carmen Boullosa: Poet, playwright, and novelist whose works like "Leaving Tabasco" and "Texas: The Great Theft" explore diverse themes.

Test your knowledge of European and North American literature, including notable works, genres, and key historical periods. Explore the significance of various authors and their contributions to both European and Pre-Columbian literary traditions.