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

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

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

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

5. 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) Optimistic poets.
(d) Poets more interested in winning an award.

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

7. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?
(a) They are of considerably greater length and scope.
(b) The meter of epic poems is unimportant.
(c) They tend to rhyme.
(d) They are much shorter.

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

9. 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 complete sentences.
(c) Establishing clear relationships between actions the rest of the plot.
(d) Use more verbs.

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

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

12. 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.

13. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a person who is aware of the circumstances is considered to be of a certain quality?
(a) An audience does not like happy endings.
(b) A person who is aware is boring.
(c) A failed action interrupts the flow.
(d) The person was already aware and no disaster occurs.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. As Aristotle explains, why must a poet be sensitive to the nature of language?

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

3. According to Aristotle, a great plot consists of an action that almost occurs, but doesn't because of what?

4. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?

5. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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