American Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

Who created the philosophical novel Walden?

1. Henry David Thoreau

2. John Steinbeck

3. F. Scott Fitzgerald

4. Langston Hughes

The correct answer is: Henry David Thoreau

Walden is often cited as Henry David Thoreau's masterpiece and remains a significant literary work in the development of American thought. John Steinbeck, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Langston Hughes are all famous American authors, but they did not write Walden. Option B is incorrect because Steinbeck is most known for his novel Of Mice and Men, while Option C is incorrect because Fitzgerald is best known for his novel The Great Gatsby. Option D is incorrect because Hughes is well-known for his poetry, not philosophical novels.