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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 accomplishes what?
(a) It draws the reader in with the suspense of how the problem will be resolved, if it ever is.
(b) It ties the beginning to the end.
(c) It gives the reader a sense of resolution.
(d) It evokes pity.

2. 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.

3. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?
(a) Unhappily.
(b) It ends just at the right time.
(c) Happily.
(d) Successfully.

4. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?
(a) The characters always resolve the issues and harmony is restored.
(b) The problem can conquer the characters and the story ends unhappily.
(c) The characters can conquer the problem.
(d) The story can end happily.

5. As Aristotle explains, why must a poet be sensitive to the nature of language?
(a) The nature of language in unpredictable.
(b) Language is very complicated.
(c) Language is to a poet as paint is to a painter.
(d) There are infinite words from which to choose.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What does Aristotle consider to be the most tragic event?

3. In addition to a sign, what is the second kind of recognition as identified by Aristotle?

4. 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?

5. Based on Aristotle's "Poetics", great tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

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

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

6. 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?

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

8. 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.

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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