Introduction to Comparative Literature Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of the book discussed in the passage?

The influence of Arabic literature on the developed world

The provenance and development of comparative literature (correct)

The conflict between different world literatures

The history of Arabic literature

What is a significant consequence of the self-imposed limitation in space for the book?

It focused mainly on the development of Arabic literature

It resulted in a rejection of approaches from the modern era

It led to a narrow and biased view of comparative literature

It allowed for a comprehensive coverage of the history of comparative literature (correct)

What approach to comparative literature has resurfaced, despite being initially rejected as ethnocentric?

Approaches based on 'influence' in its varied forms (correct)

Approaches centered on compromise rather than conflict

Approaches focused on western literature

Approaches emphasizing ethnic superiority

What is a potential academic danger associated with the approach of deliberately seeking to show influence from third world literature?

Heightened risk of ethnocentricity and bias Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'ethnocentricity being reversed' suggest in the context of the passage?

Nations are seeking to show that their literature has influenced developed world literature Signup and view all the answers

What is the unintended outcome of the self-imposed limitation in space for the book, according to the passage?

A comprehensive coverage of the history of comparative literature Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's opinion on the concept of influence in comparative literature?

It is a concept that is difficult to dislodge from modern comparative literature scholarship. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the practice of proving influence between literary works?

It is challenging and may not be feasible, but it still holds significance in modern comparative literature scholarship. Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what is the impact of the Indians' attempt to demonstrate their influence on European literary forms?

It has revived the concept of influence in modern comparative literature scholarship. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about the relationship between literary works in the 'globalized' era?

'Border-crossing' influences can easily be perceived and studied within the 'globalized' era. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest about the significance of proving 'influences' between literary works?

It may be significant despite being impossible to prove. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author describe the task of proving 'influences' between literary works?

A challenging task due to the imponderables, but essential for modern comparative literature scholarship. Signup and view all the answers

'Influences' between literary works can easily be ____________.

'Perceived and studied' Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.