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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

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

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

4. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) From "Poetics", discuss actions, including the definition of action, characteristics of action, how actions affect the plot, and what types of actions Aristotle considers more impressive over other types.

2) From "Poetics", discuss main character depiction, including how one should pick a main character, the characteristics that a main character should have and provide some examples to support your points.

Essay Topic 2

Based on Aristotle's teachings, with what type of actions does tragedy concern itself? How does tragedy accomplish its goals of inspiring certain emotions in the audience? What is the foundation of good poetry writing according to Aristotle?

Essay Topic 3

Aristotle teaches that actions can be divided into two types: simple and complex.

1) Define a simple action.

2) Define a complex action.

3) Provide at least one example for a simple and complex action.

(see the answer keys)

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