Study Guide for Exam 4: Postcolonialism/Postmodernism ~~ English 226 Spring 2015
The exam is based on class notes and readings, including printouts. Interpretations are not asked
for on the exam.
The works assigned written by
Naipaul
Russell
Rushdie
Pinter
Wertenbaker
For these, know the works themselves:
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Characters, events, settings
Major images/symbols (that relate to the next point)
Major themes/issues of the plays and of authors' concerns for their work as covered in class
Techniques/conventions the author used in creating the work
Concerns of the authors in constructing the work
Concerns of "movements" (postcolonial or postmodern) that influence the works
Contexts (political, social, historical)--as discussed in class--that influence the works
Movements
From the printouts, the text, and from class discussion (notes), know the following and be able to
illustrate its concerns through brief but specific details of
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Postcolonialism
Postmodernism
Be able to discuss the main differences between Modernism and Postmodernism in their respective
concerns for the making of literature of the genres we have considered. Also be able to discuss the
critical view that Postmodernism does not really exist, that it is a continuation of, an extreme form of,
or at least is an outgrowth that stems from the trunk of Modernist thought.
Terms
Be able to use, discuss and give brief examples of literary terms and terms associated with movements
(for instance, but not limited to, the terms bricolage, pastiche, collage, metafiction as associated with
postmodernist literature or essentialism as with postcolonial writing – all discussed in printouts).