English Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Which genre of literature is often referred to as "The Poetry of Ideas"?

1. Ode

2. Epic

3. Drama

4. Purism

The correct answer is: Epic

This is because an epic is a long narrative poem that tells a story of heroic deeds, often exploring themes of morality, honor, and divine intervention. Odes are poems that express strong emotions or sentiments about a specific subject, while drama is a form of literature that typically involves the representation of conflict through dialogue and action. Purism, on the other hand, is a literary movement focused on writing in a precise and simplified manner. Therefore, none of these options accurately represent the genre that is known for its focus on philosophical and abstract ideas, making "The Poetry of Ideas" commonly associated with epic poetry.