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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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) Recognition.
(b) Reversal of Situation.
(c) Reconsideration.
(d) The least impressive type of action.

2. Aristotle explains that the complication in plot leads to what?
(a) The death of the main character.
(b) The unraveling.
(c) A tragic action.
(d) The sequel to the story.

3. What would Aristotle say about the following action: a man is about to kill his brother, thinking him to be his enemy, but discovers his identity and therefore spares his life?
(a) The most successful kind of action.
(b) Poor execution.
(c) An interesting turn of events.
(d) Poor plot development.

4. What does Aristotle say occurs at the beginning of a tragic story?
(a) The complication.
(b) Simplicity.
(c) The foreshadowing of tragic actions.
(d) The unraveling.

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

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

7. In a good tragedy as defined by Aristotle, why wouldn't you see two evil men fighting and killing one another?
(a) Evil men team up, not fight each other.
(b) A tragedy only has one evil character.
(c) This action would not inspire pity.
(d) It would be boring.

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

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

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

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

12. Aristotle says that simply doing what well leaves a mediocre piece of art?
(a) Giving the reader a sense of suspense.
(b) Writing a complication and unraveling.
(c) Developing a main character that does not have a close friend.
(d) Infusing irony just at the beginning.

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

14. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?
(a) People take pity on weak characters.
(b) Because the character's weakness ought to be the cause of his misfortune.
(c) Because no one is perfect.
(d) A main character can become strong.

15. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?
(a) Speaking in the third person.
(b) Insecure.
(c) Self-centered.
(d) Flawless.

Short Answer Questions

1. When constructing the plot, the poet ought to do what first, according to Aristotle?

2. What does Aristotle say that a well-crafted tragedy has?

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

4. According to Aristotle, a great plot consists of an action that almost occurs, but doesn't because of what?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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