Best Trivia Quiz On Drama Skills
Ms. Sieg's final exam review for the 2008-2009 Advanced Drama Class at Miami Springs Senior High School. The exam covers the "Varieties of Drama" and "History of Drama" chapters in the "The Stage & the School" textbook.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
__________ are sober plays that are based on human emotions that do not change with time.
Explanation
Tragedies are sober plays that are based on human emotions that do not change with time. Tragedies typically explore themes such as love, betrayal, revenge, and the human condition, which are timeless and relatable to audiences across different eras. These plays often depict the downfall or suffering of the protagonist, evoking strong emotions and offering insights into the complexities of human nature. Tragedies have been a prominent genre in literature and theater for centuries, as they continue to resonate with audiences and provide a deeper understanding of the human experience.Rate this question:
- 2.
A __________ is the main character that must struggle with an opposing force.
Explanation
A protagonist is the main character in a story who is faced with an opposing force or conflict. They are typically the central figure around whom the plot revolves and are often portrayed as the hero or the character that the audience sympathizes with. The protagonist is responsible for driving the narrative forward and overcoming challenges or obstacles in order to achieve their goals or resolve the conflict. They are essential to the development of the story and often undergo personal growth or transformation throughout the course of the narrative.Rate this question:
- 3.
__________ is the quality of drama that arouses feelings of compassion.
Explanation
Catharsis refers to the quality of drama that arouses feelings of compassion. It is a term used in literature and drama to describe the purging or release of emotions, particularly pity and fear, that the audience experiences while watching a play or reading a story. Through the depiction of intense emotions and the resolution of conflicts, catharsis allows the audience to empathize and connect with the characters, leading to a sense of emotional release and purification.Rate this question:
- 4.
__________, an ancient Greek philosopher, wrote a description of tragedy in the Poetics.
Explanation
Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, is credited with writing a description of tragedy in his work called the Poetics. In this influential piece, Aristotle analyzes the elements and structure of tragedy, providing insights into the purpose and effects of tragic drama. His ideas on tragedy have had a significant impact on the development of literary theory and continue to be studied and debated by scholars today.Rate this question:
- 5.
Aristotle explained that the main character's downfall is brought about by __________, a character weakness or an error in judgement.
Explanation
Aristotle believed that the main character's downfall is caused by hamartia, which refers to a character flaw or a mistake in judgment. This flaw or error in judgment leads to their downfall. It is a key element in tragic plays, as it creates a sense of pity and fear in the audience. The term hamartia is often used to describe the tragic flaw of a protagonist in Greek tragedies, where their own actions or decisions ultimately lead to their downfall.Rate this question:
- 6.
In __________, the protagonist overcomes opposing forces in a humorous way. The humor is provided by one or several of the seven causes of laughter.
Explanation
The correct answer is comedy because comedy is a genre that often features a protagonist who overcomes opposing forces in a humorous way. Comedy is known for providing laughter through various comedic techniques such as irony, satire, wordplay, and slapstick humor. In comedy, the protagonist's ability to navigate and resolve conflicts in a humorous manner is a key element that creates entertainment and amusement for the audience.Rate this question:
- 7.
__________, which can take the form of overstatement or understatement, is the most noticeable characteristic of comedy.
Explanation
Exaggeration, which can take the form of overstatement or understatement, is the most noticeable characteristic of comedy. Exaggeration involves portraying something in a way that goes beyond its normal or realistic limits, either by magnifying it or diminishing it. This technique is commonly used in comedy to create humor and emphasize certain aspects for comedic effect. By amplifying or downplaying situations, actions, or characteristics, exaggeration adds comedic value and makes the audience laugh. It helps to highlight absurdity, irony, and contrasts, making it a key element in comedic storytelling.Rate this question:
- 8.
Looking forward to a potential laugh is called __________.
Explanation
Anticipation refers to the feeling of excitement or expectation towards something that is about to happen in the future. It involves looking forward to a specific event or outcome with a sense of hope or enthusiasm. In this context, the question is asking for the term that describes the act of eagerly awaiting a potential laugh, which is anticipation.Rate this question:
- 9.
Anticipation is achieved by using the technique of the __________, which includes the plant and the clinch.
Explanation
Anticipation is achieved by using the technique of the running gag, which involves the repetition of a joke, humorous situation, or phrase throughout a performance or story. This technique creates a sense of expectation and builds comedic or dramatic tension as the audience anticipates the recurring element. In this context, the running gag includes both the plant (the initial setup or introduction of the gag) and the clinch (the punchline or resolution of the gag).Rate this question:
- 10.
The situations and characters in __________ are usually outlandish and exaggerated.
Explanation
The correct answer is "low comedy". Low comedy refers to a type of comedy that relies on physical humor, slapstick, and exaggerated situations and characters. This form of comedy often includes crude jokes, farcical situations, and over-the-top performances. In low comedy, the humor is derived from absurd and outlandish scenarios, making it entertaining and amusing for the audience.Rate this question:
- 11.
__________ is based on implausible coincidences and often includes screen scenes, in which actors hide from other actors onstage.
Explanation
A farce is a type of comedy that relies on absurd and improbable situations, often involving coincidences. It is known for its exaggerated and ridiculous humor. In farces, there are often scenes where characters hide from each other on stage, adding to the comedic effect. This genre of theater aims to entertain the audience through its fast-paced and chaotic nature, often leading to hilarious misunderstandings and mistaken identities.Rate this question:
- 12.
__________ is a mockery of a broad topic, such as a societal view, and requires prior knowledge of the subject being mocked.
Explanation
Burlesque is a form of entertainment that involves exaggeration, satire, and parody. It often mocks societal views or stereotypes, requiring the audience to have prior knowledge of the subject being mocked in order to fully understand the humor. Therefore, burlesque can be seen as a mockery of a broad topic, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
- 13.
__________ is a mockery of a certain person or work.
Explanation
A parody is a form of mockery that imitates or exaggerates the style, tone, or characteristics of a certain person or work, often for comedic effect. It is a satirical imitation that aims to make fun of or criticize the original subject matter by cleverly imitating its elements in a humorous or exaggerated way. Parodies can be found in various forms of media, such as literature, music, film, or art, and they serve as a form of entertainment while also providing social commentary or critique.Rate this question:
- 14.
A __________, or exaggearated feature of the subject, is often used in parody.
Explanation
A caricature is a technique that involves exaggerating certain features of a subject in order to create a humorous or satirical representation. This technique is commonly used in parody because it allows for a more exaggerated and comical portrayal of the subject. By emphasizing specific characteristics or traits, a caricature can effectively highlight and satirize certain aspects of the subject, making it a popular choice in parody.Rate this question:
- 15.
Intellectual humor, which relies on witty dialogue not physical action, makes up __________.
Explanation
Intellectual humor, which relies on witty dialogue not physical action, makes up a significant portion of sophisticated comedy. It appeals to the audience's intellect and intelligence, often involving clever wordplay, puns, and clever observations about human behavior or society. This type of humor requires the audience to think and understand the underlying context or cleverness of the jokes, making it more intellectually stimulating than physical comedy.Rate this question:
- 16.
In a __________, also called a drawing room comedy, the pretenses of the upper class are mocked using puns, paradoxes, epigrams, and ironies.
Explanation
A comedy of manners, also known as a drawing room comedy, is a type of play that satirizes the behavior and social customs of the upper class. This genre often uses witty wordplay, paradoxes, clever sayings (epigrams), and ironic situations to mock the pretentiousness and artificiality of high society. The focus is on the manners and social interactions of the characters, highlighting their hypocrisy and shallowness. Therefore, the correct answer is "comedy of manners."Rate this question:
- 17.
__________, like parody and burlesque, ridicules societal views or an individual's views.However, with this type of comedy, the motivation is to bring about change.
Explanation
Satire is a form of comedy that aims to criticize and mock societal or individual views. It uses techniques such as parody and burlesque to achieve this. However, what sets satire apart is its underlying motivation to bring about change. Satire uses humor and irony to expose flaws, hypocrisy, and absurdities in society, with the intention of provoking reflection and encouraging improvement. By highlighting these issues in a humorous way, satire seeks to stimulate critical thinking and inspire positive transformation.Rate this question:
- 18.
__________ is set in a make-believe land that is inhabited by unreal characters, such as spirits, witches, and flawless heroes.
Explanation
The given correct answer for this question is "fantasy play". This is because fantasy play refers to a type of imaginative play where children create and explore a make-believe world that is not real. In this make-believe land, they can pretend to be unreal characters such as spirits, witches, and flawless heroes. This type of play allows children to use their imagination, creativity, and storytelling skills to engage in pretend scenarios and explore different roles and situations.Rate this question:
- 19.
Written in the style of __________, romantic comedies focus on love affairs between characters that are too good to be true.
Explanation
Romanticism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the 18th century and emphasized individualism, imagination, and emotions. Romantic comedies, written in the style of romanticism, portray love affairs between characters that are idealized and often unrealistic. These movies tend to focus on the passionate and idealistic aspects of love, creating a fantasy world where everything works out perfectly. The term "romanticism" in this context refers to the artistic style rather than the broader philosophical or cultural movement.Rate this question:
- 20.
