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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part I.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the general reason Burke wrote the book, as stated in the First Preface?
(a) Burke was initially at a loss to coherently describe the sublime and beautiful.
(b) Burke wanted to make money with the publication of this treatise.
(c) Burke completely disagreed with all else written on the sublime and the beautiful.
(d) Burke was taking dictation on the subject from his longtime mentor.

2. What large part of text has Burke added between the First and Second editions?
(a) An Afterword on Terror.
(b) A Publisher's Foreword.
(c) An Autobiographical Epilogue.
(d) An Introduction on Taste.

3. According to Burke, why is procreation pleasurable?
(a) Because without some form of pleasure, society would devolve into warfare.
(b) To incite people to engage in it, since it is necessary to survival.
(c) Because the rest of life is terrible, and there must be at least one pleasurable thing in life.
(d) To connect humans and animals in the realm of the senses.

4. Burke believes that "taste" arises from:
(a) Nature.
(b) Passion.
(c) Knowledge.
(d) Reflection.

5. Why is grief a part of pleasure, according to Burke?
(a) Because grief reminds the individual that life continues.
(b) Because all endings are beginnings.
(c) Because people actively and willfully grieve.
(d) Because grief always gives way to laughter.

Short Answer Questions

1. What attracts people to one another, argues Burke?

2. What, according to Burke, is the cause of wrong "taste" in a person?

3. When might the sublime be delightful?

4. What example does Burke offer to show his ideas on the effects of tragedy?

5. How does Burke define pain and pleasure?

(see the answer key)

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