1.
Which writer, whose only novel was regarded as immoral and censored at the time, said: "There is no such thing as a moral book or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written. That is all."
Correct Answer
C. Oscar Wilde
Explanation
Oscar Wilde is the correct answer because he is known for his novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," which was considered immoral and faced censorship at the time of its publication. The quote provided reflects Wilde's belief that the morality of a book lies in its quality of writing rather than its content. This aligns with his overall philosophy of art for art's sake, where artistic merit is valued above societal judgments of morality.
2.
The publication of whose novel – banned in India, Thailand and Iran – led to the firebombing of bookshops and its Japanese translator being stabbed to death?
Correct Answer
D. Salman Rushdie
Explanation
Salman Rushdie's novel, "The Satanic Verses," is the one that was banned in India, Thailand, and Iran. The controversial nature of the book, which was perceived as blasphemous by some, led to extreme reactions, including the firebombing of bookshops and the murder of its Japanese translator.
3.
Which novel takes place in a future world where the job of fireman is no longer to put out fires but to burn books?
Correct Answer
B. Fahrenheit 451
Explanation
"Fahrenheit 451" is the correct answer because it is a novel that is set in a future world where the role of firemen has changed from putting out fires to burning books. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who starts questioning his job and the society he lives in, ultimately leading him to rebel against the suppression of knowledge and the burning of books. The novel explores themes of censorship, the power of information, and the importance of free thought.
4.
Aristophanes's Lysistrata, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Defoe's Moll Flanders and The Arabian Nights had all been banned in which country at the turn of the 20th century?
Correct Answer
A. USA
Explanation
During the turn of the 20th century, the United States banned several literary works including Aristophanes's Lysistrata, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Defoe's Moll Flanders, and The Arabian Nights. This was likely due to the perceived explicit content and themes of these works, which were considered inappropriate or offensive by the standards of the time. The banning of these books reflects the conservative social and moral values prevalent in the United States during that era, with authorities seeking to restrict access to literature they deemed objectionable.
5.
In George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984, which government department is dedicated to doctoring photographs, removing references to people ('unpersons') and exaggerating statistics?
Correct Answer
B. Ministry of Truth
Explanation
In George Orwell's dystopian novel, 1984, the government department dedicated to doctoring photographs, removing references to people ('unpersons') and exaggerating statistics is the Ministry of Truth. This ministry is responsible for rewriting history and manipulating information to control the narrative and maintain the Party's power. It serves as a propaganda machine, altering the past to fit the present narrative and ensuring the citizens are constantly deceived and kept in a state of ignorance.
6.
Which work was banned by Rome's Emperor Caligula in 35 AD because he thought it inappropriately explored Greek ideals of freedom?
Correct Answer
A. Homer's The Odyssey
Explanation
Emperor Caligula banned Homer's The Odyssey in 35 AD because he believed that the epic poem inappropriately explored Greek ideals of freedom.
7.
Who originally said, "Every burned book enlightens the world"?
Correct Answer
B. RalpH Waldo Emerson
Explanation
Ralph Waldo Emerson is attributed to the quote "Every burned book enlightens the world." This quote reflects Emerson's belief in the power of knowledge and the idea that even when books are destroyed, their ideas and messages continue to have an impact on society. Emerson was a prominent American essayist, philosopher, and poet, known for his transcendentalist views and his emphasis on individualism and self-reliance. This quote aligns with his belief in the importance of intellectual freedom and the pursuit of knowledge.
8.
James Douglas, editor of the Sunday Express between 1920-1931, was a great supporter of censorship and called for a number of books to be banned. During one high-profile campaign he wrote: "I would rather give a healthy boy or a healthy girl a phial of prussic acid than this novel. Poison kills the body, but moral poison kills the soul." What novel was he referring to?
Correct Answer
C. The Well of Loneliness
Explanation
James Douglas, editor of the Sunday Express, expressed his support for censorship and advocated for the banning of certain books. In his statement, he compared a novel to a deadly poison, suggesting that it could harm the soul. Considering this context, it can be inferred that the novel he was referring to is "The Well of Loneliness." This novel, written by Radclyffe Hall, was highly controversial at the time for its portrayal of lesbian relationships, and it faced significant backlash and attempts at censorship.
9.
In a moment of odd paranoia in 1955, the apartheid government in South Africa decided to ban what book?
Correct Answer
C. Frankenstein
Explanation
During the apartheid era in South Africa, the government implemented strict censorship policies to control the flow of information and ideas. In 1955, they banned the book "Frankenstein" due to its themes of creation, power, and the potential dangers of scientific advancements. The government may have perceived these themes as subversive and threatening to their ideology. This decision reflects the government's fear of any literature that could potentially challenge their authority or promote ideas of rebellion and independence.
10.
Which book was banned by the Chinese government in 1931 on the grounds that, "animals should not use human language, and that it was disastrous to put animals and humans beings on the same level."?
Correct Answer
C. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Explanation
The Chinese government banned "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" in 1931 because they believed that animals should not use human language and that it was problematic to equate animals and humans.