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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. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?

2. What are/is the name(s) of the part(s) that Aristotle gives to the plot of a tragedy?

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

4. What example does Aristotle use to demonstrate his point of epic vs. tragedy formats?

5. Aristotle says that simply doing what well leaves a mediocre piece of art?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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. 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.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

According to Aristotle, plot is the most essential element of tragedy; it is the sole element without which a tragedy could not exist. The development of character, though important, is secondary to the development of plot.

Part 1) Explain why the development of character is secondary to the development of plot.

Part 2) Through Aristotle's perspective, how should the plot of a well-written tragedy be structured?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

When constructing the plot, Aristotle says that the poet ought to do what first and why? When should the poet begin to fill out the individual episodes and scenes of the story? Why is it important to construct the plot in this way?

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