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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay 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 indicates that not enough literary criticism is worthwhile, and wishes to demonstrate quality writing.
(c) He believes that words affect us differently than images or objects, and wants to discuss them.
(d) He desires to refute all the claims of visual artists in order to place written art on a pedestal.

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

3. What visual example does Burke FIRST offer in his explanation of succession and the sublime?
(a) A large cathedral.
(b) A grove of trees.
(c) A field of grain.
(d) A colonnade of pillars.

4. How does Burke define "association?"
(a) As a specific group of businessmen.
(b) As a set of memories worn into the mind.
(c) As a somewhat friendly acquaintance.
(d) As a group of words that defines another group of words.

5. What does Burke term "simple abstract" words?
(a) Those words which comprise oaths and curses.
(b) Those words which represent human emotions.
(c) Those words which indicate political affiliations.
(d) Those words which stand for one straighforward idea.

Short Answer Questions

1. Burke writes that "Beauty in distress is the most _________ kind of beauty."

2. To what does Burke oppose delicacy and fragility?

3. What type of poetry operates by imitation?

4. To what is deformity opposed, according to Burke?

5. What is Burke's general opinion of linking beauty to virtue?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Burke define deformity?

2. To what effect does Burke use the example of Campanella?

3. How does Burke define proportion, and under which human faculty does it fall?

4. How can pain be a cause of delight, in everyday life and in effecting the sublime?

5. What does Burke identify as the three effects of words?

6. According to Burke, why is the taste of sweetness pleasant, and how does he decide this?

7. How does Burke use women as examples to demonstrate some of the aspects of beauty?

8. Why are small objects more suited to the beautiful and large objects more suitable to the sublime, according to Burke?

9. How does Burke define ugliness, and how does Burke relate ugliness to beauty?

10. What is beautiful in feeling, according to Burke?

(see the answer keys)

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