Existentialism in Literature: Explore Post-War Philosophical Influences on Writing

Question 1

Which core principle of existentialism emphasizes the significance of personal choice and responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Existence precedes essence.

Answer

The meaning of life is subjective and impermanent.

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The universe is fundamentally absurd.

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Human nature is inherently flawed.

Question 2

In Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy, the concept of 'being-in-itself' refers to which aspect of existence?

Accepted Answer

The tangible, objective world, independent of human consciousness.

Answer

The subjective, fluid experiences and emotions of a person.

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The relationship between the individual and the environment.

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The essence or nature that defines a person before their birth.

Question 3

Albert Camus' literary works often delve into the philosophical concept of:

Accepted Answer

The inherent meaninglessness of life (absurdism).

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The value of religious beliefs and practices.

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The importance of societal conformity.

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The power of scientific reason and progress.

Question 4

In Sartre's play 'No Exit,' three characters are trapped in a room, primarily because of:

Accepted Answer

Their psychological inability to escape their own negative traits.

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Their physical confinement as prisoners.

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Their legal punishment for major offenses they have committed.

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Their spiritual purgatory for past actions.

Question 5

Camus' novel 'The Stranger' primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

The existential dilemma and estrangement of an outsider.

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The emotional impact of war on individuals.

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The irresistible power of romantic love.

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The dangers of excessive intellectualism.

Question 6

Existentialist philosophers argue that human beings are characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Responsible for creating their own meaning and values.

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Primarily rational and logical in nature.

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Fundamentally indifferent to the universe's workings.

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Defined by the essence or purpose they are born with.

Question 7

In Sartre's novel 'Nausea,' the protagonist's existential crisis is triggered by:

Accepted Answer

His sudden awareness of the meaninglessness of his existence.

Answer

The horrors and atrocities of war.

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The tragic loss of a loved one.

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The overwhelming pressure of societal expectations.

Question 8

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of existentialism?

Accepted Answer

Human beings are responsible for creating their own meaning.

Answer

The meaning of life is pre-determined.

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Existence is a product of essence.

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The universe is inherently chaotic and meaningless.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of existentialist literature?

Accepted Answer

An optimistic and hopeful tone.

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Emphasis on individual responsibility.

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Exploration of themes of alienation and despair.

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Use of symbolism and allegory.

Question 10

In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Camus argues that:

Accepted Answer

The meaning of life lies in its futility.

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Human beings should embrace their suffering.

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Hope is an essential aspect of the human condition.

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The absurd nature of life can be overcome through reason.

Question 11

Which of the following authors is a notable precursor to existentialism?

Accepted Answer

Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Answer

Herman Melville.

Answer

Jane Austen.

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George Orwell.

Question 12

The existentialist concept of 'bad faith' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Living a life based on inauthentic values.

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Refusing to take responsibility for one's actions.

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Seeking solace in religious beliefs.

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Accepting the absurdity of existence.

Question 13

How does existentialism influence the portrayal of characters in literature?

Accepted Answer

Characters are often introspective and isolated.

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Characters are typically driven by external forces beyond their control.

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Characters always find meaning and purpose in life.

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Characters are static and unchanging.

Question 14

Who is widely recognized as the father of existentialism?

Accepted Answer

Søren Kierkegaard

Answer

Jean-Paul Sartre

Answer

Albert Camus

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Friedrich Nietzsche

Question 15

According to existentialist philosophy, what is the relationship between existence and essence?

Accepted Answer

Existence precedes essence, indicating human freedom to define their own purpose.

Answer

Essence precedes existence, implying that human nature is predetermined.

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Existence and essence are synonymous, suggesting a fixed and static human identity.

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The relationship between existence and essence is irrelevant to existentialist thought.

Question 16

Jean-Paul Sartre's novel 'Nausea' primarily centers around the existential concept of:

Accepted Answer

Nausea

Answer

Angst

Answer

Bad faith

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Dread

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristically existentialist perspective on human nature?

Accepted Answer

Humans are inherently flawed and imperfect.

Answer

Humans are rational beings capable of overcoming all obstacles.

Answer

Humans are essentially good and deserving of happiness.

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Humans have no real freedom or agency.

Question 18

Which of the following concepts is central to existentialist thought and relates to the recognition of one's mortality?

Accepted Answer

Dread

Answer

Absurdity

Answer

Bad faith

Answer

Nausea

Question 19

Existentialism values:

Accepted Answer

Authenticity and personal responsibility

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Conformity and social acceptance

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Religious dogma and moral absolutism

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Scientific rationality and empirical knowledge

Question 20

Which of the following is a fundamental tenet of existentialism?

Accepted Answer

Individuals are responsible for their own existence and choices.

Answer

Human beings are entirely determined by their environment.

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The universe has an inherent purpose.

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Freedom from anxiety is the ultimate goal.

Question 21

In Jean-Paul Sartre's play 'No Exit,' which character embodies the concept of inauthenticity and self-deception?

Accepted Answer

Garcin

Answer

Estelle

Answer

Inez

Answer

Valet

Question 22

In existentialist literature, characters frequently grapple with:

Accepted Answer

The struggle for meaning and purpose in a seemingly meaningless world.

Answer

The pursuit of material wealth and social status.

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The conflict between good and evil.

Question 23

Which of the following is a distinct stylistic characteristic of existentialist writing?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of interior monologues and stream-of-consciousness techniques.

Answer

Reliance on elaborate and ornamental language.

Answer

Linear and chronological storytelling.

Question 24

The emergence of existentialism can be attributed to:

Accepted Answer

The disillusionment and uncertainty that followed World War II.

Answer

The rise of scientific rationalism during the Enlightenment.

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The rapid pace of industrialization in the Victorian era.

Question 25

Which existentialist philosopher famously asserted that humans are 'condemned to be free'?

Accepted Answer

Jean-Paul Sartre

Answer

Søren Kierkegaard

Answer

Friedrich Nietzsche

Answer

Albert Camus

Question 26

Beyond philosophy and literature, existentialism has had a significant impact on various disciplines, including:

Accepted Answer

Psychology, sociology, and the arts.

Answer

Engineering and technology.

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Economics and finance.

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Biology and chemistry.

Question 27

A prominent theme prevalent in existentialist literature is:

Accepted Answer

Alienation and the search for meaning in an often meaningless world.

Answer

The triumph of good over evil as a fundamental cosmic truth.

Answer

The pursuit of material wealth and social status.