Before and After - Literature Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sons

Turgenev's greatest novel 'Fathers and Sons' (1862) introduced the west to the concept of 'nihilism'. D. H. Lawrence wrote 'Sons and Lovers' in 1913, a novel that features Paul Morel, a young man who hates his father but is incessantly devoted to his mother.

Answer: Travels

Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels' (1726) was the consummate children's fantasy for generations, and contained political and social commentary to boot! Steinbeck charmed us with his very personal 'Travels with Charley', the story of a crotchety old writer and his pet poodle. I recommend both!

Answer: Heart

'The Tell-Tale Heart' (1843) is another of Poe's many chilling short stories which explores human nature at its darkest levels. Speaking of human nature, if you want a more drawn out exploration of it (in colonial Africa), perhaps you should read 'Heart of Darkness' (1902) by Conrad.

Answer: A Time to Kill a Mockingbird

And interestingly enough, both Grisham's 'A Time to Kill' (Book: 1993, Film: 1996) and Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' (Book: 1960, Film: 1962) involved court cases and the issue of racism. Perhaps it's not too late to have Atticus Finch defend Carl Lee Hailey?

Answer: Tales

Hawthorne's 'Twice-Told Tales' were fittingly printed twice, in 1837 and again in 1851. London's 'Tales of the Fish Patrol' was one if his lesser-known earlier works, roughly covering some of his youthful experiences.

Answer: Common Sense and Sensibility

Tom Paine's 'Common Sense' (1776) helped stir up a revolution in the British American colonies. Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' (1811) didn't quite stir up such a froth, but it is still one of the great novels of all time (and her first published novel).

Answer: House

'Bleak House' (1852-3) is a classic Dickensian tale, much in the mold of his many other London-based books, meandering and abundant with characters and plot twists. 'The House at Pooh Corner' (1928) is the wonderful follow-up to Milne's 'Winnie the Pooh'. In this book, Tigger is introduced for the first time...a must read for every child.

Answer: The Winds of War and Peace

'The Winds of War' (1971) was one of several historical novels written by Wouk, this one exploring the period leading up to WWII. It was later made into a mini-series. If a mini-series is ever made about Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' (1865-9), dealing with the Napoleonic period in Russia, better plan on it being a long one (actually, several film and television versions have been made)!

Answer: Tom

Alger, Jr.'s eight novel 'Tattered Tom' (1880s) series included the following titles: Telegraph Boy, Julius the Street Boy, Slow and Sure, Sam's Chance, Tattered Tom, Phil the Fiddler, Paul the Peddler, and Young Outlaw. Henry Fielding's picaresque 'Tom Jones' (1749) was an early example of the novel form in English literature, one of the first to include a three-dimensional character.

Answer: Main Streetcar Named Desire

'Main Street' (1920) was Lewis's first major success, and launched a career of satirizing middle America. 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1947) was one of many excellent stage creations from Williams, and was turned into a film featuring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando. Thank you for having a go at this, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed putting it together...salut!