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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Aristotle says that an action that is failed to be performed in a tragedy by the person who is aware of the circumstances is what?
(a) Reconsideration.
(b) Reversal of Situation.
(c) Good judgment.
(d) The least effective poetically.

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

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

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

11. What example does Aristotle use to demonstrate his point of epic vs. tragedy formats?
(a) His own personal work.
(b) The success of many poets who attempted to make an epic poem a tragedy.
(c) Homer's "Iliad".
(d) The failures of many poets who attempted to make an epic poem a tragedy.

12. According to Aristotle, a great plot consists of an action that almost occurs, but doesn't because of what?
(a) The main character thwarts evil actions.
(b) A discovery by the character.
(c) Irony.
(d) Reversal of Situation.

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

14. What is the third type of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) One that occurs through the awakening of some memory or latent emotion.
(b) One that occurs from a good dream.
(c) One that occurs from a bad dream.
(d) One that occurs through divine intervention.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Artistically, what type of recognition does Aristotle consider to be a serious flaw?

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

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

5. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?

(see the answer keys)

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