On Stories And Other Essays On Literature by C. S. Lewis
- 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) Joyce's Ulysses
B) Austen's Pride and Prejudice
C) Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea
D) Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings
- 3. What does Lewis say about the relationship between stories and 'messages'?
A) Messages ruin all literature
B) Only religious stories need messages
C) Stories should not be reduced to messages
D) Every story must have a clear moral
- 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) Character dialogue templates
B) Library borrowing patterns
C) Conventional, unthinking reactions
D) Financial investments in publishing
- 6. According to Lewis, what is the proper role of the critic?
A) To judge works as good or bad
B) To defend traditional values
C) To help readers appreciate works
D) To create new literary theories
- 7. In 'High and Low Brows', what distinction does Lewis criticize?
A) The difference between poetry and prose
B) The division between serious and popular literature
C) Class distinctions in character portrayal
D) Educational level of readers
- 8. According to Lewis, what is the danger of 'psychoanalyzing' literature?
A) It reduces art to pathology
B) It improves character development
C) It reveals author's secrets
D) It makes stories too complex
- 9. What does Lewis argue about the relationship between Christianity and literature?
A) Christianity ruins good storytelling
B) Christianity can enrich but shouldn't dominate literature
C) Literature should avoid religious themes
D) Only Christian literature has value
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