Tristes Tropiques by Claude Lévi-Strauss
- 1. Tristes Tropiques, written by the renowned French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss and published in 1955, is a rich and reflective narrative that combines travelogue, autobiographical elements, and scholarly discourse. In this work, Lévi-Strauss recounts his fieldwork and adventures in Brazil during the late 1930s, where he immersed himself in the study of indigenous tribes. The book delves deeply into the complexities of culture and human civilization, examining the contrast between the 'primitive' tribal societies he encountered and the industrialized world of the West. Lévi-Strauss articulates his observations on the nature of humanity, the adaptability of cultures, and the intricate web of social relations that define different societies. The narrative is interspersed with philosophical musings on the meaning of progress and the impact of Western civilization on indigenous peoples, creating a thought-provoking discourse on cultural relativism and the anthropological perspective. Tristes Tropiques is not just an account of his travels but a profound exploration of anthropology as a discipline, making it a seminal work that contributes significantly to both literature and social sciences, resonating with readers and scholars alike.
What is the primary focus of 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) Economic theories
B) Political ideologies
C) Anthropological reflections
D) Historical events
- 2. In which year was 'Tristes Tropiques' first published?
A) 1965
B) 1945
C) 1975
D) 1955
- 3. What is Lévi-Strauss's profession?
A) Sociologist
B) Psychologist
C) Historian
D) Anthropologist
- 4. In 'Tristes Tropiques', Lévi-Strauss often contrasts which two cultures?
A) African and South American cultures
B) Indigenous and Western cultures
C) Urban and rural cultures
D) European and Asian cultures
- 5. What type of narrative technique is used throughout 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) First-person narrative
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Epistolary format
D) Third-person narration
- 6. What does Lévi-Strauss assert about myths in 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) They are purely fictional
B) They are outdated
C) They reveal universal structures
D) They have no cultural significance
- 7. Who is the author of 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) Jean-Paul Sartre
B) Simone de Beauvoir
C) Michel Foucault
D) Claude Lévi-Strauss
- 8. What does the title 'Tristes Tropiques' translate to in English?
A) Mysterious Tropics
B) Sad Tropics
C) Haunting Tropics
D) Strange Tropics
- 9. Which region does Lévi-Strauss explore in 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) Africa
B) India
C) Australia
D) Brazil
- 10. What does Lévi-Strauss argue about the role of myths in societies?
A) They promote ignorance
B) They serve to explain and structure reality
C) They are irrelevant fables
D) They distract from truth
- 11. What personal background influenced Lévi-Strauss's anthropology?
A) His extensive travels in Europe
B) His experience as a soldier
C) His Jewish heritage
D) His aristocratic upbringing
- 12. What is a recurring metaphor in 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) The journey as a race against time
B) The journey as a punishment
C) The journey as a retreat
D) The journey as a means of discovery
- 13. What does Lévi-Strauss believe about cultural change?
A) It is detrimental
B) It is avoidable
C) It is a constant process
D) It is linear
- 14. What methodology does Lévi-Strauss employ in 'Tristes Tropiques'?
A) Ethnography
B) Historical analysis
C) Field experiment
D) Survey research
- 15. What literary form is 'Tristes Tropiques' written in?
A) Essay
B) Novel
C) Poetry
D) Memoir
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