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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 identify as the most essential element of tragedy?
(a) Character.
(b) Plot.
(c) Rhyme.
(d) Irony.

2. In order for a plot to be truly effective in achieving the desired emotional response from its readers or audience, Aristotle says that the poet must do what?
(a) Pick characters whose relationships to one another make the actions of the plot more interesting.
(b) Write a tragedy with a sad ending.
(c) Pick characters that the audience can easily pity.
(d) Infuse irony throughout the story.

3. What type of poetry does Aristotle say focuses on serious and important actions?
(a) Tragedy.
(b) None of the answers is correct.
(c) Roman poetry.
(d) Greek poetry.

4. What are/is the name(s) of the part(s) that Aristotle gives to the plot of a tragedy?
(a) Good, bad and worse.
(b) The complication and unraveling.
(c) The beginning, middle, end, and whole.
(d) Whole.

5. In a tragedy, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?
(a) An action can either be done or not done.
(b) The action may be done knowingly.
(c) The action may be done unknowingly.
(d) The action is more tragic when a person who is aware of the circumstances does not perform the action.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?

2. Aristotle says that at most, episodic plots involve what?

3. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?

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

5. Based on Aristotle's "Poetics", great tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to what?

(see the answer key)

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