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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Based on Aristotle's teachings, if the main character of a tragedy is totally without fault, his fall would not be due to his own fault, but rather what?
(a) His own creation.
(b) A bad attitude.
(c) His mother.
(d) Poor fortune.

2. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?
(a) There is no such thing as recognition through the will of the poet.
(b) One character may reveal himself to another for no reason.
(c) The main character reveals himself to the antagonist when the reader least expects.
(d) A character is revealed when the poet announces it.

3. 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) The second situation inspires more fear, but less pity.
(c) The morals of the character that is unaware remain intact, and the first situation inspires more fear.
(d) They are equally effective.

4. According to Aristotle, how should the plot of a well-written tragedy be structured?
(a) It should leave the reader guessing until the end.
(b) A structured plot makes bad poetry.
(c) With a logical beginning and end.
(d) With the end that makes readers want more.

5. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a person who is aware of the circumstances is considered to be of a certain quality?
(a) An audience does not like happy endings.
(b) A failed action interrupts the flow.
(c) A person who is aware is boring.
(d) The person was already aware and no disaster occurs.

Short Answer Questions

1. What two things does Aristotle require to be present in a well-written story?

2. In a good tragedy as defined by Aristotle, why wouldn't you see two evil men fighting and killing one another?

3. In poetry, what is the term that Aristotle gives for an action that aims to accomplish a certain goal, but actually accomplishes the opposite?

4. What does Aristotle believe to be most fit to handle grand metaphors and strange words?

5. Aristotle asserts that the main character of a tragedy must have what?

(see the answer key)

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