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

2. 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) This action would not inspire pity.
(c) It would be boring.
(d) A tragedy only has one evil character.

3. Into how many parts does Aristotle divide the plot of a tragedy?
(a) Four.
(b) Three.
(c) Aristotle does not divide the plot of a tragedy, but rather sees it as a whole.
(d) Two.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What is the purpose of the conclusion according to Aristotle?

3. Based on Aristotle's teachings, why do some tragedies use certain effects when performed on stage?

4. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?

5. Aristotle says that simply doing what well leaves a mediocre piece of art?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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