View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?
(a) They are much shorter.
(b) The meter of epic poems is unimportant.
(c) They tend to rhyme.
(d) They are of considerably greater length and scope.

2. In addition to a sign, what is the second kind of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) Divine intervention.
(b) One that occurs simply by the will of the poet.
(c) A psychic reading.
(d) A bad dream.

3. Aristotle says that an action that is failed to be performed in a tragedy by the person who is aware of the circumstances is what?
(a) Reversal of Situation.
(b) Good judgment.
(c) Reconsideration.
(d) The least effective poetically.

4. 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?
(a) Fear.
(b) Joy.
(c) Pity.
(d) Anger.

5. In a tragic story, a mother who is about to kill her son--and she is aware that it is her son--does not carry out the action. Aristotle uses this as an example of what?
(a) The least impressive type of action.
(b) Reconsideration.
(c) Recognition.
(d) Reversal of Situation.

6. When constructing the plot, the poet ought to do what first, according to Aristotle?
(a) Develop the beginning of the story.
(b) Fill out the individual episodes and scenes.
(c) Outline the plot in totality.
(d) Develop the ending of the story.

7. As Aristotle explains, when an evil main character of a tragic story experiences misfortune, why doesn't this inspire certain key emotions in the audience?
(a) Often, people get angry when another gets hurt.
(b) The man will be perceived as receiving what he deserved.
(c) People fear similar misfortune.
(d) People do not enjoy watching another suffer.

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

9. If the story is performed, why, according to Aristotle, should actors act with appropriate gestures to demonstrate their emotions and thoughts as the story progresses?
(a) None of the answers is correct.
(b) Aristotle says that spectators will not be able to infer these simply from the dialog alone.
(c) Aristotle says that gestures compensate for a bad story.
(d) Gestures are more important than dialogue.

10. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?
(a) The characters can conquer the problem.
(b) The story can end happily.
(c) The problem can conquer the characters and the story ends unhappily.
(d) The characters always resolve the issues and harmony is restored.

11. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?
(a) He says they are Greek poetry.
(b) He calls them comedies.
(c) He calls them great tragedies.
(d) He says they are Roman poetry.

12. What other name does Aristotle give to the conclusion of a tragedy?
(a) The climax.
(b) The unraveling.
(c) The big tragic event.
(d) The turning point.

13. Based on "Poetics", how will the effect of a sad plot of a tragic story be magnified?
(a) If the antagonist turns over a new leaf.
(b) If the main character realizes his weaknesses.
(c) If the main character dies.
(d) If the misfortune is greater.

14. Aristotle asserts that the main character of a tragedy must have what?
(a) Complete confidence.
(b) A tragic past.
(c) A lot of money.
(d) Weakness.

15. What does Aristotle believe to be the goal of tragedy?
(a) To inspire fear and pity.
(b) To inspire anger.
(c) To inspire fear.
(d) To inspire pity.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?

2. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?

3. What is the purpose of the conclusion according to Aristotle?

4. What are/is the name(s) of the part(s) that Aristotle gives to the plot of a tragedy?

5. According to Aristotle, why do the greatest tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to such groups?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 777 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample