Introduction to Comparative Literature Quiz

The Book's Main Focus and Limitations

• The main focus of the book is comparative literature, exploring the relationship between literary works across cultures.
• A significant consequence of the self-imposed limitation in space for the book is that it may overlook or underemphasize the influence of non-European literature on European literary forms.

Approaches to Comparative Literature

• An approach to comparative literature that resurfaced, despite being initially rejected as ethnocentric, involves deliberately seeking to show the influence of third-world literature on European literature.

Dangers and Implications of Comparative Literature

• A potential academic danger associated with this approach is that it may lead to a simplistic or reversed ethnocentricity, where non-European literature is seen as influencing European literature.
• The phrase 'ethnocentricity being reversed' suggests that the traditional direction of influence is being challenged, with non-European literature now being seen as influential.
• The unintended outcome of the self-imposed limitation in space for the book is that it may perpetuate the idea that European literature is the central or dominant form.

Influence in Comparative Literature

• The author is skeptical about the concept of influence in comparative literature, implying that proving influence between literary works can be problematic.
• The author suggests that the practice of proving influence between literary works can be simplistic or superficial.
• The task of proving 'influences' between literary works is difficult and may be fraught with methodological issues.

Globalization and Literary Influence

• The author suggests that in the 'globalized' era, literary works are interconnected and influence one another in complex ways.
• The author implies that the significance of proving 'influences' between literary works is overstated, and that it may not be a fruitful or meaningful pursuit.
• Influences between literary works can easily be overstated or exaggerated.

Test your knowledge of the provenance and development of a modern critical field with this quiz. Explore the various approaches to comparative literature from both the east and west.