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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section II.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Aristotle consider to be the most tragic event?
(a) Two lovers splitting up.
(b) A mother abandoning her child.
(c) Adultery.
(d) A member of a family killing another.

2. What type of situation does Aristotle explain occurs more frequently in tragedy?
(a) The main character dying from illness.
(b) The protagonist losing one of his or her five senses.
(c) A member of a family killing another member.
(d) A child being abandoned.

3. In a tragedy, Aristotle warns that the poet must NOT choose a character who is altogether what?
(a) Evil.
(b) Generous.
(c) Good.
(d) Bitter.

4. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a character that is unaware is more effective than a failed action by a character that is aware?
(a) They are equally ineffective.
(b) They are equally effective.
(c) The second situation inspires more fear, but less pity.
(d) The morals of the character that is unaware remain intact, and the first situation inspires more fear.

5. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?
(a) The character's arrogance.
(b) Stupidity.
(c) The character's weakness.
(d) Misguided love.

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason does Aristotle give for Homer excluding many things that Odysseus does on his voyage home in the "Odyssey"?

2. When one character realizes that another character has fewer morals than he once thought, what does Aristotle say is happening?

3. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?

4. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs without "Recognition" or "Reversal of Situation"?

5. To Aristotle, what type of recognition is considered superior to any other kind?

(see the answer key)

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