C100 Introduction to Humanities Practice Questions - Set 1 - Part 1

Correct Answer: Social progress was aided through realistic depictions of the living conditions of slaves

Slave narratives like Equiano's provided firsthand accounts of the brutal realities of slavery, which contributed to the abolitionist movement and sparked discussions about human rights and social justice. The other options misrepresent the significance of these narratives, as they did not merely entertain or reinforce existing beliefs but rather aimed to illuminate the harsh realities faced by enslaved individuals.

Correct Answer: Contemporary political satire, including shows like The Daily Show, traces its roots to the use of political satire in the Neoclassical Period

The Neoclassical Period's focus on reason and critique of society laid the groundwork for contemporary political satire, as it utilized humor and irony to address social and political issues. Other options either misrepresent the ongoing influence of Neoclassical art or incorrectly contrast it with contemporary practices.

Correct Answers: Deism, Empiricism, Order

Major themes of the Enlightenment included Deism, a rational approach to understanding God; Empiricism, emphasizing knowledge through observation; and Order, which reflected a structured understanding of the world. Deconstructionism, Passion, and the Divine Right of Kings do not align with the Enlightenment's values of reason, progress, and individual rights.

Correct Answer: It is skeptical of philosophers who believe this is the best of all possible worlds

Candide critiques the optimistic philosophy of the time, particularly that espoused by Leibniz, which claimed that all events are for the best. Through satire, Voltaire exposes the folly of blind optimism and promotes a more pragmatic view of reality. The other options misinterpret the work's intentions and themes.

Correct Answers: It uses sharp, clean lines and chiaroscuro, The figure has the sculpted quality, inspired by Classical statues

Jacques-Louis David's The Death of Marat exemplifies the Neoclassical style through its use of sharp lines and chiaroscuro, creating a dramatic contrast that emphasizes the figures. The sculpted quality of Marat also reflects the admiration for Classical forms, whereas options b) and d) reflect styles contrary to Neoclassical ideals.

Correct Answer: It uses sharp, clean lines and chiaroscuro, The figure has the sculpted quality, inspired by Classical statues

Jacques-Louis David's The Death of Marat exemplifies the Neoclassical style through its use of sharp lines and chiaroscuro, creating a dramatic contrast that emphasizes the figures. The sculpted quality of Marat also reflects the admiration for Classical forms, whereas options b) and d) reflect styles contrary to Neoclassical ideals.

Correct Answer: The rise of capitalism helped to increase the exchange of information, allowing intellectuals to form new opinions rather than relying on the bias of tradition

Capitalism fostered a more interconnected world, facilitating the flow of ideas and information among intellectuals and promoting enlightenment thought. Other options either misinterpret the effects of capitalism or inaccurately depict its relationship with tradition and slavery.

Correct Answer: They embraced the dignity of individual human reason and thought, regardless of racial background

Enlightenment thinkers valued reason and human rights, leading many to reject slavery as incompatible with their philosophical beliefs. While options b), c), and d) contain elements of truth, they do not capture the primary philosophical motivation for rejecting slavery.

Correct Answer: To criticize and entertain

Political satire often serves to critique societal norms and political figures while providing entertainment through humor and irony. Options a), c), and d) misrepresent the primary purpose of satire, which is often to challenge the status quo.

Correct Answer: Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory of the "noble savage" placed the burden of educating Native Americans on the upper class and nobility

Rousseau's concept of the "noble savage" suggested that Native Americans should be educated by the privileged classes. The other statements are accurate reflections of Enlightenment thinking, with each of the other authors advocating for social reforms.

Correct Answer: It enabled the rapid spread of ideas, particularly secular and scientific works

The printing press had a significant impact on the Enlightenment by enabling the widespread distribution of ideas, particularly those that challenged traditional religious and political views. The mass production of books made scientific and secular works more accessible, fueling intellectual progress. Options a), c), and d) either misrepresent or downplay the role of the printing press in the spread of Enlightenment thought.

Correct Answer: Frankenstein

Mary Shelley is best known for her novel Frankenstein, which explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of scientific ambition. The other works are attributed to different authors, misrepresenting Shelley's contributions to literature.

Correct Answer: Celebration of the individual and nature

Romanticism is characterized by its focus on emotion, the individual experience, and the beauty of nature. Options a), c), and d) reflect principles more aligned with Neoclassicism.

Correct Answer: The fleeting nature of beauty and life

Keats' Ode to a Nightingale contemplates the transient nature of beauty and life, as the speaker reflects on the contrast between the immortality of the nightingale's song and human mortality. Other options misinterpret the poem's core themes.

Correct Answers: It led to a revival of interest in medieval tales and folklore, It inspired writers to explore non-Western cultures

The Romantic fascination with the exotic often resulted in the revival of medieval themes and the exploration of non-Western cultures, reflecting a desire for the unknown and the different. Options c) and d) do not align with this trend.

Correct Answer: Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau is best known for his work on the social contract, where he discusses the relationship between individuals and society. While Locke and Hobbes also addressed social contract theory, Rousseau's interpretation is particularly influential in modern political thought.

Correct Answer: Focus on ordinary characters and everyday life

Realism is characterized by its depiction of ordinary life and relatable characters, often exploring social issues and the human condition. The other options reflect styles outside the Realist tradition.

Correct Answer: It provided new subjects for literature through the rise of urbanization and class struggle

The Industrial Revolution's impact on society gave rise to themes of class struggle and urbanization, which Realist authors sought to portray in their works. Options a), c), and d) do not align with the goals of Realism.

Correct Answer: The industrial revolution

The industrial revolution was a significant factor that led to the emergence of Realist literature, as it transformed society and provided new themes for authors to explore. The other options had less direct influence on the development of Realism.

Correct Answer: The exploration of class struggles and social issues

Charles Dickens is renowned for his portrayal of the struggles faced by the working class and the social injustices of his time, which are hallmarks of Realist literature. The other options do not reflect Dickens' primary focus in his works.

Correct Answer: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory that advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness and well-being, often summed up by the principle of the "greatest good for the greatest number." The other options represent different philosophical perspectives.