Overview of American Literary Periods
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Questions and Answers

Which philosophical underpinning emphasizes the economic basis of history?

  • Darwin
  • Freud
  • Nietzsche
  • Marx (correct)
  • What literary work pays homage to local figures and explores the concept of the 'buried life'?

  • The Great Gatsby
  • Spoon River Anthology (correct)
  • The Waste Land
  • Leaves of Grass
  • Which author is associated with the phrase 'Make it New'?

  • T.S. Eliot
  • Edgar Lee Masters
  • Robert Frost
  • Ezra Pound (correct)
  • What was a major shift in perspective for early 20th-century thinkers regarding the understanding of relationships?

    <p>Reliance on science for explanations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What literary movement is characterized by its emphasis on psychological depth and includes a focus on regionalism and local color?

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

    Which era is associated with the Lost Generation and an increase in the pace of literary forms and expressions?

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

    Which movement sought to expand the literary canon by including diverse voices such as African American and LGBTQ+ authors?

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

    During which period did New Criticism dominate the academic teaching of English, particularly in poetry?

    <p>Post-War period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant factor that contributed to Margaret Fuller Slack's inability to pursue her writing goals?

    <p>She had to balance work and family responsibilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of Master’s poetic method is highlighted in the content?

    <p>Direct treatment of controversial subjects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the story of Nellie Clark illustrate about the societal issues she faced?

    <p>The consequences of childhood trauma and small-town stigmatization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What thematic focus is characteristic of turn-of-the-century writers mentioned in the content?

    <p>Exploration of regional life and ordinary Americans.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Master’s approach to poetry challenge within traditional forms?

    <p>Convention and established poetic norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of In a Station of the Metro?

    <p>It has a single, well-defined image.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does T.S. Eliot's approach to writing poetry differ from a more personal influence?

    <p>He believes that poetry should avoid personal themes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theme is suggested by the term 'apparition' in In a Station of the Metro?

    <p>A fleeting moment of beauty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event took place in 1955 related to racial equality?

    <p>Rosa Parks began the Montgomery bus boycott</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What influences are reflected in T.S. Eliot's poetry?

    <p>A blend of formal European traditions and modern subjects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Allen Ginsberg's poem A Supermarket in California explore?

    <p>The search for inspiration in mid-20th century life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which poet's style does Ginsberg emulate in his poem Howl?

    <p>Walt Whitman</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major theme does Ginsberg express in his poetry regarding modern California?

    <p>Nostalgia for a lost America</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the essence of John Locke's belief regarding the state of nature?

    <p>There exists a law of nature that governs human interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Rousseau, who does the legitimate sovereign power belong to?

    <p>The whole population, including all genders.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Enlightenment view the relationship between humans and the universe?

    <p>Humans possess mastery over nature and can understand it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best represents Thomas Paine's views?

    <p>Decision-making should be influenced by logic rather than habits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the metaphor used by Enlightenment thinkers about the universe?

    <p>A watch, symbolizing order and perfectibility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common belief did the Founding Fathers share regarding government?

    <p>The consent of the governed is essential for legitimacy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Enlightenment thinkers reject in their understanding of human nature?

    <p>The belief in inherent human depravity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the purpose of a novel according to the content?

    <p>To accurately depict life as it is</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the readership of novels as mentioned in the content?

    <p>Women tend to read novels more because they often have more time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does literary naturalism differ from realism according to the content?

    <p>Naturalism employs scientific principles while realism does not</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary belief held by naturalistic writers regarding human beings?

    <p>Humans can be analyzed as products of their environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which philosopher is associated with the idea of the 'noble savage' in naturalism?

    <p>Jean-Jacques Rousseau</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What thematic element is prominently featured in In a Station of the Metro?

    <p>Contrast between machine and human experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of T.S. Eliot's poetry is highlighted as a contradiction in his writing style?

