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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 does Aristotle identify as a poet's medium?
(a) Language and passion.
(b) Language.
(c) Language and heart.
(d) Spiritual inspiration.

2. What is the purpose of the conclusion according to Aristotle?
(a) It gives the reader a sense of suspense.
(b) It ties the beginning and the end together.
(c) It shows how the problem is eventually solved or not solved.
(d) It leads to the middle of the story.

3. Why does Aristotle say that Homer's "Iliad" is not a tragedy?
(a) It has too many episodes and sub-stories to fit the format.
(b) The reader feels no pity.
(c) It is a happy story.
(d) It lacks irony.

4. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?
(a) Misguided love.
(b) Stupidity.
(c) The character's arrogance.
(d) The character's weakness.

5. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?
(a) The main character reveals himself to the antagonist when the reader least expects.
(b) A character is revealed when the poet announces it.
(c) One character may reveal himself to another for no reason.
(d) There is no such thing as recognition through the will of the poet.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

2. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?

3. What does Aristotle say that a well-crafted tragedy has?

4. What type of stories does Aristotle identify as more fit for epic poems than tragedies?

5. Aristotle says that it's important for any poet to master what in a tragedy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. 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?

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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