Which term describes a work whose author is unknown?

Which term describes a work whose author is unknown?

• A. Anonymous
• B. Pseudonymous
• C. Extant
• D. Canon

Answer: (A)

When a work has no named author, the best label is anonymous. This term specifically signals that the creator's identity is not known or cannot be established. It’s used for texts where no author is listed on the work itself or where later scholars cannot reliably identify who wrote it. Contrast that with a pseudonymous author: a writer deliberately uses a false or fictional name, but the person behind the name is known or can be identified. Extant describes something that still exists today, regardless of who wrote it. Canon refers to an officially accepted collection of works within a tradition. So the term that captures “the author is unknown” fits the situation perfectly.

When a work has no named author, the best label is anonymous. This term specifically signals that the creator's identity is not known or cannot be established. It’s used for texts where no author is listed on the work itself or where later scholars cannot reliably identify who wrote it.

Contrast that with a pseudonymous author: a writer deliberately uses a false or fictional name, but the person behind the name is known or can be identified. Extant describes something that still exists today, regardless of who wrote it. Canon refers to an officially accepted collection of works within a tradition. So the term that captures “the author is unknown” fits the situation perfectly.