How to Read Literature Ch 12-26 Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between symbolism and allegory?

Symbols involve a range of possible meanings and interpretations, while allegories have one mission to accomplish—convey a certain message.

What are the tools we must use to figure out what a symbol might mean?

Questions, experience, and preexisting knowledge.

Why is symbolic meaning different for each individual reader?

Every reader's experience is unique due to their individual history, educational background, gender, race, class, faith, and social involvement.

Symbols in literature can be both objects and __________.

<p>images</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the questions readers should ask of the text when trying to determine symbolic meaning?

<p>What's the writer doing with this image or act; what possibilities are suggested by the narrative; and what does it feel like it's doing?</p> Signup and view all the answers

Foster asserts that, 'Nearly all writing is _________.

<p>political</p> Signup and view all the answers

Summarize Foster's argument on why most literature can be called 'political'.

<p>Literature reflects aspects of politics like power structures, relations among classes, and issues of justice and rights.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Foster's purpose in this chapter?

<p>Foster wanted to explain that politics impact daily lives beyond what is seen in media.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What knowledge is essential for reading European and American literature according to Foster?

<p>Knowledge about the Old and New Testaments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two items would be helpful for others to know about Christ?

<p>He was a healer and a miracle worker; He is coming back again to take with Him His people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Foster mean when he says that 'religious knowledge is helpful, although religious belief, if too tightly held, can be a problem'?

<p>Too rigid a belief system may hinder understanding the author's message.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a character not need all the distinguishing characteristics of Jesus Christ to be considered a Christ figure?

<p>A character can embody certain behaviors or experiences that evoke symbolic connections to Christ.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is reading a piece of literature a conversation with the author?

<p>Our imagination engages with the author to derive meaning beyond character and plot.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Can a story mean anything we want it to?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

List four reasons why a writer might use a Christ figure.

<p>To make a point; to deepen the sense of sacrifice; to connect with themes of redemption and hope; or to treat the character ironically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you come across a character in literature flying, list eight possible descriptions.

<p>A superhero; a ski jumper; crazy; fictional; a circus act; suspended on wires; an angel; heavily symbolic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when literary characters fly?

<p>Flight can symbolize freedom, escape, return home, largeness of spirit, love, and the flight of imagination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Does a character have to actually fly for there to be flying in literature?

<p>No, a character can simbolically 'fly' through their spirit and actions, as seen with Pilate in the novel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the act of falling and surviving symbolically meaningful?

<p>It often represents rebirth or overcoming adversity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which story piques your interest to read?

<p>Story: 'A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Book: 'Nights at the Circus' by Angela Carter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who does Foster accuse of encoding sexual messages in literature?

<p>Freud, because his publication 'The Interpretation of Dreams' unlocked the subconscious's sexual potential.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some things that can represent male sexuality in literature?

<p>Lances, tall buildings, and keys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some things that can represent female sexuality in literature?

<p>Hills, the empty vessel (bowls), and tunnels.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some other meanings of a sex scene according to Foster?

<p>Pleasure, sacrifice, submission, rebellion, resignation, supplication, domination, enlightenment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can baptism or immersion in water mean in literature?

<p>Death, rebirth, or new identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some meanings of drowning in literature?

<p>Violence and/or guilt, character revelation, thematic development, plot compilation, denouement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant literary 'baptism scene' and how does it change the character?

<p>In 'Fahrenheit 451', Guy Montag undergoes a transformation during his immersion, symbolizing a new identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What roles does geography play in literature?

<p>Setting, psychology, attitude, finance, industry, theme, symbolism, plot roles, and character development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when an author sends a character south?

<p>It implies the character experiences encounters with the subconscious.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can a writer's personal geography inform his/her work?

<p>It serves as a way for poets to express their psyche and convey thematic elements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the symbolic meanings of the seasons?

<p>Spring: childhood; Summer: adulthood; Autumn: decline; Winter: old age.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Greeks hold dramatic festivals in spring?

<p>Answer not provided.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Christianity celebrate Christmas in December?

<p>Answer not provided.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the story of Demeter emphasize seasonal modifications?

<p>Answer not provided.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Symbolism and Allegory

  • Symbols can have multiple interpretations, while allegories convey a specific message.
  • To uncover symbolic meanings, use questions, personal experiences, and prior knowledge.

Individual Interpretations of Symbols

  • Each reader's interpretation varies based on individual histories, including education, gender, race, and social involvement.
  • Unique experiences lead to different emphases on text elements, shaping readers’ understanding.

Exploring Symbolic Meaning

  • Essential questions include the author's intent with specific images and the emotional resonance of elements within the text.

Political Dimensions of Literature

  • Literature often reflects politics through themes of power dynamics, justice, class relations, and gender issues.
  • Foster emphasizes that politics permeates daily life and literature far beyond what is typically presented in media.

Importance of Religious Knowledge in Literature

  • Knowledge of religious texts enhances comprehension of European and American literature.
  • Familiarity with various religious traditions aids in recognizing allusions and themes.

Characteristics of a Christ Figure

  • A character does not need all qualities of Jesus to be considered a Christ figure; key behaviors and sacrifices can establish symbolic connections.

Reading as Dialogue

  • Literature is an interactive conversation between the reader and the author, where personal imagination plays a crucial role in understanding narratives.

The Subjectivity of Literature

  • While interpretations can be subjective, they must align with the author's intent; distortion of the text leads to misunderstanding.

Functions of Christ Figures in Literature

  • Writers use Christ figures to make significant points, exemplify sacrifice, represent redemption, or offer irony.

Symbolism of Flight in Literature

  • Flight symbolizes freedom, escape, love, and the imagination, among other themes.
  • Characters may not need to physically fly for flight symbolism to apply.

Falling and Surviving Symbolism

  • Instances of falling and survival represent elements of rebirth, signifying triumph over death.

Representations of Sexuality

  • Male sexuality is often depicted through symbols like lances, tall buildings, and keys.
  • Female sexuality can be illustrated through hills, tunnels, and vessels.

Layers of Meaning in Sexual Scenes

  • Sexual encounters can symbolize broader themes such as pleasure, sacrifice, rebellion, and enlightenment.

Meanings of Baptism in Literature

  • Baptism can represent transformation, new identity, or transition from one phase of life to another.

Drowning Symbolism

  • Drowning motifs may signify violence, guilt, character discoveries, and contribute to plot development.

Geography's Role in Literature

  • Geography plays a crucial role in establishing setting, influencing character psychology, and shaping thematic elements.

Symbolic Seasons

  • Spring represents youth and new beginnings, summer reflects adulthood and passion, autumn signifies decline, and winter embodies death and old age.

Thematic Use of Geography

  • Geographic elements in an author's background can inform narrative themes and character development.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapters 12-26 from 'How to Read Literature Like a Professor'. This quiz will cover key concepts such as symbolism and allegory, along with the tools needed for literary analysis. Perfect for revision and deepening your comprehension of the material.

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