The Tongue Set Free by Elias Canetti
  • 1. The Tongue Set Free, an autobiographical work by Elias Canetti, delves into the intricate tapestry of the author's early life in the early 20th century, portraying his formative years in a multicultural world that straddled the boundaries between diverse languages and cultures. Set against the backdrop of Bulgaria and later Vienna, Canetti's narrative traverses the complexities of identity, language, and the profound impact of societal transformations during the tumultuous period of World War I and its aftermath. The book presents a rich, introspective exploration of Canetti's memories, shedding light on his family dynamics, particularly his relationships with his Jewish heritage, his mother's influence, and the role of language as both a liberating force and a barrier. Throughout the text, Canetti articulates a deep appreciation for the power of words and speech, as well as an acute awareness of the alienation and dislocation experienced in a rapidly changing world. Through vivid and lyrical prose, Canetti captures the essence of his early intellectual awakening and the complexities of growing up in a culture marked by linguistic diversity, ultimately reflecting a universal quest for self-expression and understanding in a fragmented society.

    What is the primary genre of 'The Tongue Set Free'?
A) Poetry collection
B) Philosophical treatise
C) Novel
D) Autobiography
  • 2. In which language was 'The Tongue Set Free' originally written?
A) Ladino
B) French
C) English
D) German
  • 3. What is the first language the author recalls speaking in his childhood?
A) Bulgarian
B) German
C) Ladino
D) English
  • 4. Canetti's family moves from which city to Manchester, England, at the start of the book?
A) Zurich, Switzerland
B) Istanbul, Turkey
C) Vienna, Austria
D) Ruse, Bulgaria
  • 5. What tragic event prompts the family's move to Vienna?
A) Political persecution
B) The outbreak of World War I
C) The sudden death of his father
D) Economic hardship
  • 6. Which of these authors does his mother introduce him to as part of his education?
A) Cervantes
B) Dostoevsky
C) Shakespeare
D) Goethe
  • 7. What major historical event's outbreak is described in the book?
A) The Russian Revolution
B) World War I
C) The Great Depression
D) World War II
  • 8. In which city does Canetti begin his university studies?
A) Leipzig
B) Vienna
C) Zurich
D) Frankfurt
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