Unit 4 of 5
Study guide for CLEP CLEP American Literature — Unit 4: Modernism (1914-1945). Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.
53
Practice Questions
31
Flashcards
4
Key Topics
Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 53.
The author's tone in the passage can be characterized as
dogmatic and dismissive
objective and detached
uncertain and ambivalent
humorous and sarcastic
critical and reflective
Answer: E — The author's tone is critical and reflective, as evidenced by phrases such as 'critically, after exploring all that makes such questions puzzling'.
What can be inferred about the speaker's attitude towards the world, based on her statement 'I think everything's terrible anyhow'?
She is optimistic about the future, but frustrated with her current situation
She is frustrated with a specific situation, but generally hopeful about the world
She is neutral and detached, observing the world without emotional investment
She is ironic and joking, using hyperbole to make a point about societal expectations
She has a pessimistic outlook on life, reflecting her personal experiences and worldview
Answer: E — The speaker's statement and tone convey a sense of hopelessness and cynicism, suggesting a pessimistic outlook on life.
The narrator's comment about feeling 'uncivilized' in Daisy's presence suggests that he views her as
being aggressively opinionated
lacking in cultural refinement
having a strong connection to nature
overly refined and sophisticated
having a calm and peaceful demeanor
Answer: D — The narrator feels 'uncivilized' around Daisy, implying she has a polished, refined quality that makes him feel less so.
Which novel is known for its non-linear narrative and explores the decline of a Southern aristocratic family?
The Great Gatsby
The Sun Also Rises
As I Lay Dying
On the Road
The Sound and the Fury
Answer: E — The Sound and the Fury is correct because The Sound and the Fury's non-linear narrative explores the Compson family's decline, while The Great Gatsby focuses on the American Dream.
The narrator's attitude towards his goal of becoming a 'well-rounded man' is best described as
genuinely enthusiastic and committed
pragmatically utilitarian and focused
anxiously uncertain and searching
sarcastically ironic and self-deprecating
resignedly accepting and complacent
Answer: D — The narrator's tone is self-deprecating, as seen in phrases like 'the most limited of all specialists' and 'this isn't just an epigram', indicating irony.
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