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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 an evil character of a tragic story is suddenly thrust into misfortune, it has been said that this satisfies the moral sense of the audience, but Aristotle asserts that the misfortune does not inspire what?
(a) Pity.
(b) Fear.
(c) Anger.
(d) Joy.

2. According to Aristotle, what happens in a legitimate tragedy?
(a) Not everyone winds up happy.
(b) The antagonist dies.
(c) The main character dies.
(d) Everyone wins at the end.

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

4. Based on Aristotle's teachings about tragedy, how can the poet unify the plot?
(a) Use complete sentences.
(b) Establishing clear relationships between actions the rest of the plot.
(c) Develop characters who behave in a believable manner.
(d) Use more verbs.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a character that is unaware is more effective than a failed action by a character that is aware?

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

5. What is the third type of recognition as identified by Aristotle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aristotle identify as the goal of tragedy?

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

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

5. 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?

6. 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.

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

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

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

10. Based on "Poetics" by Aristotle, explain how the effect of a sad plot will be magnified?

(see the answer keys)

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