Theories of the Absurd

Description: Theories of the Absurd Quiz
Number of Questions: 14
Created by:
Tags: philosophy metaphysics theories of the absurd
Attempted 0/14 Correct 0 Score 0

Who is considered the father of the Theatre of the Absurd?

  1. Samuel Beckett

  2. Jean-Paul Sartre

  3. Albert Camus

  4. Eugène Ionesco


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Eugène Ionesco is widely regarded as the father of the Theatre of the Absurd, a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and challenged traditional notions of drama and meaning.

Which existentialist philosopher famously declared that "existence precedes essence"?

  1. Friedrich Nietzsche

  2. Jean-Paul Sartre

  3. Albert Camus

  4. Martin Heidegger


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, famously asserted that "existence precedes essence", emphasizing the primacy of existence over predetermined or inherent characteristics.

In Albert Camus's novel "The Stranger", what is the protagonist's name?

  1. Meursault

  2. Rieux

  3. Tarrou

  4. Rambert


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Meursault is the protagonist of Albert Camus's novel "The Stranger", a character who epitomizes the existentialist notion of absurdity and alienation.

Which play by Samuel Beckett is known for its minimalist setting and repetitive dialogue?

  1. Waiting for Godot

  2. Endgame

  3. Krapp's Last Tape

  4. Happy Days


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot" is a renowned play that exemplifies the Theatre of the Absurd, featuring two characters engaged in meaningless conversation while waiting for an elusive figure named Godot.

In Jean-Paul Sartre's play "No Exit", what is the setting where three characters are trapped?

  1. A room with no windows or doors

  2. A dark forest

  3. A deserted island

  4. A labyrinthine cave


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Jean-Paul Sartre's play "No Exit", three characters find themselves trapped in a room with no windows or doors, symbolizing the existential concept of being confined to one's own consciousness.

Which philosopher argued that the world is fundamentally irrational and meaningless?

  1. Arthur Schopenhauer

  2. Friedrich Nietzsche

  3. Søren Kierkegaard

  4. Martin Heidegger


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher, famously asserted that the world is fundamentally irrational and meaningless, leading to a sense of cosmic pessimism.

In Albert Camus's novel "The Plague", what is the name of the city where the plague breaks out?

  1. Oran

  2. Constantine

  3. Algiers

  4. Tunis


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Albert Camus's novel "The Plague", the plague breaks out in the city of Oran, symbolizing the existential struggle against an overwhelming and incomprehensible force.

Which play by Eugène Ionesco features a rhinoceros as a central character?

  1. The Bald Soprano

  2. Rhinoceros

  3. The Lesson

  4. The Chairs


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Eugène Ionesco's play "Rhinoceros" centers around a rhinoceros that appears in a small town, allegorically representing the spread of conformity and herd mentality.

In Samuel Beckett's novel "Molloy", what is the name of the protagonist's mother?

  1. Moll

  2. Lousse

  3. Edith

  4. Peggy


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In Samuel Beckett's novel "Molloy", the protagonist's mother is named Lousse, a character who embodies the themes of absurdity and alienation.

Which philosopher famously declared that "God is dead"?

  1. Friedrich Nietzsche

  2. Søren Kierkegaard

  3. Arthur Schopenhauer

  4. Martin Heidegger


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, famously proclaimed that "God is dead", signifying the decline of traditional religious beliefs and values in modern society.

In Jean-Paul Sartre's novel "Nausea", what is the name of the protagonist?

  1. Antoine Roquentin

  2. Mathieu Delarue

  3. Jacques Thibault

  4. Daniel Sereno


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Jean-Paul Sartre's novel "Nausea", the protagonist is Antoine Roquentin, a man who experiences a profound sense of nausea and absurdity in his existence.

Which play by Samuel Beckett features a character named Vladimir and Estragon?

  1. Waiting for Godot

  2. Endgame

  3. Krapp's Last Tape

  4. Happy Days


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot" features two main characters named Vladimir and Estragon, who engage in philosophical discussions while waiting for an elusive figure named Godot.

In Albert Camus's novel "The Fall", what is the name of the protagonist?

  1. Jean-Baptiste Clamence

  2. Thomas Mann

  3. Jacques Cormery

  4. Raymond Sintès


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In Albert Camus's novel "The Fall", the protagonist is Jean-Baptiste Clamence, a former lawyer who confesses his past actions and reflects on the absurdity of existence.

Which philosopher argued that the human condition is characterized by "dasein", or being-in-the-world?

  1. Martin Heidegger

  2. Søren Kierkegaard

  3. Friedrich Nietzsche

  4. Arthur Schopenhauer


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Martin Heidegger, a German philosopher, introduced the concept of "dasein", or being-in-the-world, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human existence and the surrounding world.

- Hide questions