History of Drama: Explore the Evolution of Theatre

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Optimistic and hopeful conclusion

Answer

Pride and arrogance (Hubris)

Answer

Catharsis (emotional release)

Answer

Deus ex machina (divine intervention)

Question 2

Who is widely regarded as the father of modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Henrik Ibsen

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Anton Chekhov

Answer

August Strindberg

Question 3

Which early 20th-century theatrical movement rejected traditional forms and conventions?

Accepted Answer

Expressionism

Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Stanislavski's System

Answer

Brechtian Theatre

Question 4

What is the primary function of a prologue in a play?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the setting, characters, and background

Answer

To reveal the climax of the plot

Answer

To provide a philosophical commentary

Answer

To foreshadow future events

Question 5

What is the purpose of employing a deus ex machina in a play?

Accepted Answer

To resolve a conflict abruptly and unexpectedly

Answer

To introduce a new character

Answer

To provide a commentary on the action

Answer

To foreshadow future events

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a type of theatre space?

Accepted Answer

Concert hall

Answer

Proscenium stage

Answer

Black box theatre

Answer

Thrust stage

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of Greek tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Happy resolution

Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Hubris

Answer

Deus ex machina

Question 8

In Greek drama, what is the primary role of the chorus?

Accepted Answer

Provide commentary and insights on the action

Answer

Engage in elaborate song and dance routines

Answer

Deliver messages and serve as messengers

Answer

Provide comic relief and entertainment

Question 9

Which Elizabethan playwright is renowned for their use of blank verse and historical subject matter?

Accepted Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

Ben Jonson

Answer

John Webster

Question 10

What is the fundamental distinction between Restoration comedy and sentimental comedy?

Accepted Answer

Restoration comedy emphasizes satire, while sentimental comedy prioritizes romance.

Answer

Restoration comedy utilizes verse, contrasting with the prose of sentimental comedy.

Answer

Restoration comedy caters to courtly audiences, while sentimental comedy appeals to a broader public.

Answer

Restoration comedy employs disguise as a key element, while sentimental comedy features frequent soliloquies.

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a distinctive trait of Naturalism in drama?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of poetic language

Answer

Focus on ordinary, everyday experiences

Answer

Objectivity and scientific observation

Answer

Exploration of social and psychological issues

Question 12

What is the primary objective of Bertolt Brecht's theory of Epic Theatre?

Accepted Answer

To stimulate critical thinking and provoke contemplation

Answer

To create a sense of emotional distance between the audience and the performance

Answer

To provide a cathartic or emotionally purging experience

Answer

To instigate social and political change

Question 13

What is the primary responsibility of a dramaturg in a theatrical production?

Accepted Answer

Providing historical and cultural context for the production

Answer

Assisting the director with casting and rehearsals

Answer

Designing costumes and sets for the performance

Answer

Writing the剧本

Question 14

Where is the birthplace of Western theatre generally considered to be?

Accepted Answer

Athens

Answer

Rome

Answer

London

Answer

Paris

Question 15

Which of the following best describes a prominent characteristic of Medieval morality plays?

Accepted Answer

Allegorical representation of morality

Answer

Elaborate stage sets

Answer

Focus on realistic characters

Answer

Exploration of psychological complexity

Question 16

What is a defining characteristic of Commedia dell'Arte?

Accepted Answer

Improvisation and use of masks

Answer

Elaborate costumes and historical themes

Answer

Minimal use of dialogue and focus on dance

Answer

Emphasis on realism and psychological depth

Question 17

What is the primary function of a playwright?

Accepted Answer

To write the story and dialogue of a play

Answer

To direct actors

Answer

To design the set

Answer

To produce the play

Question 18

Who is widely regarded as the pioneer of modern drama?

Accepted Answer

Henrik Ibsen

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Anton Chekhov

Answer

George Bernard Shaw

Question 19

Which theatrical movement emerged in the early 20th century and emphasized realism and social issues?

Accepted Answer

Naturalism

Answer

Expressionism

Answer

Absurdism

Answer

Epic Theatre

Question 20

What is the term for a play that blends tragic and comic elements?

