- 1. Journal, 1935-1944 by Mihail Sebastian is a profound and introspective literary work that offers readers a window into the tumultuous life of the Romanian Jewish writer during a period marked by political upheaval, existential crisis, and the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. This journal captures the essence of Sebastian's thoughts, emotions, and observations as he navigates the complexities of life under a fascist regime and the encroaching horrors of World War II. Through poignant reflections on his personal struggles, relationships, and the socio-political climate of the time, Sebastian articulates a deep sense of longing, vulnerability, and resilience. His writing is imbued with a philosophical depth that reflects his grappling with identity, art, and the human condition in the face of almost insurmountable challenges. The journal serves not only as a historical document but also as a timeless testament to the power of literary expression in confronting the darkness of human experience.
What is the primary literary form of Mihail Sebastian's 'Journal, 1935-1944'?
A) Poetry collection
B) Play
C) Novel
D) Diary
- 2. In which country was Mihail Sebastian living when he wrote this journal?
A) France
B) Romania
C) Hungary
D) Russia
- 3. Which major global conflict forms the terrifying backdrop for the later years of the journal?
A) The Cold War
B) World War I
C) World War II
D) The Vietnam War
- 4. What was Mihail Sebastian's religious or ethnic identity, which made him a target of persecution?
A) Catholic
B) Protestant
C) Jewish
D) Muslim
- 5. Which infamous Romanian political party, allied with the Nazis, rose to power during the journal's timespan?
A) The Fascisti
B) The Iron Guard
C) The Black Hand
D) The Bolsheviks
- 6. Besides being a diarist, what was Mihail Sebastian's primary profession?
A) Scientist
B) Military officer
C) Painter
D) Playwright and novelist
- 7. Which famous Romanian philosopher and mentor to Sebastian turned into a vehement anti-Semite?
A) Mircea Eliade
B) Emil Cioran
C) Eugen Ionescu
D) Nae Ionescu
- 8. The journal serves as a crucial historical document of what?
A) Military battle strategies
B) The intellectual and moral climate of the era
C) Scientific discoveries
D) Economic trade agreements
- 9. What personal struggle is woven throughout the political observations?
A) His career as a soldier
B) His training as a doctor
C) His ambitions as a politician
D) His life as a writer and intellectual
- 10. The journal was published long after his death. In what decade was it first published?
A) 1970s
B) 1990s
C) 1960s
D) 1950s
- 11. Which city is the main setting for the journal?
A) Bucharest
B) Budapest
C) Paris
D) Berlin
- 12. As the war progresses, what happens to Sebastian's status as a writer?
A) He is banned from publishing
B) He stops writing entirely
C) He becomes a state-sponsored artist
D) He wins international awards
- 13. How does Sebastian often view the passage of time?
A) With joyful anticipation
B) With religious fervor
C) With a sense of dread and uncertainty
D) With scientific curiosity
- 14. Which other famous diarist of World War II is he sometimes compared to?
A) Anne Frank
B) Joseph Goebbels
C) Winston Churchill
D) Ernest Hemingway
- 15. Beyond politics, what does the journal meticulously record?
A) His athletic achievements
B) His reading and cultural life
C) His family's genealogy
D) His stock market investments
- 16. What was the original language of the journal?
A) French
B) Romanian
C) German
D) Yiddish
- 17. The journal provides a first-hand account of the rise of what political ideology in Romania?
A) Monarchism
B) Fascism
C) Communism
D) Democracy
- 18. During the period of the journal, Romania was initially aligned with which Axis power?
A) The Soviet Union
B) Nazi Germany
C) The United Kingdom
D) The United States
- 19. The journal ends in 1944, the year Romania did what in the war?
A) Surrendered unconditionally
B) Launched a new offensive
C) Switched to the Allies
D) Was completely occupied
- 20. Which of these was a close friend of Sebastian's who also became a prominent antisemite?
A) Eugène Ionesco
B) Mircea Eliade
C) Paul Celan
D) Elie Wiesel
- 21. How did Mihail Sebastian die?
A) Illness in a camp
B) Suicide
C) Executed
D) Hit by a truck
- 22. Which month and year did the journal entries begin?
A) 1935
B) 1933
C) 1939
D) 1941
- 23. Which month and year did the journal entries end?
A) 1938
B) 1943
C) 1944
D) 1945
- 24. What literary device is predominant in Sebastian's writing style in the journal?
A) Irony
B) Onomatopoeia
C) Hyperbole
D) Allegory
- 25. Sebastian's profession made him particularly vulnerable as it relied on what?
A) International travel
B) Public recognition
C) Military service
D) Government funding
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