Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

When determining the main theme of a work of literature, what should the reader keep in mind?

1. The plot development, characters, and imagery.

2. The author's biographical information.

3. The political and cultural context of the work.

4. How the work might fit with other literary genres.

The correct answer is: The plot development, characters, and imagery.

Main themes in literature are overarching ideas or messages that the author is trying to convey through their work. While all of the options provided have some role in understanding a work of literature, only A - the plot development, characters, and imagery - directly relates to the main theme. B, the author's biographical information, may provide some insight into the author's inspiration or personal experiences that shaped the work, but it does not necessarily reveal the main theme. C, the political and cultural context, may offer important background information, but it is not always directly related to the main theme. And D, how the work fits with other literary genres, may provide interesting comparisons but does not necessarily contribute to understanding the main theme. In summary, when trying to determine the main theme of a work of literature, it is important to focus on A - the plot development, characters, and imagery - as these