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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Burke, what will the result be of the long, close study of an object?
(a) A decreased feeling of pleasure.
(b) An increased sensibility of taste.
(c) An increased sense of anxiety.
(d) A decreased interest in the object.

2. What does Burke assert is necessary for the success of "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) To make his readers agree with him.
(b) To establish the principles of taste.
(c) To demonstrate his expansive knowledge of the passions.
(d) To debunk all outmoded notions of the sublime.

3. 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 was taking dictation on the subject from his longtime mentor.
(c) Burke completely disagreed with all else written on the sublime and the beautiful.
(d) Burke wanted to make money with the publication of this treatise.

4. What example does Burke use to demonstrate that differing tastes stem from the same basic root?
(a) A comparison of two breeds of a horse.
(b) The description of pretty ladies in a drawing room.
(c) The comparison of two historical moments.
(d) Two different types of poetry.

5. What is Burke's general plan of action for this book?
(a) It will focus only on human society.
(b) It will posit wild, untested new ideas.
(c) It will be a methodical study.
(d) It will refute all other theories of the sublime.

Short Answer Questions

1. Burke believes that "taste" arises from:

2. Which of the following is one of the general privations Burke lists?

3. Which two ideas does Burke often find confused with one another?

4. What, according to Burke, is responsible for common deviations in natural taste?

5. Into which two classes does Burke group the passions of society?

(see the answer key)

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