- 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 follows strict literary rules
B) It contains factual information
C) It evokes numinous wonder
D) It focuses on romance
- 2. What literary work does Lewis praise as achieving true mythic quality?
A) Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea
B) Austen's Pride and Prejudice
C) Joyce's Ulysses
D) Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
- 3. What does Lewis say about the relationship between stories and 'messages'?
A) Every story must have a clear moral
B) Messages ruin all literature
C) Only religious stories need messages
D) Stories should not be reduced to messages
- 4. In 'The Death of Words', what does Lewis argue is happening to language?
A) We are creating too many new words
B) Words are losing their meaning
C) Grammar rules are too strict
D) Language is becoming more precise
- 5. What does Lewis mean by 'stock responses' in literature?
A) Library borrowing patterns
B) Conventional, unthinking reactions
C) Financial investments in publishing
D) Character dialogue templates
- 6. According to Lewis, what is the proper role of the critic?
A) To create new literary theories
B) To defend traditional values
C) To judge works as good or bad
D) To help readers appreciate works
- 7. In 'High and Low Brows', what distinction does Lewis criticize?
A) Educational level of readers
B) The difference between poetry and prose
C) The division between serious and popular literature
D) Class distinctions in character portrayal
- 8. According to Lewis, what is the danger of 'psychoanalyzing' literature?
A) It makes stories too complex
B) It reduces art to pathology
C) It improves character development
D) It reveals author's secrets
- 9. What does Lewis argue about the relationship between Christianity and literature?
A) Only Christian literature has value
B) Literature should avoid religious themes
C) Christianity ruins good storytelling
D) Christianity can enrich but shouldn't dominate literature
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