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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. Aristotle explains that the complication in plot leads to what?
(a) The death of the main character.
(b) The sequel to the story.
(c) The unraveling.
(d) A tragic action.

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

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

4. According to Aristotle, what happens in a legitimate tragedy?
(a) Not everyone winds up happy.
(b) Everyone wins at the end.
(c) The antagonist dies.
(d) The main character dies.

5. Based on Aristotle's teachings about tragedy, how can the poet unify the plot?
(a) Establishing clear relationships between actions the rest of the plot.
(b) Develop characters who behave in a believable manner.
(c) Use complete sentences.
(d) Use more verbs.

Short Answer Questions

1. What other name does Aristotle give to the conclusion of a tragedy?

2. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?

3. As Aristotle explains, when an evil main character of a tragic story experiences misfortune, why doesn't this inspire certain key emotions in the audience?

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

5. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a person who is aware of the circumstances is considered to be of a certain quality?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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