Fall Semester 2025 UNISA Assignment: ENG2602 Genres in
Literature and Language – Theory, Style & Poetics Complete
Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step Answers and Exam-Focused
Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
Question 1
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Gothic genre?
A) Supernatural elements
B) Realistic settings
C) Happy endings
D) Comedy and humor
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Supernatural elements
Rationale: The Gothic genre is known for its emphasis on the supernatural, often
including haunted settings, ghosts, and elements of terror.
Question 2
What is the primary focus of feminist literary criticism?
A) Historical context of texts
B) Language style and rhetoric
C) Gender roles and representations
D) Economic factors in literature
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Gender roles and representations
Rationale: Feminist literary criticism examines texts to understand the ways in which
literature perpetuates or challenges gender roles and explores women's experiences.
Question 3
In poetry, a 'trochee' is defined as what?
A) A foot with two syllables: one stressed, followed by an unstressed one
B) A foot with three syllables: unstressed, stressed, unstressed
C) A foot with two stressed syllables
D) A foot with two syllables: unstressed, followed by a stressed one
CORRECT ANSWER: A) A foot with two syllables: one stressed, followed by an
unstressed one
Rationale: A trochee comprises a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable,
creating a rhythmic pattern commonly found in English poetry.
Question 4
,Which narrative technique is primarily used in stream-of-consciousness writing?
A) Third-person omniscient narration
B) First-person subjective perspective
C) Non-linear timelines
D) Detailed descriptions of settings
CORRECT ANSWER: B) First-person subjective perspective
Rationale: Stream-of-consciousness writing captures the flow of thoughts and feelings
of a character, often using first-person perspective to enhance intimacy and immediacy.
Question 5
What distinguishes magical realism from pure fantasy?
A) The absence of realistic elements
B) The presence of magical elements in a realistic context
C) A focus on the past rather than the present
D) A narrative style devoid of character development
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The presence of magical elements in a realistic context
Rationale: Magical realism combines realistic narrative with magical elements, where
the extraordinary is presented as a regular part of everyday life.
Question 6
Which of the following is a common theme in Romantic literature?
A) Industrial progress
B) The beauty of nature
C) Religious faith
D) Social order
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The beauty of nature
Rationale: Romantic literature often emphasizes the beauty and sublime qualities of
nature, celebrating individual experience and emotion.
Question 7
What is allegory primarily concerned with?
A) Literal storytelling
B) Symbolic representation of abstract ideas
C) Psychological realism
D) Comic relief
, CORRECT ANSWER: B) Symbolic representation of abstract ideas
Rationale: Allegory uses characters and events to convey deeper moral, social, or
political meanings, representing larger concepts through symbolism.
Question 8
In tragedy, which aspect is typically emphasized?
A) Humor and wit
B) A central heroic figure's downfall
C) A happy resolution
D) Ordinary life events
CORRECT ANSWER: B) A central heroic figure's downfall
Rationale: Tragedy often revolves around a heroic figure whose fatal flaw leads to their
downfall, exploring themes of fate and human frailty.
Question 9
Which literary device involves the use of exaggerated statements for emphasis?
A) Metaphor
B) Hyperbole
C) Simile
D) Irony
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hyperbole
Rationale: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to create
emphasis or a dramatic effect.
Question 10
Which of the following genres is characterized by its focus on societal critique and
human folly?
A) Romance
B) Satire
C) Gothic
D) Fantasy
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Satire
Rationale: Satire uses humor, irony, or ridicule to critique individuals, society, or
institutions, often highlighting shortcomings or vices.
Literature and Language – Theory, Style & Poetics Complete
Solved Assignment with Step-by-Step Answers and Exam-Focused
Study Guide (Updated 2025 Edition)
Question 1
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Gothic genre?
A) Supernatural elements
B) Realistic settings
C) Happy endings
D) Comedy and humor
CORRECT ANSWER: A) Supernatural elements
Rationale: The Gothic genre is known for its emphasis on the supernatural, often
including haunted settings, ghosts, and elements of terror.
Question 2
What is the primary focus of feminist literary criticism?
A) Historical context of texts
B) Language style and rhetoric
C) Gender roles and representations
D) Economic factors in literature
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Gender roles and representations
Rationale: Feminist literary criticism examines texts to understand the ways in which
literature perpetuates or challenges gender roles and explores women's experiences.
Question 3
In poetry, a 'trochee' is defined as what?
A) A foot with two syllables: one stressed, followed by an unstressed one
B) A foot with three syllables: unstressed, stressed, unstressed
C) A foot with two stressed syllables
D) A foot with two syllables: unstressed, followed by a stressed one
CORRECT ANSWER: A) A foot with two syllables: one stressed, followed by an
unstressed one
Rationale: A trochee comprises a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable,
creating a rhythmic pattern commonly found in English poetry.
Question 4
,Which narrative technique is primarily used in stream-of-consciousness writing?
A) Third-person omniscient narration
B) First-person subjective perspective
C) Non-linear timelines
D) Detailed descriptions of settings
CORRECT ANSWER: B) First-person subjective perspective
Rationale: Stream-of-consciousness writing captures the flow of thoughts and feelings
of a character, often using first-person perspective to enhance intimacy and immediacy.
Question 5
What distinguishes magical realism from pure fantasy?
A) The absence of realistic elements
B) The presence of magical elements in a realistic context
C) A focus on the past rather than the present
D) A narrative style devoid of character development
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The presence of magical elements in a realistic context
Rationale: Magical realism combines realistic narrative with magical elements, where
the extraordinary is presented as a regular part of everyday life.
Question 6
Which of the following is a common theme in Romantic literature?
A) Industrial progress
B) The beauty of nature
C) Religious faith
D) Social order
CORRECT ANSWER: B) The beauty of nature
Rationale: Romantic literature often emphasizes the beauty and sublime qualities of
nature, celebrating individual experience and emotion.
Question 7
What is allegory primarily concerned with?
A) Literal storytelling
B) Symbolic representation of abstract ideas
C) Psychological realism
D) Comic relief
, CORRECT ANSWER: B) Symbolic representation of abstract ideas
Rationale: Allegory uses characters and events to convey deeper moral, social, or
political meanings, representing larger concepts through symbolism.
Question 8
In tragedy, which aspect is typically emphasized?
A) Humor and wit
B) A central heroic figure's downfall
C) A happy resolution
D) Ordinary life events
CORRECT ANSWER: B) A central heroic figure's downfall
Rationale: Tragedy often revolves around a heroic figure whose fatal flaw leads to their
downfall, exploring themes of fate and human frailty.
Question 9
Which literary device involves the use of exaggerated statements for emphasis?
A) Metaphor
B) Hyperbole
C) Simile
D) Irony
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Hyperbole
Rationale: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to create
emphasis or a dramatic effect.
Question 10
Which of the following genres is characterized by its focus on societal critique and
human folly?
A) Romance
B) Satire
C) Gothic
D) Fantasy
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Satire
Rationale: Satire uses humor, irony, or ridicule to critique individuals, society, or
institutions, often highlighting shortcomings or vices.
