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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What type of stories does Aristotle identify as more fit for epic poems than tragedies?
(a) Stories that give true historical accounts.
(b) Stories of considerably greater length and scope.
(c) Stories with happy endings.
(d) Stories that are shorter and to the point.

2. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?
(a) Happily.
(b) Successfully.
(c) Unhappily.
(d) It ends just at the right time.

3. According to Aristotle, what type of poets attempt to create tragedies that result in everyone ultimately being happy?
(a) Poets more concerned with pleasing their audience.
(b) Optimistic poets.
(c) Innovative poets.
(d) Poets more interested in winning an award.

4. What does Aristotle say about the element of surprise in a tragedy?
(a) It helps inspire joy.
(b) It keeps the reader guessing and interested.
(c) It helps inspire pity.
(d) It helps inspire sadness.

5. What does Aristotle say about Homer's "Iliad"?
(a) It reminds him of a bad story.
(b) It should be more tragic.
(c) It lacks pity.
(d) It would not work in the format of a tragedy.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

3. What other name does Aristotle give to the conclusion of a tragedy?

4. In poetry, Aristotle says that in the "Odyssey" recognition comes about how??

5. 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?

(see the answer key)

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