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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why are certain drugs enjoyable, according to Burke?
(a) Because the users have no idea of the potential harm of the drug.
(b) Because people can get them for a low cost.
(c) Because the users only take them for their healthy properties.
(d) Because people become accustomed to their pleasurable effects.

2. To what effect does Burke use the example of the Turkish emperor?
(a) To question the validity of theories on sculpture.
(b) To prove the existence of innate knowledge.
(c) To illustrate the difference between taste and knowledge.
(d) To demonstrate the barbarity of the Turks.

3. How does Burke define "grief?"
(a) As the natural state of relationships between all people.
(b) As one of many types of positive pain.
(c) As the most desirable of the sensibilities because it is strong.
(d) As that feeling when an object is so lost that one can never enjoy it again.

4. According to Burke, what will the result be of the long, close study of an object?
(a) An increased sense of anxiety.
(b) A decreased feeling of pleasure.
(c) An increased sensibility of taste.
(d) A decreased interest in the object.

5. What, according to Burke, affects the passions and most incites admiration?
(a) That which is human made and manufactured.
(b) That with which we are closely acquainted.
(c) That which we know little or nothing about.
(d) That which can be explained in lay terms.

6. What general quality does Burke assert about "taste?"
(a) It is the province of the refined upper-class.
(b) It is unnecessary for discussion about beauty.
(c) It is the sole means of valuing an individual.
(d) It is natural and common to all people.

7. Why does Burke offer a second edition of "A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful"?
(a) He realizes that he could make more money selling a second edition.
(b) He wishes to directly challenge the criticism of the first edition.
(c) He wishes to expand and further illustrate his theories.
(d) He wishes to change and contradict his own views.

8. What does Burke warn his readers about in the Second Preface?
(a) His book may be construed as unpatriotic.
(b) His book will challenge their core values.
(c) His book may make them angry.
(d) His book will contain faults.

9. When might the sublime be delightful?
(a) When one experiences it from a safe distance.
(b) When one considers it intellectually.
(c) When it fills the entirety of one's being.
(d) When it truly threatens one's safety.

10. How does Burke define "strength?"
(a) As "earned glory."
(b) As "natural power."
(c) As "careful concentration."
(d) As "wild freedom."

11. What example does Burke offer to show his ideas on the effects of tragedy?
(a) London being destroyed by an earthquake.
(b) A mass-murderer terrorizing the city.
(c) The shocking regicide of the monarch.
(d) A mother and father losing their infant to an early death.

12. According to Burke, what is more powerful than light at representing the sublime?
(a) Fire.
(b) Water.
(c) Humanity.
(d) Darkness.

13. Burke believes that "taste" arises from:
(a) Passion.
(b) Knowledge.
(c) Nature.
(d) Reflection.

14. What does Burke note about youth, as related to taste?
(a) That although judgments may not be sound, taste is excellent.
(b) That youth is the province of true wisdom.
(c) That innocence does not equal ignorance.
(d) That sensory pleasure is great while judgment is inaccurate.

15. Why are the cries of animals sublime, according to Burke?
(a) Because they reassure listeners of their own reasoning capacities.
(b) Because they instill a feeling of sympathy in listeners.
(c) Because they remind people of their humanity.
(d) Because they convey great ideas of pain and danger.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What example does Burke give for a sublime sound?

3. What is this creative power of the mind incapable of producing?

4. How does Burke use the word "delight?"

5. What kinds of sounds does Burke say can be sublime?

(see the answer keys)

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