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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is suddenness sublime, according to Burke?
(a) Because that which is sudden is very interesting.
(b) Because the mind is suddenly put on its guard.
(c) Because the body's reaction is unpredictable.
(d) Because easy transitions are pleasant.

2. What example does Burke give for a sublime sound?
(a) Running water.
(b) Artillery booming.
(c) Childish laughter.
(d) Lapping waves.

3. What does Burke say is the primary passion ignited by the sublime?
(a) Joy.
(b) Confusion.
(c) Anger.
(d) Astonishment.

4. To which other passions is the idea of power closely related, according to Burke?
(a) Joy and delight.
(b) Love and desire.
(c) Fear and terror.
(d) Curiosity and novelty.

5. What does Burke term the "creative power" of the mind?
(a) Imagination.
(b) Judgment.
(c) Emotion.
(d) Will.

6. What does Burke want "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful" to accomplish?
(a) The Enquiry will open minds.
(b) The Enquiry will teach people about nature.
(c) The Enquiry will be useful in schools.
(d) The Enquiry will disprove older theories.

7. How do all emotions and passions affect the human mind?
(a) By forcing the mind to yield to the heart.
(b) By natural, uniform, predictable principles.
(c) With scarring, searing effects.
(d) With unpredictable, greatly varying effects.

8. What two main passions connect with this creative power of the mind?
(a) Curiosity and understanding.
(b) Lust and desire.
(c) Pain and pleasure.
(d) Love and hate.

9. 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 apply principles of taste and passion to the otherwise severe sciences.
(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 be well-versed in the scientific method.

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

11. What is the same in all humans, according to Burke?
(a) The capacity for feeling.
(b) The general intelligence quotient.
(c) The curiosity and wonder for nature.
(d) The standards of reason and taste.

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

13. What does Burke assert is present in every religion, to some degree?
(a) A salutary fear.
(b) A prophet.
(c) A single deity.
(d) A mode of forgiveness.

14. Which medium does Burke feel arouses the passions most effectively?
(a) Painting.
(b) Architecture.
(c) Sculpture.
(d) Poetry.

15. What is the main manifestation of infinity Burke mentions?
(a) A recurring dream or nightmare.
(b) A seemingly endless journey.
(c) A quiet walk in a grove of trees.
(d) A frequently repeated idea or motion.

Short Answer Questions

1. Burke's general definition for "obscurity" is:

2. What does Burke use as an example of difficulty as greatness?

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

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

5. Which passion belongs under the heading of "self-preservation?"

(see the answer keys)

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