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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What would Aristotle say about the following action: a man is about to kill his brother, thinking him to be his enemy, but discovers his identity and therefore spares his life?
(a) Poor execution.
(b) Poor plot development.
(c) The most successful kind of action.
(d) An interesting turn of events.

7. When an evil character of a tragic story is suddenly thrust into misfortune, it has been said that this satisfies the moral sense of the audience, but Aristotle asserts that the misfortune does not inspire what?
(a) Joy.
(b) Fear.
(c) Anger.
(d) Pity.

8. 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?
(a) A character recognizes another by a certain scar or birthmark.
(b) A character's action is interrupted by what seems to be divine intervention.
(c) A character receives a psychic reading.
(d) A character has a vivid dream.

9. 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?
(a) Gestures are more important than dialogue.
(b) Aristotle says that spectators will not be able to infer these simply from the dialog alone.
(c) Aristotle says that gestures compensate for a bad story.
(d) None of the answers is correct.

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

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

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

13. What is the purpose of the conclusion according to Aristotle?
(a) It leads to the middle of the story.
(b) It gives the reader a sense of suspense.
(c) It ties the beginning and the end together.
(d) It shows how the problem is eventually solved or not solved.

14. 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 mother.
(c) His own creation.
(d) Poor fortune.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?

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

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

4. 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?

5. What does Aristotle say about Homer's "Iliad"?

(see the answer keys)

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