    <p>He claims that poetry should not be personal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structural characteristic does In a Station of the Metro share with traditional Japanese poetry?

    <p>It consists of a single image conveying a deep emotion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase best encapsulates the unique approach T.S. Eliot takes in his poetry?

    <p>Challenging the established literary conventions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technique does In a Station of the Metro employ to convey the sense of movement?

    <p>Onomatopoeia that aligns with train sounds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event in 1955 marked a pivotal moment for racial equality in the United States?

    <p>Montgomery bus boycott initiated by Rosa Parks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which theme is explored in Allen Ginsberg's poem A Supermarket in California?

    <p>The loss of traditional values in modern society</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of Ginsberg's poetry is highlighted in his work Howl?

    <p>One continuous line resembling Whitman’s style</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organization was founded in 1957 to help fight for civil rights in the United States?

    <p>Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What critique does Ginsberg’s poem suggest about the societal changes in mid-20th century California?

    <p>It has transformed into a soulless, commercialized environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Dave's action of killing the mule symbolize in the narrative?

    <p>The loss of innocence and contentment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the author portray Sarty's transformation throughout the story?

    <p>He evolves from unthinking loyalty to active betrayal of his father.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pervasive issue does Faulkner highlight in the context of poverty in the South?

    <p>Illiteracy significantly limits personal advancement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the phrase 'law of the father' in the context of the narrative?

    <p>The oppressive authority of paternal figures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of Dave's educational experience is emphasized in the story?

    <p>His schooling is available only during specific seasons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a dominant theme during the Colonial period of American literature?

    <p>Guidelines for social conduct</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which literary form became prominent during the Revolutionary Age?

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

    What significant cultural movement began after 1828 in American literature?

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

    What was a characteristic aspect of writings during the Early National Period?

    <p>Predominantly white male authorship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Civil War impact American literature during the Early National Period?

    <p>It caused a decline in published works</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event marked a turning point in American political history during the Revolutionary Age?

    <p>The first election of an American president</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of literature primarily characterized the Colonial period?

    <p>Theological texts and narratives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which literary period did writers like Emerson, Thoreau, and Poe emerge?

    <p>Early National Period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who holds legitimate power within a society?

    <p>The entire population as a collective sovereign.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Thomas Paine mean by saying 'My own mind is my own church'?

    <p>He emphasizes personal reasoning over organized doctrines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the metaphor of the universe used by Enlightenment thinkers?

    <p>The universe functions like a perfectly arranged clock.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a shared belief among the Founding Fathers concerning governance?

    <p>Governance should prioritize individual liberties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What philosophical idea did the Scottish Enlightenment emphasize?

    <p>The importance of empirical observation and reason.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Enlightenment thinkers view human mastery over nature?

    <p>Humans have the capacity to understand and control nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Overview of Literary Periods

    • American literature periods are variable
    • Time periods, prominent literary forms, political eras, and wars are considered
    • Colonial Period (1607-1775)
      • Focused on theological topics and rules of society
      • Encounter narratives, conduct books, diaries were prominent
      • Writings were dominated by European influences
      • War began in 1755
    • Revolutionary Age (1765-1790)
      • Political tracts, poems (mostly on political topics), and early novels were common
      • Colonists sought independence
      • The first American president was elected
      • Significant social and political change occurred
    • Early National Period (1775-1865)
      • Romanticism after 1828
      • Important literary figures include Emerson, Thoreau, Poe, Hawthorne, Melville, and Whitman
      • Transcendentalism movement also emerged
      • A period of significant social and political change
        • A Civil War lasted four years
        • A time of significant social and political change, with the election of the first American president, and the rapid expansion and development of the country.

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    Description

    Explore the timeline and characteristics of various American literary periods, including the Colonial Period, Revolutionary Age, and Early National Period. Understand the significant social and political changes that influenced the literature of each era, along with prominent literary figures and forms. This quiz will test your knowledge of the evolution of American literature.

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