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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 is the third type of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) One that occurs from a bad dream.
(b) One that occurs through the awakening of some memory or latent emotion.
(c) One that occurs from a good dream.
(d) One that occurs through divine intervention.

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

3. In a good tragedy as defined by Aristotle, why wouldn't you see two evil men fighting and killing one another?
(a) Evil men team up, not fight each other.
(b) A tragedy only has one evil character.
(c) This action would not inspire pity.
(d) It would be boring.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

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

3. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?

4. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?

5. What does Aristotle believe to be the goal of tragedy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

7. 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?

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. 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.

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

(see the answer keys)

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