1. What does Aristotle say occurs at the beginning of a tragic story?
(a) The complication.
(b) The unraveling.
(c) Simplicity.
(d) The foreshadowing of tragic actions.

2. What does Aristotle identify as the foundation of good poetry writing?
(a) Irony.
(b) Probability and necessity.
(c) An interesting twist or turn.
(d) Using well-researched historical events.

3. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?
(a) Flawless.
(b) Speaking in the third person.
(c) Self-centered.
(d) Insecure.

4. According to Aristotle, a great plot consists of an action that almost occurs, but doesn't because of what?
(a) Irony.
(b) A discovery by the character.
(c) Reversal of Situation.
(d) The main character thwarts evil actions.

5. According to Aristotle, why do good poets sometimes write stories using episodic plots?
(a) They never write stories using episodic plots.
(b) For the challenge.
(c) To showcase their skills in contests.
(d) Because episodic plots are considered more interesting.

Short Answer Questions

1. When an evil character of a tragic story is suddenly thrust into misfortune, it has been said that this satisfies the moral sense of the audience, but Aristotle asserts that the misfortune does not inspire what?

2. How does Aristotle define "Recognition"?

3. The plot, as Aristotle explains, should be unified in such a way that each part should be what?

4. What men does Aristotle consider to be "lower" types?

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

(see the answer key)

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