DSST Humanities 4

Question 1

The literary term 'in medias res' means a story begins:

Accepted Answer

In the middle of the action

Answer

In medias res is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the middle of things,' referring to narratives that open in the midst of ongoing action.

Question 2

Which art movement, founded by Marcel Duchamp, challenged conventional notions of art using 'ready-mades'?

Accepted Answer

Dadaism

Answer

Dadaism rejected traditional aesthetics and logic; Duchamp's ready-mades (like Fountain) exemplified the movement.

Question 3

Which playwright wrote 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Othello'?

Accepted Answer

William Shakespeare

Answer

William Shakespeare wrote both A Midsummer Night's Dream (c. 1595) and Othello (c. 1603).

Question 4

The concept of the 'sublime' in Romantic aesthetics refers to:

Accepted Answer

An overwhelming sense of awe, terror, and grandeur

Answer

The sublime describes experiences of vast, overwhelming power in nature that inspire awe and terror mixed with wonder.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a 'tone poem' or 'symphonic poem'?

Accepted Answer

Smetana's The Moldau

Answer

Smetana's The Moldau is a tone poem—a single-movement orchestral work that depicts a narrative or scene.

DSST - DANTES Subject Standardized Tests Practice Test