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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) Wealthy and prominent families.
(b) Various churches.
(c) Universities.
(d) Small social groups.

2. To Aristotle, what type of recognition is considered superior to any other kind?
(a) Recognition through the use of a sign.
(b) Recognition through a holy experience.
(c) Recognition through reasoning.
(d) Recognition based on rumors.

3. 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.

4. 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) People fear similar misfortune.
(b) Often, people get angry when another gets hurt.
(c) The man will be perceived as receiving what he deserved.
(d) People do not enjoy watching another suffer.

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

6. What type of stories does Aristotle identify as more fit for epic poems than tragedies?
(a) Stories with happy endings.
(b) Stories that give true historical accounts.
(c) Stories of considerably greater length and scope.
(d) Stories that are shorter and to the point.

7. Based on Aristotle's teachings, why do some tragedies use certain effects when performed on stage?
(a) To justify higher ticket prices.
(b) To impress their spectators.
(c) Because they are "silent" tragedies.
(d) To express language visually.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Based on Aristotle's teachings about tragedy, how can the poet unify the plot?

2. In a good tragedy as defined by Aristotle, why wouldn't you see two evil men fighting and killing one another?

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

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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