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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Part IV, Sections I - VII.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Burke's argument that infinity exists in pleasing objects?
(a) The only truly pleasing object is the night sky, which is truly infinite.
(b) Pleasantness is a feeling that goes on forever within our minds.
(c) Humans are pleased by the unlimited potential of these objects.
(d) Infinity itself is a pleasant concept, so an infinite object must be pleasant.

2. Why are the cries of animals sublime, according to Burke?
(a) Because they reassure listeners of their own reasoning capacities.
(b) Because they remind people of their humanity.
(c) Because they convey great ideas of pain and danger.
(d) Because they instill a feeling of sympathy in listeners.

3. How does Burke describe "delightful horror?"
(a) As the "most contradictory emotion."
(b) As a "positively painful process."
(c) As "tranquility tinged with terror."
(d) As an "impossible state of mind."

4. Why, according to Burke, do we delight in the tragedies of others?
(a) There is little else in the world in which to delight.
(b) We are happy we are not the victims.
(c) This is a function of sympathy instilled in us by our Creator.
(d) All humans have a sadistic streak.

5. What attracts people to one another, argues Burke?
(a) Wealth.
(b) Personality.
(c) Beauty.
(d) Intelligence.

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Burke observed in himself regarding the passions and the body, in Section IV?

2. Who was Campanella, and for what was he famous?

3. What, according to Burke, is the first and most simple emotion of the human mind?

4. What smells or tastes are, according to Burke, the only smells or tastes capable of producing grand sensations?

5. Why does Burke use the example of Campanella?

(see the answer key)

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