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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Based on Aristotle's "Poetics", great tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to what?
(a) Small social groups.
(b) Wealthy and prominent families.
(c) Various churches.
(d) Universities.

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

3. 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) The action may be done knowingly.
(c) The action may be done unknowingly.
(d) An action can either be done or not done.

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

5. According to Aristotle, why do the greatest tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to such groups?
(a) A moral character is more believable.
(b) A character with few friends is more interesting.
(c) A fall from such a great height will impress the spectator.
(d) An educated character is more believable.

6. 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.

7. 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?
(a) Poor fortune.
(b) His own creation.
(c) His mother.
(d) A bad attitude.

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

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

10. Based on Aristotle's teachings about tragedy, how can the poet unify the plot?
(a) Develop characters who behave in a believable manner.
(b) Use more verbs.
(c) Use complete sentences.
(d) Establishing clear relationships between actions the rest of the plot.

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

12. Into how many parts does Aristotle divide the plot of a tragedy?
(a) Three.
(b) Four.
(c) Aristotle does not divide the plot of a tragedy, but rather sees it as a whole.
(d) Two.

13. 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 no one is perfect.
(c) A main character can become strong.
(d) Because the character's weakness ought to be the cause of his misfortune.

14. According to Aristotle, a great plot consists of an action that almost occurs, but doesn't because of what?
(a) The main character thwarts evil actions.
(b) Reversal of Situation.
(c) A discovery by the character.
(d) Irony.

15. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?
(a) Choosing ironic events.
(b) Writing the middle, as it is the most important part of a tragedy.
(c) Picking the content for the poem.
(d) The poet should be careful not to write a happy ending.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What type of tragedy does Aristotle say does NOT require impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators?

3. Into how many parts does Aristotle say a language can be divided?

4. Aristotle says that it's important for any poet to master what in a tragedy?

5. What does Aristotle identify as a poet's medium?

(see the answer keys)

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