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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Aristotle, what happens in a legitimate tragedy?
(a) Not everyone winds up happy.
(b) Everyone wins at the end.
(c) The main character dies.
(d) The antagonist dies.

2. When is a sign considered to be poorly used in the plot device of recognition according to Aristotle?
(a) When the sign is recognized, but no action is taken.
(b) When the sign goes unrecognized.
(c) When the sign is destroyed.
(d) When the sole purpose of the sign is for recognition.

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

4. What does Aristotle say that a well-crafted tragedy has?
(a) Consistent foreshadowing.
(b) Excellent irony.
(c) A masterfully written complication and unraveling.
(d) Powerful characters with morals.

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

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

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

8. Aristotle says that it's important for any poet to master what in a tragedy?
(a) The beginning of the story.
(b) The complication and unraveling.
(c) The middle of the story.
(d) The main character's life and death.

9. Why does Aristotle say that Homer's "Iliad" is not a tragedy?
(a) The reader feels no pity.
(b) It is a happy story.
(c) It has too many episodes and sub-stories to fit the format.
(d) It lacks irony.

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

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

12. 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) A character is revealed when the poet announces it.
(c) One character may reveal himself to another for no reason.
(d) There is no such thing as recognition through the will of the poet.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Aristotle say occurs at the beginning of a tragic story?

3. According to Aristotle, what type of poets attempt to create tragedies that result in everyone ultimately being happy?

4. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?

5. Aristotle says that simply doing what well leaves a mediocre piece of art?

(see the answer keys)

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