10 free sample questions with answers and explanations. See how you'd score on the real CLEP exam.
What is meant by the phrase 'disjecta membra' in the context of Scott's work?
completed novels
fragmentary writings
Die Familie von Ratcliffe
Die Legende von Thrawn Janet
Explanation
Disjecta membra refers to Scott's unfinished or fragmented writings, such as the opening of 'The Lord of Ennerdale'.
What was the significance of the horn and sword in the story Scott intended to write, as mentioned in the passage?
They were central to the ancient legend concerning Thomas of Hercildoune
Sie waren Symbole der Liebe und des Friedens
Sie waren nur Dekoration in der Geschichte
They were meant to represent the struggle between good and evil in the story
Explanation
The passage states that Scott based his story on an ancient legend concerning the horn and sword of Thomas of Hercildoune, indicating their central role.
What type of novels were popular among young women like Miss Lydia Languish's maid and Catherine Morland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?
Romane der Aufklärung
Romances of sensibility and fashionable scandal
Historische Biografien
Wissenschaftliche Abhandlungen
Explanation
The passage mentions 'novels of sensibility and of fashionable scandal' as the type of novels popular among young women.
What is the author's attitude towards the Gothic genre, as expressed in the passage?
The author is critical of the genre's focus on horror and the supernatural
Der Autor ist ein großer Bewunderer der Gotik und ihrer romantischen Elemente
The author is neutral and simply describing the genre's characteristics
The author is using the Gothic genre to comment on the social issues of his time
Explanation
The author's tone and language suggest a critical attitude towards the Gothic genre, with phrases like 'unregenerate days' implying a sense of nostalgia and detachment.
What type of literature does Belinda Waters crave after becoming tired of romantic novels?
Philosophische Abhandlungen
Wissenschaftliche Studien
Historische Biografien
Tales of terror
Explanation
Belinda craves 'sterner stuff' and enjoys 'tales of terror' to read at night, as stated in the passage.
What is the author's attitude towards the title 'The Mystery of the Abbey'?
Der Autor hält es für einen Scherz
The author finds it intriguing and suspenseful
The author believes it accurately reflects the book's content
The author is neutral and does not express an opinion
Explanation
The author states that the title is 'merely a hoax', indicating a mocking tone towards the title 'The Mystery of the Abbey'.
What is the author's opinion about the impact of Jane Austen's parody of the novels of Mrs. Radcliffe on their popularity?
It was highly effective in reducing their popularity
It had no impact on the popularity of the novels of Mrs. Radcliffe
It led to a significant increase in the sales of Mrs. Radcliffe's novels
Es war zu subtil, um die Popularität der Romane von Mrs. Radcliffe ernsthaft zu beeinträchtigen
Explanation
The author states that Jane Austen's parody was 'too quiet and subtle' to have disturbed the popularity of the novels of Mrs. Radcliffe.
What is the outcome of Catherine's search for a mysterious manuscript?
She finds a cryptic message that confirms her suspicions
Sie hält eine Wäsche-Rechnung in ihren Händen
She discovers a hidden journal belonging to General Tilney
She uncovers a dark secret about the Tilney family's past
Explanation
The passage states 'If the evidence of sight might be trusted she held a washing bill in her hands', indicating Catherine's disappointment and humiliation.
What is notable about Catherine Morland's family background, as presented in the passage?
She is an only child
Her mother died at her birth
Sie stammt aus einer Familie mit sieben Kindern
Her father is tyrannical
Explanation
The passage states that Catherine is 'one of a family of seven', which contrasts with typical heroines of the time.
What was the likely reason the publisher did not release Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey for many years?
Die Verlagsausgaben waren zu hoch
The publisher did not think it was a good romance novel
The book was too long and needed editing
The publisher realized the book's satire could harm the popularity of the Gothic fiction genre
Explanation
The passage states the publisher probably realized the mock romance would endanger the popularity of the prevailing mode in fiction, implying the satire in Northanger Abbey could harm the Gothic genre's popularity.