CLEP Humanities : Understanding Terminology That Describes Fiction

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Twentieth Century Fiction

A miraculous or unexpected intervention that quickly resolves a seemingly impossible plotline is called a __________.

Possible Answers:

deus ex machina

chorus

red herring

flashback

MacGuffin

Correct answer:

deus ex machina

Explanation:

"Deus ex machina," Latin for the god from the machine, is an ancient theater term that described a play's conclusion that found actual gods intervening from contraptions to quickly resolve a plot. The term is used more widely in literature and film in modern parlance to refer to a contrived ending to a plot that relies heavily on a miraculous or contrived intervention by some other figure than the main characters.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Terminology That Describes Fiction

All of the following were distinguishing features of Romantic Era writing EXCEPT __________.

Possible Answers:

an adherence to the ideals of antiquity

a focus on the artistic genius

a reaction against the Age of Enlightenment

valuing emotion over reason

a belief in the importance of nature

Correct answer:

an adherence to the ideals of antiquity

Explanation:

The Romantic movement flourished throughout Europe during the early nineteenth century. It gained steam in artistic, literary, and philosophic circles by reacting against the Age of Enlightenment and many of its ideals, such as a focus on rationality and love of antiquity. Romanticism particularly valued emotion, nature, and the spontaneous artistic creation of a singular genius.

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