Which of the following are true of M. H. Abrams's The Mirror and the Lamp (1953)?

1. A. It describes eighteenth-century literature as a mirror.
2. B. It describes nineteenth-century (Romantic) literature as a lamp.
3. C. It describes nineteenth-century literature as a mirror.
4. D. The mirror stands for literature as a reflection of outward reality.
5. E. The lamp stands for literature as illumination projected by the artist.

1. AC, D and E only
2. BC, D and A only
3. CA, B and D only
4. DA, B and E only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

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Correct answer: C. A, B and D only

Explanation

The mirror (mimetic theory) prevailed until the eighteenth century, and the Romantics replaced it with the lamp (expressive theory).

Note: Statement E is also accurate; the key is option 3.