Although based on the structure of tragedy, __________ lacks the sense of inevitabilty that is necessary in tragedy. In this form of drama, good always triumphs.
Explanation
Melodrama is the correct answer because it is a form of drama that is characterized by exaggerated emotions, stereotypical characters, and a clear distinction between good and evil. Unlike tragedy, where the outcome is often determined by fate or unavoidable circumstances, melodrama typically presents a more predictable and formulaic storyline where good always triumphs over evil. Therefore, melodrama lacks the sense of inevitability that is necessary in tragedy.Rate this question:
- 21.
A __________, also called a problem play, deals with a social problem. The playwright usually presents a solution to the problem discussed, or at least points the characters in the right direction
Explanation
A play of ideas, also known as a problem play, is a type of play that focuses on a social problem. The playwright aims to address the issue by presenting a solution or guiding the characters towards the right direction. This genre of play often explores complex societal issues and encourages the audience to think critically and engage in discussions about these problems. The emphasis is on stimulating intellectual and philosophical debates rather than providing a straightforward resolution.Rate this question:
- 22.
In __________ the playwright battled the complexities of the human psyche and personal relationships.
Explanation
Psychological drama is a genre in which the playwright explores the intricacies of the human mind and emotions, as well as the dynamics of personal relationships. This genre allows for a deep exploration of characters' psychological states, motivations, and conflicts, often delving into themes such as identity, mental health, and the subconscious. By using this genre, the playwright can create a thought-provoking and intense narrative that challenges the audience's understanding of human behavior and emotions.Rate this question:
- 23.
__________ teaches moral concepts through characters who personify abstract qualities, such as truth, love, and death.
Explanation
An allegory is a literary device that uses characters and events to represent abstract ideas or moral concepts. In this case, the correct answer is "allegory" because it fits the description of teaching moral concepts through characters who personify abstract qualities like truth, love, and death. In an allegory, these characters are often used to convey deeper meanings and messages to the readers.Rate this question:
- 24.
__________ is drama written, designed, and performed for children.
Explanation
Children's theater or children's theatre refers to drama that is specifically created for and performed by children. It is written and designed with the intention of engaging and entertaining young audiences. This form of theater often incorporates elements such as colorful sets, catchy songs, and interactive performances to captivate children's attention and imagination. Children's theater aims to introduce children to the world of theater and storytelling, fostering their creativity, imagination, and love for the performing arts.Rate this question:
- 25.
Puppet use is not limited to children's television or theatre. Puppets are used in Andrei Serban's __________ to create powerful adult theater.
Explanation
Andrei Serban's play "King Stag" utilizes puppets to create a compelling and impactful adult theater experience.Rate this question:
- 26.
A __________ is a play written to be performed by a single actor.
Explanation
A monodrama is a type of play that is specifically written to be performed by a single actor. In this type of performance, the actor takes on multiple roles and portrays various characters throughout the play. The term "monodrama" combines the Greek words "mono" meaning "single" and "drama" meaning "action" or "performance". This form of theater allows for a deep exploration of a character's thoughts, emotions, and experiences, as the actor has the entire stage to themselves and can command the audience's attention solely through their performance.Rate this question:
- 27.
__________, which incorporates many elements of theater in a novel way, is an example of monodrama.
Explanation
Performance art, which incorporates many elements of theater in a novel way, is an example of monodrama. Monodrama refers to a theatrical performance that involves only one actor or performer. Performance art is a genre that combines visual art with live actions and often blurs the boundaries between different art forms. In this context, performance art can be seen as a form of monodrama because it often features a solo performer who uses their body, voice, and presence to convey a narrative or evoke emotions, similar to the concept of monodrama.Rate this question:
- 28.
__________ does not attempt to depict real life. The audience should accept it as theater.
Explanation
The term "theatricalism" refers to a style or technique in theater that intentionally avoids realistic representation. Instead, it emphasizes the artificial and performative aspects of the medium. In theatricalism, the audience is expected to suspend their disbelief and accept that what they are watching is a theatrical production rather than a reflection of real life. This approach often involves the use of exaggerated gestures, stylized sets and costumes, and other theatrical devices to create a heightened sense of artifice and spectacle.Rate this question:
- 29.
_________ is a style of drama that is journalistic and unemotional. It was a reaction against emotionalism and naturalism. Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht is an example of this kind of theater.
Explanation
Epic theater is a style of drama that aims to present events in a journalistic and unemotional manner. It emerged as a reaction against the prevailing emotionalism and naturalism in theater. The play "Mother Courage and Her Children" by Bertolt Brecht is often cited as an example of epic theater because it employs techniques such as breaking the fourth wall, using songs to comment on the action, and creating a distancing effect to encourage critical thinking and analysis in the audience.Rate this question:
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