View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is John Locke's theory concerning darkness?

2. What is NOT a property of the beautiful in music?

3. What are the three effects of words Burke identifies?

4. How does Burke define "gradual variation?"

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the "real" cause of beauty, according to Burke?

2. How does Burke define deformity?

3. What are the physical effects of fear and pain, and what is the difference between fear and pain, as observed by Burke?

4. What example does Burke use to demonstrate that perfection is not the cause of beauty?

5. What primary example does Burke cite in his argument that words may be used without being connected to images, and what is the significance of this example?

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

7. Briefly summarize the three classes of words that Burke identifies.

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

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

10. What is unique about the historical figure of Campanella, as related by Burke?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Consider the role of the senses in producing the effect of the sublime. How does Burke describe the differences between light and dark, relative to the sublime? What types of colors are productive of the sublime, and which colors are not, according to Burke? What qualities of sound produce the sublime? How can certain smells and tastes be sublime? Use examples to reinforce your points, and explain how each example is relevant.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,069 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample