Literary Theory and Criticism Question Bank

 

 A. Short Answer Questions

  1. Who are the interlocutors in Book X?
  2. Define mimesis.
  3. Distinguish between Form, physical object, and artistic representation.
  4. Explain the “Three Makers of the Bed.”
  5. Which part of the soul does poetry appeal to?
  6. What is the purpose of the Myth of Er?
  7. Why does Plato say poetry is “thrice removed” from truth?
  8. What does Aristotle mean by mimesis?
  9. Name any two art forms that imitate life.
  10. List the three ways art forms differ.
  11. What are the six elements of tragedy?
  12. What emotions does tragedy arouse?
  13. Name the three structural parts of a tragic plot.
  14. What is hamartia?
  15. Define peripeteia.
  16. Define anagnorisis.
  17. Why is plot called the “soul of tragedy”?
  18. Name the four speakers in the essay.
  19. What do the Three Unities mean?
  20. How does Dryden define drama?
  21. Why is Shakespeare called the “Homer” of English drama?
  22. Why is Ben Jonson compared to Virgil?
  23. What does Pope mean by “First follow Nature”?
  24. What is the relationship between Wit and Judgment?
  25. What is “false learning”?
  26. Why is bad criticism more dangerous than bad writing?
  27. What is “Inspired Idiocy”?
  28. Define mechanic form.
  29. Define organic form.
  30. What qualities must a true critic possess?
  31. What is catharsis?
  32. How does hamartia make a hero relatable?
  33. What is the connection between reversal and recognition?
  34. Why must a tragic hero be human?
  35. What does the watch analogy explain?
  36. What is Nature in Neoclassicism?
  37. Why must Judgment control Wit?
  38. What advice does Pope give critics?
  39. Analyse Pope’s theory of criticism.
  40. Discuss the relationship between Wit and Judgment.
  41. Evaluate Pope’s concept of Nature.
  42. What popular notion about Shakespeare does Coleridge reject?
  43. Difference between mechanic and organic form.
  44. Why did pedantic critics fail to appreciate Shakespeare?
  45. How do early poems prove Shakespeare’s genius?
  46. Examine Coleridge’s defence of Shakespeare’s genius.
  47. Discuss organic vs mechanic form in detail.
  48. Explain Coleridge’s concept of the true critic.
  49. How does Friedrich Nietzsche criticize and mock the principles of Socratic rationalism?
  50. What do Apollo and Dionysos represent?
  51. What is principium individuationis?
  52. Why is Attic tragedy a metaphysical miracle?

 

🔹 B. Essay Questions

  1. Critically examine Plato’s reasons for exiling poets from the ideal state.
  2. Explain the “Three Beds” analogy and its philosophical implications.
  3. Discuss the Myth of Er and moral responsibility.
  4. Compare Plato’s and Aristotle’s views on imitation.
  5. Discuss Aristotle’s theory of imitation.
  6. Analyse Aristotle’s definition of tragedy.
  7. Explain why plot is the soul of tragedy.
  8. Analyse catharsis and its social function.
  9. Compare tragedy and comedy.
  10. Evaluate Aristotle’s hierarchy of tragic elements.
  11. Discuss An Essay of Dramatic Poesy as a turning point in English criticism.
  12. Why did Dryden choose the dialogue form?
  13. Compare Ancient vs Modern drama in Dryden.
  14. Compare Pope’s and Coleridge’s concept of Nature.
  15. Discuss their views on literary rules.
  16. Why is the half-educated critic dangerous?
  17. Analyse the Apollonian and Dionysian duality.
  18. Explain the metaphysical significance of Greek tragedy.
  19. Discuss the breakdown of individuation in the Dionysian state.

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