Pass the CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature Exam

Question 1. William Shakespeare — The Tempest — the island’s music (early 17th century). Caliban describes the island’s sounds to Stephano and Trinculo. Cal. = Caliban; Ste. = Stephano; Trin. = Trinculo. Cal. Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices, That, if I then had waked after long sleep, Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open, and show riches Ready to drop upon me; that, when I waked, I cried to dream again. Ste. This will prove a brave kingdom to me, where I shall have my music for nothing. Cal. When Prospero is destroyed. Ste. That shall be by and by: I remember the story. Trin. The sound is going away; let’s follow it, and after do our work. Ste. Lead, monster; we’ll follow. I would I could see this taborer; he lays it on. Trin. Wilt come? I’ll follow, Stephano. [Exeunt.] QUESTION Which quotation most directly supports this observation? He reduces the island's marvels to a ruler's free entertainment.

Question 2. Jane Austen — Pride and Prejudice — opening extract 5 (1813). The Bennets discuss a wealthy newcomer. Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it. It was then disclosed in the following manner. Observing his second daughter employed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her with,-- “I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy.” “We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bingley likes,” said her mother, resentfully, “since we are not to visit.” “But you forget, mamma,” said Elizabeth, “that we shall meet him at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long has promised to introduce him.” “I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two nieces of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her.” “No more have I,” said Mr. Bennet; “and I am glad to find that you do not depend on her serving you.” QUESTION What gap separates Mr. Bennet's stated intention from his conduct?

Question 3. Rabindranath Tagore, translated by the author — Gitanjali 11 (1912 English collection). A prose-poem translated from Bengali by its author. Leave this chanting and singing and telling of beads! Whom dost thou worship in this lonely dark corner of a temple with doors all shut? Open thine eyes and see thy God is not before thee! He is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and where the pathmaker is breaking stones. He is with them in sun and in shower, and his garment is covered with dust. Put of thy holy mantle and even like him come down on the dusty soil! Deliverance? Where is this deliverance to be found? Our master himself has joyfully taken upon him the bonds of creation; he is bound with us all for ever. Come out of thy meditations and leave aside thy flowers and incense! What harm is there if thy clothes become tattered and stained? Meet him and stand by him in toil and in sweat of thy brow. QUESTION What practice does the opening challenge?