Accepted Answer

Tragicomedy

Answer

Melodrama

Answer

Farce

Answer

Satire

Question 21

Which Elizabethan playwright is renowned for his use of blank verse and in-depth character development?

Accepted Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

Ben Jonson

Answer

John Fletcher

Question 22

What is the primary purpose of a prologue in a play?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the setting, characters, and plot

Answer

To summarize the main events

Answer

To express the playwright's personal views

Answer

To provide historical context

Question 23

Which of the following is a central theme explored in absurdist drama?

Accepted Answer

Issues of existence and meaninglessness

Answer

Social justice and equality

Answer

Psychological realism and human behavior

Answer

Historical accuracy and historical events

Question 24

What is the primary responsibility of a director in a theatrical production?

Accepted Answer

Interpreting the script, guiding actors, and overseeing the overall production

Answer

Designing sets and costumes

Answer

Composing music and sound effects

Answer

Promoting and marketing the production

Question 25

What term refers to a character who embodies a specific type or idea rather than a fully developed individual?

Accepted Answer

Stock character

Answer

Protagonist

Answer

Antagonist

Answer

Confidante

Question 26

Where did drama originate?

Accepted Answer

Ancient Greece

Answer

Ancient Rome

Answer

Medieval England

Answer

Renaissance Italy

Question 27

Who is considered the 'Father of Greek Tragedy'?

Accepted Answer

Aeschylus

Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Euripides

Answer

Sophocles

Question 28

Which Elizabethan playwright is renowned for tragic plays like 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear'?

Accepted Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

Geoffrey Chaucer

Answer

Christopher Marlowe

Answer

Ben Jonson

Question 29

Which 19th-century Norwegian playwright explored existential themes and social criticism in his works?

Accepted Answer

Henrik Ibsen

Answer

August Strindberg

Answer

Anton Chekhov

Answer

Oscar Wilde

Question 30

What technique involves actors breaking the illusion of reality by speaking directly to the audience?

Accepted Answer

Breaking the Fourth Wall

Answer

Deus Ex Machina

Answer

Soliloquy

Answer

Aside

Question 31

Which American playwright is known as a pioneer of the Theatre of the Absurd?

Accepted Answer

Samuel Beckett

Answer

Eugene Ionesco

Answer

Edward Albee

Answer

Tennessee Williams

Question 32

What is a defining characteristic of Physical Theatre?

Accepted Answer

Focus on movement and physical expression

Answer

Elaborate sets and costumes

Answer

Naturalistic dialogue

Answer

Minimal use of technology

Question 33

Which contemporary British playwright is known for exploring feminist issues in her work?

Accepted Answer

Caryl Churchill

Answer

Sarah Kane

Answer

Marina Carr

Answer

Winsome Pinnock

Question 34

What is the primary role of a Dramaturg in theatre?

Accepted Answer

Providing research and context for productions

Answer

Directing actors

Answer

Designing sets and costumes

Answer

Promoting the production

Question 35

How did Henrik Ibsen's Naturalist plays transform modern drama? Explain their key features and influence.

Accepted Answer

Focused on realistic characters and social issues

Answer

Used heightened language and fantasy

Answer

Relied on symbols and allegories

Answer

Emphasized spectacle and historical events

Question 36

In the history of drama, which era is characterized by its realistic portrayal of everyday life and social issues?

Accepted Answer

Realism

Answer

Expressionism

Answer

Romanticism

Answer

Naturalism

Question 37

Which type of drama typically employs exaggerated characters and unlikely plotlines, often resulting in humorous outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Farce

Answer

Tragedy

Answer

Melodrama

Answer

Tragicomedy

Question 38

What is the term for a dramatic work that skilfully blends elements of both tragedy and comedy?

Accepted Answer

Tragicomedy

Answer

Melodrama

Answer

Commedia dell'arte

Answer

Farce

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a distinctive characteristic of Elizabethan theatre?

Accepted Answer

Use of elaborate and realistic scenery

Answer

Frequent use of soliloquies and asides

Answer

Emphasis on lavish costumes and spectacle

Answer

All-male casts