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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Burke include a section on the effect of words in "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) He includes this section as a way to generate interest in his own poetical publications.
(b) He believes that words affect us differently than images or objects, and wants to discuss them.
(c) He desires to refute all the claims of visual artists in order to place written art on a pedestal.
(d) He indicates that not enough literary criticism is worthwhile, and wishes to demonstrate quality writing.

2. Why does Burke use the example of Campanella?
(a) To demonstrate the perils of a lack of taste.
(b) To pose the question of having only one valid definition of the sublime.
(c) To illustrate the connection between mind and body.
(d) To argue for the existence of God.

3. How does beauty act upon the human mind?
(a) Imaginatively, through dreams and fantasies.
(b) Spiritually, through the soul.
(c) Logically, through consideration of utility.
(d) Mechanically, through the five senses.

4. Where, besides in humans, has Burke observed the effects of the passions mentioned in question 133?
(a) In dogs.
(b) In cats.
(c) In birds.
(d) In horses.

5. What, according to Burke, must be utilized regularly lest it/they fall into disrepair?
(a) Dancing, fencing, and painting.
(b) The art of social conversation.
(c) The skill of speaking another language.
(d) The passions and the understanding.

6. How does Burke define "proportion?"
(a) It is the measure of relative quantity.
(b) It illustrates the properties of geometries.
(c) It is an average of height, breadth, and width.
(d) It refers to the amount of food a healthy person eats.

7. Burke contrasts smoothness to __________ in his discussion of beauty.
(a) Opacity.
(b) Stickiness.
(c) Softness.
(d) Roughness.

8. What is NOT a property of the beautiful in music?
(a) Sweet, quiet sounds.
(b) Light, feathery notes.
(c) Shrill, harsh sounds.
(d) Slow, sonorous tones.

9. How does descriptive poetry operate, according to Burke?
(a) Through imagination.
(b) Through substitution.
(c) Through imitation.
(d) Through verbosity.

10. What passage does Burke offer as an example of the effect of words?
(a) A travel account of Syria.
(b) A description of the Danube river.
(c) A monologue from a dramatic production.
(d) A satirical essay about religion.

11. Which kinds of colors does Burke argue are essential to beauty?
(a) Strong, glaring colors.
(b) Dusky, opaque colors.
(c) Soft, clean, fair colors.
(d) Bold, vibrant colors.

12. Why is darkness shocking, according to Burke?
(a) Because darkness is unnatural and unwelcome.
(b) Because the human brain cannot compensate for darkness.
(c) Because the eye and the body do not expect nor appreciate it.
(d) Because darkness is inherently evil and the opponent of goodness.

13. What statement summarizes the real effects of fitness, as described by Burke?
(a) God gave each thing a particular fitness to make us fully understand and marvel at the mysteries of the world.
(b) Fitness is designed to incite introspection and excite people into socially-important action.
(c) There can be nothing sublime without being fit or beautiful.
(d) The purpose of fitness is to describe the differences between the species of animals and plants.

14. What is John Locke's theory concerning darkness?
(a) Darkness must be feared.
(b) Darkness is not naturally terrifying.
(c) Darkness represents human sin.
(d) Darkness is necessary to our ideas of death.

15. What caveat does Burke offer to his readers about "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) He chooses to omit most of what he truly thinks and feels regarding the sublime and beautiful.
(b) He is writing for political reasons geared to sway minds.
(c) He bears no resemblance to any kind of contemporary scientific method.
(d) He can only study the immediately sensible qualities of the sublime and the beautiful.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which principle fits the image of a long, bare wall, according to Burke?

2. To what does a "clear" expression relate?

3. What is the sole difference Burke identifies between the passions mentioned in question 7?

4. What, to Burke, is "great and amazing beyond conception?"

5. What type of poetry operates by imitation?

(see the answer keys)

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