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

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

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

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

5. According to Aristotle, what type of poets attempt to create tragedies that result in everyone ultimately being happy?
(a) Poets more interested in winning an award.
(b) Innovative poets.
(c) Optimistic poets.
(d) Poets more concerned with pleasing their audience.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?

5. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?

Short Essay Questions

1. Give an example that Aristotle provides in "Poetics" of a failed action where the character of a tragic story was aware of the circumstances then failed to follow through.

2. Why does Aristotle consider a failed action in a tragedy where the character was aware of the circumstances then failed to follow through to be a poor development in the plot?

3. 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.

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

5. List at least two things that Aristotle says a poet of a tragedy should always accomplish when depicting his characters.

6. 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.

7. What does Aristotle say in regard to how actions in a plot should be chosen?

8. Based on "Poetics" by Aristotle, explain how the effect of a sad plot will be magnified?

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

10. What does Aristotle identify as the goal of tragedy?

(see the answer keys)

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