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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?
(a) People take pity on weak characters.
(b) Because the character's weakness ought to be the cause of his misfortune.
(c) Because no one is perfect.
(d) A main character can become strong.

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

4. Into how many parts does Aristotle say a language can be divided?
(a) Three.
(b) Infinite.
(c) Several.
(d) Two.

5. In addition to a sign, what is the second kind of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) One that occurs simply by the will of the poet.
(b) A psychic reading.
(c) A bad dream.
(d) Divine intervention.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. 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?

3. Aristotle explains that the complication in plot leads to what?

4. When is a sign considered to be poorly used in the plot device of recognition according to Aristotle?

5. What type of stories does Aristotle identify as more fit for epic poems than tragedies?

Short Essay Questions

1. When does Aristotle say the use of recognition through sign is used poorly?

2. Does Aristotle believe that Homer's "Iliad" should be written in the format of a tragedy? Why or why not?

3. Based on Aristotle's reasoning, what type of main character should a poet choose and why?

4. In order for a plot to be truly effective in achieving the desired emotional responses, Aristotle explains that the actions portrayed in it must be of a certain character. Explain.

5. In regard to the plot device of recognition, give an example that Aristotle provides in "Poetics" of how recognition can occur through some recognition of sign.

6. If the tragedy is to be performed, what does Aristotle say the poet should ensure and why?

7. Give an example that Aristotle provides in "Poetics" of the most successful kind of action in a tragedy.

8. What does Aristotle identify as the most successful kind of action in a tragedy and why?

9. What does Aristotle say that a poet should do first when constructing the plot of a tragedy?

10. In addition to recognition through sign, what are some other ways that Aristotle identifies as ways in which recognition can occur?

(see the answer keys)

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