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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. 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) Divine intervention.
(c) A psychic reading.
(d) A bad dream.

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

3. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?
(a) They are of considerably greater length and scope.
(b) They are much shorter.
(c) The meter of epic poems is unimportant.
(d) They tend to rhyme.

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

5. In a tragic story, a mother who is about to kill her son--and she is aware that it is her son--does not carry out the action. Aristotle uses this as an example of what?
(a) Reconsideration.
(b) Recognition.
(c) The least impressive type of action.
(d) Reversal of Situation.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?

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

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

4. In a tragedy, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?

5. If the story is performed, why, according to Aristotle, should actors act with appropriate gestures to demonstrate their emotions and thoughts as the story progresses?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

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

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

6. 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?

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

8. 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.

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

10. Define the ways in which Aristotle divides the plot of a tragedy.

(see the answer keys)

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