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

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) Developing a main character that does not have a close friend.
(d) Infusing irony just at the beginning.

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?
(a) Poor execution.
(b) Poor plot development.
(c) An interesting turn of events.
(d) The most successful kind of action.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What type of tragedy does Aristotle say does NOT require impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators?

2. Into how many parts does Aristotle divide the plot of a tragedy?

3. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?

4. What are/is the name(s) of the part(s) that Aristotle gives to the plot of a tragedy?

5. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

8. What type of recognition is considered by Aristotle to be superior to the others and why?

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 say that a poet should do first when constructing the plot of a tragedy?

(see the answer keys)

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