View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

4. Artistically, what type of recognition does Aristotle consider to be a serious flaw?
(a) Recognition through divine intervention.
(b) Recognition that is not connected with the flow of the plot.
(c) Recognition that occurs suddenly.
(d) A recurring recognition.

5. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?
(a) It draws the reader in with the suspense of how the problem will be resolved, if it ever is.
(b) It ties the beginning to the end.
(c) It gives the reader a sense of resolution.
(d) It evokes pity.

6. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?
(a) Unhappily.
(b) Successfully.
(c) It ends just at the right time.
(d) Happily.

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

8. 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) They are equally ineffective.
(c) The second situation inspires more fear, but less pity.
(d) They are equally effective.

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

10. In a tragedy, Aristotle warns that the poet must NOT choose a character who is altogether what?
(a) Good.
(b) Bitter.
(c) Generous.
(d) Evil.

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

12. In depicting his main character, Aristotle says that the poet should always accomplish four things. Of the following, which is NOT one of these four things?
(a) The main character should be portrayed consistently.
(b) The poet should make the main character good.
(c) The poet should make the main character perfect.
(d) The goodness of the character should be appropriate.

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

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

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) Whole.
(c) The beginning, middle, end, and whole.
(d) The complication and unraveling.

Short Answer Questions

1. Based on Aristotle's teachings, why do some tragedies use certain effects when performed on stage?

2. What example does Aristotle use to demonstrate his point of epic vs. tragedy formats?

3. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?

4. In addition to a sign, what is the second kind of recognition as identified by Aristotle?

5. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 745 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample