Drama Terms Quiz
Choose the best answer for each item below. Score an 85% or better and receive 5 Bonus Points toward the next homework or quiz grade! You may take the quiz as many times as you need in order to reach the goal of 85% or better. Read each item carefully before choosing your answer. There are 25 items (worth 4 points each).
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- 1.
A tragedy is:
- A.
Mr. Sampson's coffee.
- B.
A humorous play with a happy ending.
- C.
A swarm of black flies.
- D.
A play in which the main character(s) suffer a major downfall.
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. A play in which the main character(s) suffer a major downfall.Explanation
A tragedy is a genre of play in which the main character(s) experience a significant downfall or misfortune. This can include the protagonist's death, a loss of power or status, or a series of unfortunate events that lead to their ultimate demise. Tragedies often explore themes of fate, hubris, and the consequences of human actions. Unlike a humorous play with a happy ending or a swarm of black flies, a tragedy focuses on the tragic aspects of life and the suffering of the main character(s).Rate this question:
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- 2.
A long speech by one character with other characters on stage listening is a:
- A.
Soliloquy
- B.
Meter
- C.
Scansion
- D.
Monologue
- E.
Pun
Correct Answer
D. MonologueExplanation
A monologue is a long speech given by one character while other characters are present on stage. It is different from a soliloquy, which is when a character speaks their thoughts aloud while alone on stage. Meter refers to the rhythmic structure of a poem, while scansion is the analysis of a poem's meter. A pun is a play on words.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Benvolio is to Tybalt as character is to _____________.
- A.
Soliloquy
- B.
Pun
- C.
Imagery
- D.
Rhymed verse
- E.
Foil
Correct Answer
E. FoilExplanation
In this analogy, Benvolio and Tybalt are two opposing characters in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. Benvolio is known for his peaceful nature, while Tybalt is hot-headed and aggressive. A "foil" is a literary term used to describe a character who contrasts with another character in order to highlight their differences. Therefore, the correct answer is "foil" because it represents a similar contrasting relationship between two characters as Benvolio and Tybalt have in the play.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Ordinary spoken or written language is called:
- A.
A pun
- B.
Prose
- C.
A prop
- D.
Imagery
- E.
An aside
Correct Answer
B. ProseExplanation
Prose is the correct answer because it refers to ordinary spoken or written language that does not have a specific structure or rhyme scheme like poetry. It is the most common form of communication and is used in everyday conversations, novels, essays, and articles. Unlike puns, props, imagery, or asides, which have specific meanings or functions, prose encompasses the general use of language in its regular form.Rate this question:
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- 5.
True or False: Dramatic Irony exists when the character knows something that the audience does not know.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Dramatic Irony exists when the audience knows something that the character does not know. This creates tension and suspense as the audience anticipates the character's actions and reactions based on their lack of knowledge. It is a common literary device used to engage the audience and create a sense of dramatic irony.Rate this question:
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- 6.
True or False: An aside is a long speech by a character on stage:
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
An aside is a theatrical technique where a character speaks directly to the audience, revealing their thoughts or feelings. It is a short remark or comment that is not heard by the other characters on stage. It is usually used to provide insight into the character's motivations or to add humor or dramatic irony. Therefore, an aside is not a long speech, but rather a brief moment of direct communication with the audience.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Verse written in unryhmed iambic pentameter is:
- A.
Blank Verse
- B.
Meter
- C.
Rhymed Verse
- D.
Monologue
- E.
Soliloquy
Correct Answer
A. Blank VerseExplanation
Blank verse is the correct answer because it refers to verse that is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter. In blank verse, each line typically contains five iambs, which are metrical feet consisting of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable. This form of verse is commonly used in English poetry and drama, providing a natural and flowing rhythm without the constraint of rhyme. Notable examples of blank verse can be found in the works of William Shakespeare, such as in his play "Hamlet."Rate this question:
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- 8.
A regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry is called:
- A.
An aside
- B.
Meter
- C.
Imagery
- D.
A pun
- E.
