Literature Final Exam Preparation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Spivak's Subaltern Theory?

The ability of marginalized groups to express themselves (correct)

The historical context of military ranks

The representation of well-off individuals in literature

The dynamics of power among elite groups

Which aspect of identity refers to how multiple factors like race and gender interact?

Cultural Identity

Dynamic Identity

Social Identity

Intersectionality (correct)

In the context of literature, which of the following best describes Authorial Identity?

The influence of an author's background on their writing (correct)

The psychological traits of fictional characters

The cultural heritage depicted in narratives

The development of characters through plot dynamics

Which of the following terms is used to describe the adaptation or mimicry of cultural practices?

Mimicry Signup and view all the answers

What literary technique involves the exploration of a character's evolving identity over a narrative?

Dynamic Identity Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is associated with the marginalization of voices in societal discourse as highlighted by Spivak?

Subaltern Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Great Gatsby,' how is Jay Gatsby's identity primarily shaped?

His ambition and class aspirations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the theme of Identity Construction in literature?

Self-discovery and transformation journeys Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of dialectical materialism?

A framework for understanding contradictions and change in society. Signup and view all the answers

In Marxist theory, what is the primary purpose of a commodity?

To be produced primarily for exchange in the market. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of identity does intersectionality focus on?

The complexities arising from overlapping social categories. Signup and view all the answers

How does Spivak's subaltern theory contribute to the understanding of marginalized voices?

By acknowledging the inability of subaltern groups to speak for themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of fragmentation in literature?

Non-linear and disjointed storytelling methods. Signup and view all the answers

Mimicry in postcolonial theory primarily refers to what concept?

The imitation of the colonizer's behavior or practices. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fragmentation relates to the breakdown of shared identity or values in a society?

Social/Cultural Fragmentation. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of identity in literature, which of the following aligns with Bhabha's concept of hybridity?

The blending of different cultural influences to create new identities. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'hybridity' as defined by Homi Bhabha primarily address?

The creation of new identities through cultural exchange Signup and view all the answers

What term does Bhabha use to describe the space where new cultural identities emerge?

Third Space of enunciation Signup and view all the answers

How does mimicry function within Bhabha's theory of hybridity?

It exposes the differences between the colonizer and the colonized. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bhabha suggest about the identities of colonizers and colonized?

They are mutually constructed and interdependent. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main critiques of Spivak's subaltern theory?

It overlooks the complexities of identity within oppressed groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'intersectionality in identity' as it relates to literature?

The simultaneous responses of multiple identities to societal structures. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Bhabha's concept of hybridity challenge traditional views of identity?

It embraces the fluidity and constant evolution of identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies mimicry as described by Bhabha?

A colonizer adopting the dress of the colonized. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exam Mantra

Pray for forgiveness, harbour no anger
Feel the beauty of the world
Praise the merit of passing down knowledge, but acknowledge the risk of spreading it easily
Be a member of the Zenin clan, understanding eternity
Combine opposite ideas to create something new

Affirmations

I'm determined; hard work equals success
I believe in myself; I can overcome obstacles
I can handle difficult tasks
I'm proud of my accomplishments
I'll do great on the exam
I'm prepared for the exam
I'm capable, smart, and intelligent regardless of the outcome
Just do my best and leave the rest
Believe and achieve
Believe and manifest

Repeat 10 times

Reminder

Read "The Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway

Key Concepts for Lit Final Exam

Hybridity by Homi Bhabha

Homi K. Bhabha was a literary theorist who used "hybridity" to describe new identities created through cultural exchange
Hybridity originated in biology, referring to offspring of different organisms
Bhabha's theory shows the interdependence of colonizers and colonized, with new identities co-constructed in the "Third Space of enunciation"

Subaltern by Spivak

Spivak's "subaltern" refers to marginalized groups in postcolonial studies
Originally used to describe lower military ranks, it now represents socially, politically, and economically disadvantaged groups
They lack a voice and are situated in power structures

Identity

Identity in literature explores individual and shared qualities, traits, and roles
Identity themes include race, gender, class, and personal/cultural experiences, influencing how characters are developed, narratives are structured, and how readers relate to the text

Key Aspects of Identity in Literature

Personal Identity: Unique character traits, personality, psychological development through actions and thoughts
Social Identity: Roles, relationships, and positions within social structures
Cultural Identity: Cultural heritage's influence, including ethnicity, language, religion, and cultural practices
Intersectionality: The interplay of aspects like race, gender, and class
Dynamic Identity: How identity changes due to events or experiences
Identity Construction: Creating, questioning, or transforming identities through a text

Decolonization

Decolonization is the process of colonized nations regaining autonomy, sovereignty, and cultural identity from former colonial powers
Involves political, economic, cultural, and psychological dismantling of colonial rule for indigenous governance

Anthropomorphism

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities (animals, objects)
A literary and artistic device, used to make abstract concepts more relatable

Ecocentrism

Ethical perspective that values all living organisms and the environment, regardless of their usefulness to humans
Prioritizes the well-being of ecosystems

Sense of Place

Emotional, cultural, and personal connections a person or community feels toward a specific location
Shaped by history, geography, culture, and personal experiences. Influences a person's identity, behaviour

Biocentrism

Ethical perspective that values all life, not just humans
All forms of life have moral worth, worthy of consideration and respect

Ideology

A system of beliefs, values, and ideas that influence a person's or group's worldview
Influences behaviour, decisions, interpretations of social, political, cultural, or economic realities

The organized framework of relationships, roles, institutions, and regulations within a society
Shapes behaviour, distributes resources, and forms identities

Contextualization

Placing an event, idea, or concept within its broader historical, cultural, social, and environmental context for a deeper understanding

Intertextuality

Connections between texts, with one text referencing, responding to, or reinterpreting another text, explicitly or implicitly
Enriches interpretations

Capitalism

Economic system where private entities control production, distribution, and exchange
Emphasizes profit maximization through free market competition

Alienation

Feeling of estrangement or disconnection from something familiar or integral to one's identity, labour, or life
Often used to describe people detached from their work, themselves, or society

Class Struggle/Consciousness

Class Consciousness

Awareness of one's position in the social and economic structure
Recognition of shared economic interests and understanding of class exploitation and disadvantages

Class Struggle

Ongoing conflict between different social classes with opposing interests

Interpellation

Process of being "called" or addressed into specific social roles or ideologies
Shaping identity and behaviour in society

Repression

Defense mechanism where anxiety-inducing thoughts, memories, desires, or impulses are pushed out of conscious awareness

Symbolic Meaning

Deeper or abstract meaning attached to objects, actions, or events
Can represent cultural significance, emotion or ideologies

Conscious Vs Unconscious Mind

Conscious Mind:

Thoughts, perceptions, and experiences we are presently aware of and capable of controlling

Unconscious Mind:

Thoughts, memories, desires, and experiences outside our current awareness. Can still influence behaviour, thoughts and emotions.

Key Differences Between Consciousness and Unconscious Mind

Awareness: Conscious mind has direct awareness of thoughts/feelings, the unconscious has hidden or repressed thoughts/feelings
Control: Conscious mind directly controls thoughts/actions, the unconscious mind influences behaviour unconsciously
Function: Conscious mind is responsible for reasoning and decision making; unconscious mind stores repressed conflicts/memories
Accessibility: Conscious thoughts can be easily accessed and articulated; accessing the unconscious is much more complex
Impact on Behaviour: Conscious mind directly influences thoughts/actions, unconscious mind has an indirect impact

Historical Materialism and Dialectical Materialism

Historical Materialism:

Material conditions are the primary drivers of societal development.
The way humans produce and reproduce necessities (food, shelter etc) forms the foundation for social structures.

Dialectical Materialism:

Philosophical framework combining dialect and materialism
Combines the idea that contradictions are at the heart of everything with materialism to understand historical and social change

Commodity

Goods/services produced for exchange
Possesses both use value (utility) and exchange value (value in exchange)

Fragmentation

Breakdown of a whole into smaller unconnected parts.
Can occur in society, literature, narrative, or ecology.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Prepare for your literature final exam with key concepts and affirmations. This quiz focuses on themes from 'The Hills Like White Elephants' and the theory of hybridity by Homi Bhabha, along with motivational affirmations to boost your confidence. Embrace constructive ideas to enhance your exam readiness.