- 1. The Fantastic by Tzvetan Todorov is a seminal work in literary theory that explores the boundaries between the real and the supernatural within narratives. In this influential text, Todorov defines the fantastic as a specific literary mode that resides in the hesitation experienced by a character and the reader between the rational and the irrational, prompting a unique experience that challenges our understanding of reality. He categorizes narrative structures into three distinct realms: the marvelous, where supernatural elements are accepted as part of the normal world; the uncanny, where the supernatural is explained through rationality; and the fantastic, where ambiguity reigns, leaving both the character and the reader in a state of uncertainty. This exploration of the fantastic serves not only to heighten the emotional engagement of the reader but also raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of existence and perception itself. Todorov's analysis draws upon a diverse range of literary examples, from classic literature to modern works, illustrating how the fantastic operates across genres and historical contexts, thereby solidifying its relevance in contemporary literary criticism. Through his meticulous examination of narrative techniques and reader response, Todorov invites us to reconsider the ways we interpret stories and the implications of belief and disbelief in the realm of fiction.
According to Todorov, what is the primary characteristic of the fantastic?
A) Purely psychological explanations
B) Historical accuracy
C) Moment of hesitation between natural and supernatural explanations
D) Clear supernatural events
- 2. What is the 'uncanny' according to Todorov?
A) Events that remain permanently unexplained
B) Strange events that receive rational explanations
C) Clearly supernatural occurrences
D) Historical anomalies
- 3. Which literary work does Todorov frequently analyze as an example of the fantastic?
A) Hamlet by Shakespeare
B) Moby Dick by Melville
C) The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
D) Pride and Prejudice by Austen
- 4. How does Todorov define the 'marvelous'?
A) Supernatural accepted as real within the narrative
B) Psychological explanations for strange events
C) Events that remain ambiguous
D) Scientific rationalizations
- 5. Which element is crucial for maintaining the fantastic according to Todorov?
A) Character development
B) Romantic subplots
C) Historical accuracy
D) Ambiguity
- 6. What distinguishes the fantastic from fantasy literature broadly?
A) Presence of magical creatures
B) Set in imaginary worlds
C) Involves quest narratives
D) Focus on hesitation between explanations
- 7. Which genre typically falls under Todorov's 'marvelous' category?
A) Fairy tales
B) Historical drama
C) Mystery novels
D) Realist fiction
- 8. What is the relationship between the fantastic and reality in Todorov's theory?
A) It completely rejects reality
B) It reinforces scientific reality
C) It ignores reality
D) It questions the boundaries of reality
- 9. What is the primary emotion associated with the fantastic?
A) Uncertainty
B) Joy
C) Terror
D) Nostalgia
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