Prose
Correct Answer
B. MeterExplanation
Meter refers to the regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry. It is a fundamental element of poetry and helps to create rhythm and musicality in the language. By establishing a consistent pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, meter provides a sense of structure and organization to the poem. Different types of meter, such as iambic, trochaic, and anapestic, create different rhythmic effects and contribute to the overall tone and meaning of the poem.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A devise that a playwright uses to present a dramatic performance on stage that the audience accepts as realistic is called:
- A.
Dialogue
- B.
A pun
- C.
A dramatic convention
- D.
Imagery
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. A dramatic conventionExplanation
A dramatic convention refers to a technique or method used by a playwright to present a dramatic performance on stage that the audience accepts as realistic. This can include various elements such as the setting, costumes, stage directions, and the overall structure of the play. By utilizing these conventions, the playwright is able to create a believable and immersive experience for the audience, allowing them to suspend their disbelief and engage with the performance.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A _______________ is a lyric poem of fourteen lines.
- A.
Sonnet
- B.
Pun
- C.
Foil
- D.
Dramatic convention
- E.
Dramatic irony
Correct Answer
A. SonnetExplanation
A sonnet is a specific type of lyric poem that consists of fourteen lines. It follows a specific rhyme scheme and often explores themes of love, beauty, or nature. Sonnets originated in Italy and were popularized by poets such as Petrarch and Shakespeare. The structure and form of a sonnet allow for a concise and focused expression of emotions or ideas within a limited space.Rate this question:
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- 11.
________________ introduces the action of a play. It is usually at the beginning and literally means "first words".
- A.
Introduction
- B.
Chorus
- C.
Prologue
- D.
Monologue
- E.
Soliloquy
Correct Answer
C. PrologueExplanation
A prologue is a section that introduces the action of a play. It is typically found at the beginning and serves as an opening to the story. The term "prologue" literally means "first words," which aligns with its purpose of setting the stage and providing context for the audience. In this case, the prologue introduces the action of the play, making it the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A ____________is a long speech by a character on stage with other characters there listening while a ______________ is a long speech by a character who is alone on stage with no other characters listening.
- A.
Soliloquy; monologue
- B.
Monologue; soliloquy
- C.
Dialogue; monologue
- D.
Monologue; dialogue
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Monologue; soliloquyExplanation
A monologue is a long speech by a character on stage with other characters there listening, while a soliloquy is a long speech by a character who is alone on stage with no other characters listening. In a monologue, the character is addressing the other characters present and is part of a larger conversation or interaction. In contrast, a soliloquy is a moment where the character reveals their inner thoughts and feelings to the audience, as if speaking to themselves. The distinction lies in the presence or absence of an audience within the context of the speech.Rate this question:
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- 13.
_______________ is poetry written in rhymed iambic pentameter.
- A.
Blank Verse
- B.
Rhymed Verse
- C.
Prose
- D.
An aside
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Rhymed VerseExplanation
Rhymed verse is poetry written in rhymed iambic pentameter. In this form of poetry, each line has five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern. Additionally, the lines of rhymed verse have a specific rhyme scheme, where the end words of certain lines rhyme with each other. This combination of meter and rhyme gives rhymed verse a musical quality and helps to create a sense of harmony and structure within the poem.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A comment by a character that the audience hears but other characters on stage do not is called:
- A.
A pun
- B.
An aside
- C.
Comedic relief
- D.
Poetic justice
- E.
Prose
Correct Answer
B. An asideExplanation
An aside refers to a comment made by a character in a play that is meant to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters on stage. It allows the character to express their thoughts, feelings, or intentions directly to the audience, providing insight into their inner thoughts or motivations. This dramatic device is often used to provide additional information, create suspense, or add humor to a scene.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Servants in Romeo and Juliet will most likely speak in:
- A.
Blank verse
- B.
Rhymed verse
- C.
Prose
- D.
Poetry
- E.
