Lesson 1: South and West Asian Literature

Question 1

This language remains an important part of religious and scholarly practices in South and West Asia.

Answer 1

Sanskrit

Question 2

These two great works were written in Sanskrit, the primary sacred language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism in ancient India.

Answer 2

Mahabharata and Ramayana

Question 3

This region consists of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Answer 3

South Asia

Question 4

This region is composed of 16 countries, including Turkey, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Answer 4

West Asia

Question 5

This is the most important work in Jewish literature.

Answer 5

Tanakh or Hebrew Bible

Question 6

South and West Asian literature is described as being these two characteristics.

Answer 6

Colorful and historical

Question 7

This type of literature consists of reflections on life and attempts to pass on advice, warnings, insights, or moral persuasion.

Answer 7

Wisdom Literature

Question 8

This epic centers on wars, battles, and struggles to regain lost lands and rights, achieve power, or take revenge.

Answer 8

The Sacrificial Epic

Question 9

This epic focuses on individual acts that may threaten group solidarity, often involving exile or a quest for love.

Answer 9

The Romantic Epic

Question 10

The verses of a Sanskrit epic poem are arranged into chapters called this.

Answer 10

Kandas

Question 11

A “story within a story” that may be found at the beginning, middle, or end of a narrative.

Answer 11

Frame Narrative

Question 12

This literary style combines elements of fantasy and reality, making magical occurrences seem normal within a realistic setting.

Answer 12

Magic Realism

Question 13

This is the epic written by Valmiki that follows the journey of Rama.

Answer 13

Ramayana

Question 14

At the beginning of the Ramayana, King Dasharatha sends his son Rama into exile for this many years.

Answer 14

14 years

Question 15

This is the reason why King Dasharatha exiled Rama.

Answer 15

A promise to his second wife, Kaikeyi, who wanted her son Bharata to be king instead of Rama.

Question 16

The demon king of Lanka who abducted Sita.

Answer 16

Ravana

Question 17

The group of monkey people that helped Rama in his quest to rescue Sita.

Answer 17

Vanaras

Question 18

This major concept in Hindu culture refers to the ethical code or duty one must follow in life.

Answer 18

Dharma

Question 19

This literary piece is an example of magic realism written by Tawfiq al-Hakim.

Answer 19

The River of Madness

Question 20

The characters in The River of Madness experienced a mental transformation after drinking water from this source.

Answer 20

The river

Question 21

In The River of Madness, what did the people of the kingdom believe about their transformation?

Answer 21

They considered it normal and part of reality.