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

2. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?
(a) There is no such thing as recognition through the will of the poet.
(b) The main character reveals himself to the antagonist when the reader least expects.
(c) A character is revealed when the poet announces it.
(d) One character may reveal himself to another for no reason.

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

4. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?
(a) Speaking in the third person.
(b) Flawless.
(c) Insecure.
(d) Self-centered.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the purpose of the conclusion according to Aristotle?

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. Into how many parts does Aristotle say a language can be divided?

4. Aristotle explains that tragedies should have what that other poems do not?

5. In depicting his main character, Aristotle says that the poet should always accomplish four things. Of the following, which is NOT one of these four things?

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

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

9. While some tragedies may use impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators, what type of tragedy according to Aristotle does not require such spectacles and why?

10. What types of situations does Aristotle say occur frequently in tragedy and why?

(see the answer keys)

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