Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

type of literature is fundamentally didactic, meaning that it teaches a moral lesson?

1. Science fiction.

2. Fantasy.

3. Horror.

4. Allegory.

The correct answer is: Allegory.

One may initially be drawn to the options of science fiction or fantasy since they often involve imaginative and thought-provoking ideas, however, the didactic nature of literature often involves the use of allegory to convey deeper moral or ethical lessons. While both science fiction and fantasy may contain elements of allegory, their main purpose is usually to entertain rather than to teach a lesson. In addition, horror literature typically focuses on eliciting fear and may not necessarily have a didactic purpose. Therefore, the most appropriate answer would be D Allegory.