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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are sources of the "sublime?"

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

3. Which example does Burke use in his discussion in Section VIII about infinity?

4. Why are certain drugs enjoyable, according to Burke?

5. Why, as Burke argues, are humans "more inclined to belief than to incredulity?"

Short Essay Questions

1. What types of colors are productive of the sublime, and which colors are not, according to Burke?

2. What qualities of sound produce the sublime, according to Burke?

3. What is the main problem with creating prescribed definitions, especially of taste, according to Burke?

4. What is the cause of a wrong taste, and what are examples of it?

5. Why, according to Burke, are the principles of reason and taste the same in all humans?

6. Summarize Burke's section about the role of smells and tastes relating to the sublime.

7. What, according to Burke, is sublime about religion?

8. What are some of the cautions or caveats Burke offers to his readers in the Second Preface?

9. According to Burke, why can grief be considered pleasurable?

10. Describe Burke's definition of the sublime.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the ways in which "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful" is a gendered text. Is the role of women in the text obvious or subtle, and in what ways? How does Burke's near universal usage of masculine or second person pronouns affect the way you read the text? How is Burke's use and inclusion of women reflective of the role and status of women in mid-18th century English society? What is your reaction to Burke's characterization of and use of women in the text? How can you apply what you know of feminist critical theory or gender theory to approach "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?

Essay Topic 2

What, according to Burke, is sublime about religion? What tool do many religions make use of, to what ends? Carefully analyze the example Burke offers in Part II, Section V, beginning on page 61. Pay close attention to Burke's word choice, use of imagery, figurative language, selection of references or allusions, and the general tone with which he writes. How does this example reinforce Burke's assertions about religion and power? Are there any problems you see with this example, or any counter-arguments you can mak?

Essay Topic 3

What are the limitations of the use of first-person perspective? What are the advantages to it? Do you feel that Burke uses any strategies to combat the limitations of this perspective, and if so, what does he do? What specific language does he employ, and with what results? How do the two Prefaces employ first-person perspective? What tone does Burke adopt in them, and do you think his tone is at all a product of the written point of view? Can you categorize the Prefaces as ultimately self-serving, useful, argumentative, informative to the state of his mind, etc., or is doing so problematic in and of itself? How do these instances of first-person perspective affect your reaction to the text? For example, do you feel more like a real person is speaking to you, rather than like you're being lecture?

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