Test on History of Literary and Theatre Censorship

Question 1: The initial attempt to abolish the Lord Chamberlain's powers through a bill in Parliament in 1962 was successful.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: A bill to abolish the Lord Chamberlain's powers was introduced in 1962, but it was defeated in Parliament by 137 votes to 77. The office was eventually abolished in September 1968 with the Theatres Bill becoming law.

Question 2: According to the study materials, what is Thomas Bowdler primarily recognized for regarding censorship?

A. Producing his "Family Shakspeare" in 1818, an expurgated version of Shakespeare's works.

B. His role in the abolition of the Lord Chamberlain's office in 1968.

C. Being the first de facto prime minister of Great Britain and implementing press policies.

D. Inspiring the verb "to bowdlerize," which refers to a censored or expurgated version of a text.

Explanation: Thomas Bowdler is described as the 'most famous editor as moral policeman' who produced his 'Family Shakspeare' in 1818. The materials also state that it is 'thanks to him that we now use the verb ‘to bowdlerize” when we refer to a censored or expurgated version of a text.' The other options are incorrect: Robert Walpole was the first de facto prime minister, and the Lord Chamberlain's office was abolished in 1968, neither of which are attributed to Bowdler.

Question 3: Thomas Hardy consistently used his prefaces for Tess of the d'Urbervilles to defend the novel's topics as truths.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Hardy's prefaces for Tess, including the First Edition and subsequent editions, were all concerned with defending the topics he addresses in the novel as truths. He stated, "If an offense come out of the truth, better it is that the offense come than that the truth be concealed."

Question 4: Which of the following statements accurately reflects Thomas Hardy's perspective on truth in his First Edition preface for Tess?

A. He suggested that if truth caused offense, it was preferable for the offense to occur rather than for the truth to be hidden.

B. He believed that truth should be adapted to avoid offending 'genteel' readers.

C. He stated that the serialization process was essential for preserving the truth of his novel.

D. He used a violent metaphor to describe how truth was enhanced by Victorian censors.

Explanation: In the First Edition preface, Hardy extolls 'truth' when he asks 'any too genteel reader […] to remember [that] If an offense come out of the truth, better it is that the offense come than that the truth be concealed.' This statement indicates his belief that concealing truth to avoid offense is less desirable than allowing the offense to occur. The other options are not supported by the study materials or misinterpret them.

Question 5: Shakespeare & Co. published the second edition of James Joyce's novel Ulysses.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that the second edition of Ulysses, consisting of 2,000 copies, was printed for the Egoist Press, not for Shakespeare & Co.