Extinction by Thomas Bernhard
- 1. Extinction is a profound and intricate novel by Austrian author Thomas Bernhard, published in 1986, which explores themes of identity, heritage, and the existential despair of the intellectual elite in post-war Europe. The narrative follows the character of Franz-Joseph Murau, a man who has distanced himself from his family and homeland after the death of his brother, and who finds himself embroiled in the complexities of familial obligations when he returns to his family's estate in Styria, Austria. The novel's structure is marked by Bernhard's distinctive style, characterized by long, flowing sentences and a relentless introspection, as Murau grapples with the legacy of his ancestors, the oppressive weight of tradition, and the suffocating nature of societal expectations. Throughout the text, Bernhard examines the futility of existence, the themes of alienation and the yearning for authenticity, while also critiquing the cultural and moral decay surrounding the characters. Murau's reflections ultimately lead him to a profound sense of existential crisis, as he contemplates the nature of life and death, and the inevitable extinction of both personal and collective identities. The novel not only serves as a critique of Austrian society but also invites readers to ponder deeper philosophical questions about the meaning of life in an increasingly indifferent world.
What profession does Gregor Keuschnig hold?
A) Writer
B) Artist
C) Doctor
D) Philosopher
- 2. How does Gregor view his family's expectations?
A) He finds them suffocating
B) He is indifferent to them
C) He rebels against them peacefully
D) He embraces them fully
- 3. What literary style is 'Extinction' known for?
A) Realism
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Gothic fiction
D) Magical realism
- 4. How does Gregor feel about society?
A) He feels a strong connection
B) He feels alienated from it
C) He finds it comforting
D) He disregards it entirely
- 5. How does the narrative structure of 'Extinction' unfold?
A) Through lengthy monologues and reflections
B) In a traditional linear fashion
C) As a collection of journal entries
D) With multiple narrators
- 6. What philosophical influence can be noted in Gregor's thoughts?
A) Stoicism
B) Utilitarianism
C) Romanticism
D) Existentialism
- 7. Which city serves as a significant backdrop in the novel?
A) Vienna
B) Salzburg
C) Budapest
D) Berlin
- 8. How does Gregor's perception of time manifest?
A) As linear and consistent
B) As irrelevant
C) As fragmented and distorted
D) As cyclical and comforting
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