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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section II (1932-1935).

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How did Bataille rebel against his father?
(a) By becoming a Protestant.
(b) By running away from home.
(c) By quitting school.
(d) By taking lovers.

2. What does the mole stand for in "The 'Old Mole' and the Prefix Sur in the Words Surhomme [Superman] and Surrealist"?
(a) Materialists.
(b) Proletarianism.
(c) God.
(d) Surrealism.

3. Why is classical utility theory inadequate, in Bataille's opinion?
(a) Utility theory is not compatible with the Marxist imperative of class revolution.
(b) Utility theory mystifies economics with talk of revolution.
(c) Utility theory disregards values like honor and virtue.
(d) Utility theory relies on principles like honor and duty.

4. What does the other self-mutilator (besides Van Gogh) do in "Sacrificial Mutilation and the Severed Ear of Vincent Van Gogh"?
(a) Put out his eye.
(b) Cut off his hand.
(c) Bite off his finger.
(d) Drink his own blood.

5. What is classical utility theory inadequate to define, in Bataille's opinion?
(a) What is aesthetically valuable.
(b) The value of religious belief.
(c) The value of tranquility.
(d) What is useful to man.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was Breton's response to Bataille?

2. What does standing upright do for man in "The Big Toe"?

3. What feeling does Bataille say grows in response to revolutionaries?

4. What does Bataille say about monsters in "The Deviations of Nature"?

5. Where was Bataille born?

(see the answer key)

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