Critical Theories in Drama: Master Theatre Criticism with Aristotle and Brecht

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a key element of Aristotle's theory of tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Spectacle

Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Hamartia

Answer

Verisimilitude

Question 2

Brecht's concept of the 'alienation effect' aims to:

Accepted Answer

Make the audience aware of the theatrical nature of the performance

Answer

Immerse the audience in the play

Answer

Disturb the audience's emotional response

Answer

Help the audience identify with the characters

Question 3

Which of the following is a characteristic of epic theatre, as defined by Brecht?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes narrative over action

Answer

Uses traditional theatrical conventions

Answer

Focuses on the emotional experiences of the characters

Answer

Aims to create a sense of catharsis

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of critical theory in the context of theatre?

Accepted Answer

To analyze and evaluate theatrical performances

Answer

To establish strict rules that govern theatre

Answer

To create experimental and innovative theatre forms

Answer

To provide entertainment for the audience

Question 5

What is the term used to describe the process of identifying the major themes and ideas of a play?

Accepted Answer

Analysis

Answer

Interpretation

Answer

Evaluation

Answer

Synthesis

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a traditional theatrical genre?

Accepted Answer

Documentary

Answer

Comedy

Answer

Tragedy

Answer

Musical

Question 7

What is the term used to describe the way in which a play is presented on stage?

Accepted Answer

Direction

Answer

Performance

Answer

Set design

Answer

Lighting design

Question 8

Which element is **not** a key component of Aristotle's theory of tragedy?

Accepted Answer

Resolution

Answer

Pity

Answer

Fear

Answer

Catharsis

Question 9

According to Brecht's theory of epic theatre, what is the primary function of theatre?

Accepted Answer

To provoke critical thought

Answer

To entertain

Answer

To educate

Answer

To escape reality

Question 10

Which of the following best describes a characteristic of 'gestus' in Brecht's theatre?

Accepted Answer

Exaggerated

Answer

Realistic

Answer

Naturalistic

Answer

Symbolic

Question 11

Which Brechtian technique is designed to create a critical distance between the audience and the stage action, enabling them to analyze it objectively?

Accepted Answer

Verfremdungseffekt (Alienation Effect)

Answer

Epic Theatre

Answer

Gestischer Stil

Answer

Lehrstück

Question 12

What is the primary function of a critical theory in theatre?

Accepted Answer

To analyze and interpret theatrical performances, providing frameworks for understanding and evaluation

Answer

To guide playwrights and directors in creating effective and meaningful theatre

Answer

To establish fixed standards of theatrical excellence

Answer

To promote a particular political or social agenda

Question 13

In Bertolt Brecht's Verfremdungseffekt, which technique uses songs and music to provide commentary on the action?

Accepted Answer

Epic Theatre Songs

Answer

Placards

Answer

Montage

Question 14

According to Bertolt Brecht's Epic Theatre theory, what is the primary purpose of theatre?

Accepted Answer

To foster critical thinking and promote social change

Answer

To evoke emotional catharsis in the audience

Answer

To imitate life experiences realistically

Answer

To provide entertainment and immersion

Question 15

In Bertolt Brecht's theory, what is the primary function of the Verfremdungseffekt?

Accepted Answer

To highlight the artificiality and constructed nature of the performance

Answer

To foster audience empathy with characters and their emotions

Answer

To enhance audience enjoyment through immersive sensory experiences

Question 16

According to Brecht's Epic Theatre theory, what is the primary purpose of theatre?

Accepted Answer

To provoke critical thought and social change

Answer

To glorify historical events

Answer

To promote moral lessons

Answer

To provide entertainment and escapism

Question 17

In Aristotle's theory, what is the role of the tragic hero?

Accepted Answer

To embody the potential and flaws of humanity

Answer

To teach a specific moral lesson

Answer

To represent the forces of good and evil

Answer

To provide comedic relief

Question 18

What is the central idea behind Brecht's concept of Verfremdungseffekt?

Accepted Answer

To disrupt audience empathy and promote critical reflection

Answer

To heighten audience engagement

Answer

To convey a specific political message

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic of Critical Theory in theatre?

Accepted Answer

It examines power dynamics and social structures

Answer

It promotes conservative worldviews

Answer

It depends heavily on Freudian psychology

Answer

It emphasizes the value of intuition

Question 20

According to Aristotle, what is the essential element that differentiates tragedy from comedy?

Accepted Answer

Hamartia

Answer

Catharsis

Answer

Anagnorisis

Answer

Hubris

Question 21

What is the primary goal of Critical Theory in theatrical criticism?

Accepted Answer

To challenge dominant ideologies and promote social change

Answer

To provide impartial evaluations of theatrical works

Answer

To preserve traditional theatrical practices

Question 22

According to Brecht, what kind of relationship should the audience have with the theatrical performance?

Accepted Answer

Active, critical, and socially engaged

Answer

Passive and receptive

Answer

Solely focused on aesthetic enjoyment