Iambic pentameter
Correct Answer
C. ProseExplanation
Servants in Romeo and Juliet will most likely speak in prose. Prose is the ordinary form of written or spoken language, without metrical structure. In contrast, blank verse, rhymed verse, poetry, and iambic pentameter are all forms of verse, which have a specific rhythmic and metrical pattern. Since servants are typically portrayed as lower-class characters in the play, they would speak in a more straightforward and less poetic manner, hence using prose.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The analysis of rhythm in a line of verse is called:
- A.
Scansion
- B.
Bardoramic versology
- C.
Iambic analysis
- D.
Metric pattern analysis
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. ScansionExplanation
Scansion is the correct answer because it refers to the analysis of rhythm in a line of verse. It involves identifying and marking the stressed and unstressed syllables in order to determine the meter or poetic pattern of the line. The other options, "bardoramic versology," "iambic analysis," and "metric pattern analysis," are not recognized terms in the field of poetry analysis. Therefore, the correct term for the analysis of rhythm in a line of verse is scansion.Rate this question:
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- 17.
In Romeo and Juliet, prose is:
- A.
Used for comic relief
- B.
Spoken by servants
- C.
Spoken by Mercutio
- D.
Ordinary language (not poetry)
- E.
All of the above
Correct Answer
E. All of the aboveExplanation
In Romeo and Juliet, prose is used for comic relief, spoken by servants, and spoken by Mercutio. Prose refers to ordinary language, not poetry. Therefore, all of the above options are correct.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A person or group of people who recite the prologue:
- A.
Choir
- B.
Chorus
- C.
Narrator(s)
- D.
The band
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. ChorusExplanation
The correct answer is "chorus". A chorus refers to a person or group of people who recite the prologue. They are typically a collective voice that sets the tone or introduces the main themes of a performance or production.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A(n) __________________ often signals the end of a scene in Romeo and Juliet:
- A.
Verse
- B.
Curtain
- C.
Rhymed couplet
- D.
Image
- E.
Brawl
Correct Answer
C. Rhymed coupletExplanation
In Romeo and Juliet, a rhymed couplet often signals the end of a scene. This is because a rhymed couplet is a pair of lines that rhyme and often provide a summary or conclusion to the events that have taken place. It serves as a way to wrap up the scene and transition to the next one.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Lady Capulet comes to see Juliet in Act III, scene 5 to bring news of the arranged wedding to Paris. She tells Juliet that too much grief and weeping is not good. Then she tells Juliet that she will send a man to Mantua to poison Romeo, which only makes Juliet cry more. This is an example of:
- A.
Dramatic irony
- B.
Monologue
- C.
Scansion
- D.
Imagery
- E.
Verse
Correct Answer
A. Dramatic ironyExplanation
In this scene, Lady Capulet unknowingly reveals her plan to poison Romeo to Juliet, while Juliet is actually grieving over Romeo's banishment. The audience knows that Romeo is already dead, unbeknownst to Lady Capulet, which creates a sense of dramatic irony. The audience is aware of the true situation and the impending tragedy, while Lady Capulet remains oblivious to it. This contrast between what the characters know and what the audience knows adds tension and depth to the scene, making it an example of dramatic irony.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Verse is another word for:
- A.
Line
- B.
Poetry
- C.
Prose
- D.
Bible
- E.
Play
Correct Answer
B. PoetryExplanation
A verse is a unit of poetry, typically consisting of a line or lines with a specific rhythm and meter. It is a common term used in literature to refer to the composition of poetry. While the other options may also contain lines of text, "poetry" is the most accurate and specific term that directly relates to the concept of verse.Rate this question:
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- 22.
A rhymed couplet is:
- A.
Hard to cook
- B.
Good with fries and a chocolate shake
- C.
Two consecutive lines of end-rhymed poetry
- D.
Dances at weddings
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Two consecutive lines of end-rhymed poetryExplanation
A rhymed couplet refers to two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme at the end. This means that the last words in each line have the same sound. In this case, the other options provided do not accurately describe a rhymed couplet.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 04, 2009Quiz Created by
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