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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. If the characters conquer the problem, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?
(a) Sadly.
(b) Happily.
(c) It ends too soon.
(d) Without pity.

2. 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.

3. As Aristotle explains, why must a poet be sensitive to the nature of language?
(a) There are infinite words from which to choose.
(b) The nature of language in unpredictable.
(c) Language is very complicated.
(d) Language is to a poet as paint is to a painter.

4. What does Aristotle identify as a poet's medium?
(a) Language and passion.
(b) Language.
(c) Language and heart.
(d) Spiritual inspiration.

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

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

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

8. Aristotle explains that a sign is one of four types of recognition. What is an example of recognition occurring through the use of a sign?
(a) A character recognizes another by a certain scar or birthmark.
(b) A character has a vivid dream.
(c) A character receives a psychic reading.
(d) A character's action is interrupted by what seems to be divine intervention.

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) Gestures are more important than dialogue.
(b) None of the answers is correct.
(c) Aristotle says that spectators will not be able to infer these simply from the dialog alone.
(d) Aristotle says that gestures compensate for a bad story.

10. 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) Reversal of Situation.
(d) Recognition.

11. Into how many parts does Aristotle say a language can be divided?
(a) Several.
(b) Three.
(c) Two.
(d) Infinite.

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

13. What is the purpose of the conclusion according to Aristotle?
(a) It shows how the problem is eventually solved or not solved.
(b) It ties the beginning and the end together.
(c) It leads to the middle of the story.
(d) It gives the reader a sense of suspense.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Aristotle say that Homer's "Iliad" is not a tragedy?

2. Based on "Poetics", how will the effect of a sad plot of a tragic story be magnified?

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

4. Artistically, what type of recognition does Aristotle consider to be a serious flaw?

5. Based on Aristotle's teachings, if the main character of a tragedy is totally without fault, his fall would not be due to his own fault, but rather what?

(see the answer keys)

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