Literature in Western Europe

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What motivated educators to make literature an academic subject according to the passage?

It was the only source of knowledge available

It had no didactic uses

It was the only literature available for study

It had significant impact on large numbers of people (correct)

Why was literature not offered in universities until the nineteenth century?

It was considered too modern for academic study

Classical literature was thought to have more merit (correct)

There were not enough qualified teachers to teach literature

People were not interested in literature at that time

What does the passage suggest about literary criticism?

It is not necessary for understanding literature

It consists of taking literature apart and putting it back together (correct)

It discourages common readers from engaging with literature

It is only pursued by literary technicians

What did Dr. Samuel Johnson contribute to the field of literature according to the passage?

The term 'common readers' Signup and view all the answers

Why was it inevitable for literature to become a part of the academic curriculum according to the passage?

It had significant didactic uses Signup and view all the answers

What impact has rigorous literary criticism had according to the passage?

It has discouraged common readers from engaging with literature Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view of contemporary criticism according to the passage?

It has usurped the place of a work of art Signup and view all the answers

What is Susan Sontag's view regarding most kinds of contemporary criticism?

It desecrates the art form Signup and view all the answers

What was Leslie Fiedler's advocacy regarding the response to literature?

Ecstatics as a response to literature Signup and view all the answers

How does Susan Sontag view criticism's practice by academic and professional critics?

Harmful and impoverishing to art Signup and view all the answers

What did Susan Sontag see as the intent of critical analysis?

To control and manage art Signup and view all the answers

'The traditionally accepted standards and classics were in his view elitist' - Who does 'his' refer to in this statement?

Leslie Fiedler Signup and view all the answers

'In place of a hermeneutics we need an erotics of art.' - Who expressed this view?

Susan Sontag Signup and view all the answers

'She saw criticism-at least, most of itas a dry-as-dust intellectual operation...' - Who does 'she' refer to in this statement?

'Susan Sontag' Signup and view all the answers

'Professor Fiedler would make the gut reaction the be-all and end-all of art.' - What does 'be-all and end-all' mean in this statement?

'The most important thing' Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's view about traditional standards and classics?

They are elitist, academic opinions. Signup and view all the answers

Literature in Western Europe

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