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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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) A failed action interrupts the flow.
(b) A person who is aware is boring.
(c) An audience does not like happy endings.
(d) The person was already aware and no disaster occurs.

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

3. Artistically, what type of recognition does Aristotle consider to be a serious flaw?
(a) Recognition that is not connected with the flow of the plot.
(b) Recognition through divine intervention.
(c) Recognition that occurs suddenly.
(d) A recurring recognition.

4. 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.

5. Per Aristotle, in which of the following ways does poetry NOT differ from history?
(a) Poetry is a higher pursuit than history.
(b) Poetry depicts what happens according to the "laws of probability and necessity."
(c) Poetry tells the future, and history tells the past.
(d) History is concerned simply with facts.

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of situation does Aristotle explain occurs more frequently in tragedy?

2. What type of action does Aristotle say occurs with "Recognition" and/or "Reversal of Situation"?

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

4. Aristotle explains that tragedy is not only concerned with the depiction of just any action, but of actions that inspire what?

5. In a tragedy, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?

(see the answer key)

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