What is the main function of postcolonial criticism ?

A. To represent the relationship between colonizers and the colonized
B. To draw attention to the positive effects of colonization on literature
C. To explain why there are few examples of successful non-western literature
D. To show the ways in which mostwestern literature is superior

Ultimately, the literary theory of deconstruction argues that___________?

A. Texts are always heterogeneous.
B. The instability of a text is actually evident in the text itself.
C. Any system for the production of meaning is inevitably bound by context, yet also limitless.
D. All of the above.

Modern literary theory began with the work of which theorist ?

A. Claude lévi-strauss
B. Ferdinand de saussure
C. Viktor shklovsky
D. Roland barthes

Who coined the term New Historicism ?

A. Jacques derrida
B. Terry eagleton
C. Fredric jameson
D. Stephen greenblatt

In her essay “The Laugh of the Medusa,” what does Hélène Cixous suggest for women ?

A. Women should write for and about themselves in order to counter phallocentric texts.
B. Women should write, but they should do so only within the existent male canon.
C. Women should primarily dedicate themselves to studying women’s literature from the past.
D. Women should be unconcerned with the struggle for identity.

Which of the following ideas relates to J.L. Austin’s performativity theory ?

A. Performance is the ultimate objective of all human beings.
B. Language is used to indicate action as well as thought.
C. Individuals perform gender actively.
D. Individuals develop consciousness through speech

According to Plato, what is the moral purpose of art ?

A. To connect human beings with a higher ideal
B. To entertain those who enjoy it
C. To criticize society through satire
D. To bring to light social oppressions

Christopher Ricks would most likely DISAGREE with which of the following claims about literary theory ?

A. Literary theory often depends on esoteric knowledge to be properly understood.
B. Literary theory is employed mostly by academics.
C. Literary theory should not be an academic focus in english departments.
D. Literary theory is the only proper way to conceptualize literary texts.

Which of the following descriptions best defines the literary theory known as formalism ?

A. An approach that emphasizes literary devices in a text
B. An approach that emphasizes the historical context of a text
C. An approach that emphasizes the biographical intent of a text
D. An approach that emphasizes racial issues in a text

How does New Historicism differ from traditional historicism ?

A. New historicism does not make strict delineations between literary and nonliterary texts.
B. New historicism takes a particular interest in marginalized peoples.
C. New historicism is interested in how texts help us understand economic realities.
D. All of the above.