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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. Aristotle asserts that the main character of a tragedy must have what?

2. Aristotle explains that a sign is one of four types of recognition. What is an example of recognition occurring through the use of a sign?

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

4. When constructing the plot, the poet ought to do what first, according to Aristotle?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What reasons does Aristotle give regarding why the poet must be sensitive to the nature of language? Into what parts can language be subdivided? What are some ways suggested by Aristotle that a poet could effectively create a rhythmic and pleasant-sounding poem that has a meter that is appropriate to the type of poem he is creating as well as to the subject matter?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Compare the habits of good poets and bad poets according to Aristotle. Discuss their styles and motivations as discussed in "Poetics".

2) Based on "Poetics", discuss the elements or characteristics possessed by a superior tragedy.

3) What guidelines does Aristotle provide in regard to a poet choosing characters?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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