- 1. On Stories And Other Essays On Literature by C. S. Lewis is a thought-provoking collection that delves into the fundamental nature of storytelling, the essential role of literature in human experience, and the deep connections between fiction and truth. In these essays, Lewis articulates his passion for narratives, exploring the ways in which stories shape our understanding of the world and our place within it. He examines the significance of myth and fable, arguing that they hold profound truths that resonate with the human psyche, transcending mere entertainment. With his characteristic clarity and insight, Lewis discusses the moral and philosophical dimensions present in literature, emphasizing the ability of great stories to inspire empathy and reflection. This compilation not only showcases Lewis’s literary prowess but also invites readers to consider the transformative power of literature in their own lives, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the interplay between narrative and human existence.
According to Lewis, what quality makes a story 'mythopoeic'?
A) It contains factual information
B) It follows strict literary rules
C) It focuses on romance
D) It evokes numinous wonder
- 2. What literary work does Lewis praise as achieving true mythic quality?
A) Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
B) Joyce's Ulysses
C) Austen's Pride and Prejudice
D) Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea
- 3. What does Lewis say about the relationship between stories and 'messages'?
A) Only religious stories need messages
B) Every story must have a clear moral
C) Messages ruin all literature
D) Stories should not be reduced to messages
- 4. In 'The Death of Words', what does Lewis argue is happening to language?
A) Grammar rules are too strict
B) We are creating too many new words
C) Language is becoming more precise
D) Words are losing their meaning
- 5. What does Lewis mean by 'stock responses' in literature?
A) Financial investments in publishing
B) Library borrowing patterns
C) Conventional, unthinking reactions
D) Character dialogue templates
- 6. According to Lewis, what is the proper role of the critic?
A) To create new literary theories
B) To judge works as good or bad
C) To defend traditional values
D) To help readers appreciate works
- 7. In 'High and Low Brows', what distinction does Lewis criticize?
A) Educational level of readers
B) The division between serious and popular literature
C) Class distinctions in character portrayal
D) The difference between poetry and prose
- 8. According to Lewis, what is the danger of 'psychoanalyzing' literature?
A) It reveals author's secrets
B) It improves character development
C) It reduces art to pathology
D) It makes stories too complex
- 9. What does Lewis argue about the relationship between Christianity and literature?
A) Christianity ruins good storytelling
B) Literature should avoid religious themes
C) Christianity can enrich but shouldn't dominate literature
D) Only Christian literature has value
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