View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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?
(a) The least impressive type of action.
(b) Reconsideration.
(c) Reversal of Situation.
(d) Recognition.

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

3. In addition to a sign, what is the second kind of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) Divine intervention.
(b) A bad dream.
(c) A psychic reading.
(d) One that occurs simply by the will of the poet.

4. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?
(a) Because no one is perfect.
(b) Because the character's weakness ought to be the cause of his misfortune.
(c) A main character can become strong.
(d) People take pity on weak characters.

5. According to Aristotle, what type of poets attempt to create tragedies that result in everyone ultimately being happy?
(a) Poets more interested in winning an award.
(b) Poets more concerned with pleasing their audience.
(c) Innovative poets.
(d) Optimistic poets.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aristotle say about Homer's "Iliad"?

2. In a tragedy, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?

3. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

4. Why does Aristotle say that Homer's "Iliad" is not a tragedy?

5. To Aristotle, what type of recognition is considered superior to any other kind?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

3. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,138 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample