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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. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?
(a) The character's weakness.
(b) Misguided love.
(c) The character's arrogance.
(d) Stupidity.

3. Based on Aristotle's "Poetics", great tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to what?
(a) Various churches.
(b) Small social groups.
(c) Universities.
(d) Wealthy and prominent families.

4. 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?
(a) The least effective poetically.
(b) Good judgment.
(c) Reconsideration.
(d) Reversal of Situation.

5. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a character that is unaware is more effective than a failed action by a character that is aware?
(a) The second situation inspires more fear, but less pity.
(b) They are equally ineffective.
(c) They are equally effective.
(d) The morals of the character that is unaware remain intact, and the first situation inspires more fear.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

2. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?

3. What does Aristotle say that a well-crafted tragedy has?

4. 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?

5. According to Aristotle, what type of poets attempt to create tragedies that result in everyone ultimately being happy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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?

10. 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.

(see the answer keys)

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