1.
In general, tragedy involves what?
Correct Answer
B. The ruin of the leading characters
Explanation
Tragedy typically involves the downfall or ruin of the main characters. This can be seen in many classic tragedies where the protagonist's actions or flaws lead to their ultimate downfall or destruction. Tragedy often explores themes of fate, hubris, and the consequences of one's actions. It is characterized by a sense of sadness, loss, and often ends with the death or downfall of the main characters.
2.
Which is a lighter drama in which the leading characters overcome the difficulties which temporarily beset them?
Correct Answer
C. Comedy
Explanation
A comedy is a lighter genre of drama that often involves humorous situations and characters. In a comedy, the leading characters face difficulties or obstacles, but they are able to overcome them in the end. Unlike a farce, which is characterized by exaggerated physical humor and absurd situations, or a comedy of manners, which focuses on the social behavior and etiquette of the characters, a comedy is generally more lighthearted and less intense. Therefore, a comedy is the correct answer as it best fits the description of a lighter drama where the leading characters overcome temporary difficulties.
3.
Which is a drama of social criticism that discusses social, economic, or political problems by means of a play?
Correct Answer
A. Problem Play
Explanation
A problem play is a type of drama that focuses on social, economic, or political issues and aims to criticize or provoke discussion about these problems through the medium of a play. Unlike other genres such as tragedy, melodrama, or farce, problem plays are specifically designed to shed light on societal issues and challenge the audience's perspectives. They often feature complex characters and intricate plots that explore the complexities and consequences of these problems in a thought-provoking manner.
4.
Which is a comedy that involves ridiculous or hilarious complications without regard for human values?
Correct Answer
C. Farce
Explanation
A farce is a type of comedy that focuses on exaggerated and absurd situations, often involving mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and physical humor. It disregards human values and often relies on slapstick comedy and outrageous plot twists to create laughter. In a farce, the characters are often caricatures rather than fully developed individuals, and the primary goal is to entertain the audience through laughter and amusement. Therefore, a farce is a comedy that involves ridiculous or hilarious complications without regard for human values.
5.
Which is a comedy that wittily portrays fashionable life?
Correct Answer
D. Comedy of Manners
Explanation
Comedy of Manners is a genre of comedy that cleverly satirizes the behavior and social conventions of the upper class or fashionable society. It emphasizes witty dialogue, wordplay, and sophisticated humor to mock the pretensions and follies of the characters. This genre often explores themes of love, marriage, and social status in a lighthearted and humorous way. Therefore, Comedy of Manners is the most suitable choice for a comedy that wittily portrays fashionable life.
6.
_____________: sets the scene and comments on what happens.
Correct Answer
A. Narrator
Explanation
The correct answer is "Narrator" because the narrator is the one who sets the scene and comments on what happens in a story. They provide the perspective and voice through which the events are portrayed to the audience.
7.
____________: A bit of humor injected into a serious play to relieve the heavy tension of tragic events
Correct Answer
D. Comic relief
Explanation
Comic relief refers to the inclusion of humorous elements or characters in a serious play or narrative to provide a temporary break from the intense or tragic events. It serves to lighten the mood, alleviate tension, and provide some entertainment to the audience. This technique helps to balance the emotional weight of the story and prevent it from becoming too overwhelming or monotonous. Comic relief often involves witty dialogue, funny situations, or humorous characters that provide a contrast to the serious themes and events of the play or narrative.
8.
_____________: the turning point in the plot (This occurs when events develop either for or against the main character and a crucial decision must be made.)
Correct Answer
B. Climax
Explanation
The turning point in the plot occurs when events develop either for or against the main character and a crucial decision must be made. This moment is known as the climax. It is the most intense and exciting part of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak and the outcome becomes clear. The climax is a crucial moment that often determines the resolution of the story and has a significant impact on the main character's journey.
9.
A(n) _________ is an indirect reference by casually mentioning something that is generally familiar.
Correct Answer
C. Allusion
Explanation
An allusion is an indirect reference by casually mentioning something that is generally familiar. It is a literary device used to make a connection or comparison to something outside of the text, often a historical event, person, or another work of literature. By using allusions, writers can add depth and layers of meaning to their writing, as well as create a sense of shared knowledge and understanding with their readers.
10.
______________: A serious play having an unhappy ending
Correct Answer
B. Tragedy
Explanation
A tragedy is a serious play that typically ends in an unhappy or disastrous outcome for the protagonist. It often explores themes of human suffering, fate, and the consequences of actions. Tragedies aim to evoke emotions such as pity and fear in the audience and often involve the downfall of a noble or admirable character. This genre is characterized by its exploration of deep and profound human experiences and often leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
11.
___________: a light play with a happy ending
Correct Answer
A. Comedy
Explanation
A comedy is a type of play that typically involves humorous and light-hearted situations, often ending with a happy resolution. This genre aims to entertain the audience and evoke laughter through amusing dialogue, witty banter, and comedic situations. The term "comedy" is derived from the Greek word "komoidia," which means "revelry" or "merrymaking." In contrast to a tragedy, which focuses on serious and often tragic events, a comedy offers a more lighthearted and optimistic experience for both the characters and the audience.
12.
_____________: the final event in a drama (death in a tragedy or a marriage in a comedy)
Correct Answer
B. CatastropHe
Explanation
The term "catastrophe" refers to the final event in a drama, specifically in the context of a tragedy. In tragedies, the catastrophe typically represents the moment of great downfall or destruction, often involving the death of a main character. It is the point where all the conflicts and tensions in the story reach their peak and result in a tragic outcome. In contrast, a comedy would typically have a marriage as the final event, symbolizing a happy resolution and the overcoming of obstacles. Therefore, "catastrophe" is the correct answer in this context.
13.
Which is a play sometimes, but not always, in the comic spirit in which the author gives free rein to his imagination, allowing things to happen without regard to reality?
Correct Answer
A. Fantasy
Explanation
Fantasy is a genre that allows the author to create a world or events that are not bound by reality. While comedy, melodrama, and farce can also involve imaginative elements, they are not always solely focused on disregarding reality. Fantasy, on the other hand, specifically allows the author to give free rein to their imagination and create a story or setting that is detached from the constraints of the real world.
14.
Which pays almost no attention to human values, but its object is to give a thrill instead of a laugh? It is often good entertainment with no literary value.
Correct Answer
C. Melodrama
Explanation
Melodrama is the correct answer because it is a form of entertainment that focuses on creating intense emotions and thrills rather than exploring deep human values or eliciting laughter. Melodramas often have exaggerated and sensationalized plots, with characters and situations designed to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. While they may be entertaining, melodramas are typically criticized for their lack of literary value and depth.
15.
Stage directions:
Correct Answer(s)
B. Are instructions for the director, actors, and stage crew
C. Are usually printed in italic type and are enclosed in parentheses
D. Describe scenery and tell actors how to speak & move
F. Describe props, lighting & sound, and special areas of the stage
Explanation
Stage directions are instructions for the director, actors, and stage crew. They are usually printed in italic type and are enclosed in parentheses. They describe the scenery and tell actors how to speak and move on stage. They also describe props, lighting, sound, and special areas of the stage.