View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is imitation important, according to Burke?
(a) It facilitates comedy in the theater.
(b) It allows us to learn in school.
(c) It forms our manners and opinions.
(d) It is how we try to get closer to God.

2. How does Burke define sympathy?
(a) As a desirable state of mind reached by looking inward towards one's own soul.
(b) As a sort of emotional substitution between people or through art.
(c) As a painful realization, and reasoned acceptance, of one's humanity .
(d) As an unnecessary show of weakness that will cause pain.

3. What problem does Burke see with the contemporary notion of "taste?"
(a) The concept of taste is misunderstood and badly defined.
(b) Everyone pays too much attention to taste and not enough attention to reason.
(c) Nobody Burke knows seems to have taste.
(d) It's principles have not been made uniform.

4. What does Burke hope will be the result of his "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) Readers will be well-versed in the scientific method.
(b) Readers will learn to control their passions when in specific social settings.
(c) Readers will leave the sciences behind in favor of imagination and passion.
(d) Readers will apply principles of taste and passion to the otherwise severe sciences.

5. 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 establish the principles of taste.
(b) To debunk all outmoded notions of the sublime.
(c) To demonstrate his expansive knowledge of the passions.
(d) To make his readers agree with him.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Burke use the word "delight?"

2. Which method of teaching does Burke think best?

3. How does Burke define solitude?

4. What is Burke's argument for the existence of the passion of ambition?

5. What does Burke say is the primary passion ignited by the sublime?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 426 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample