The Hive by Camilo José Cela
- 1. The Hive, originally titled 'La Colmena,' is a seminal novel by Spanish author Camilo José Cela, published in 1951. Set in post-Civil War Madrid in the early 1940s, the novel intricately weaves together the lives of an array of characters, each representing different facets of society in a city struggling under the weight of oppression and despair. Through its rich tapestry of interrelated stories, Cela captures the essence of human experience, exploring themes of hunger, poverty, loneliness, and the quest for identity amid the chaos of urban life. The narrative is notable for its innovative structure, utilizing a fragmented style and polyphonic approach that allows readers to glimpse the perspectives of myriad individuals, from the destitute to the bourgeois. The Hive remains a powerful social commentary, reflecting the profound disillusionment and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and it has solidified Cela's place as a key figure in 20th-century Spanish literature.
What is the original title of 'The Hive' in Spanish?
A) La colmena
B) La colmena dorada
C) El panal
D) La colonia
- 2. In which year was 'The Hive' published?
A) 1951
B) 1975
C) 1960
D) 1945
- 3. What city is 'The Hive' set in?
A) Barcelona
B) Sevilla
C) Madrid
D) Bilbao
- 4. Which historical event serves as a backdrop for 'The Hive'?
A) World War II
B) Spanish Civil War
C) Franco's dictatorship
D) Industrial Revolution
- 5. What genre does 'The Hive' belong to?
A) Fantasy
B) Science fiction
C) Romance
D) Social realism
- 6. What is a major theme explored in 'The Hive'?
A) Adventure
B) Alienation
C) Wealth
D) Love
- 7. Which literary award did Camilo José Cela win in 1989?
A) Cervantes Prize
B) National Prize
C) Booker Prize
D) Nobel Prize in Literature
- 8. How does the book's structure contribute to its meaning?
A) Focuses on one character
B) Reflects chaos of society
C) Creates a linear story
D) Presents a utopia
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