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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. Based on Aristotle's teachings, if the main character of a tragedy is totally without fault, his fall would not be due to his own fault, but rather what?

2. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?

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

4. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. If the tragedy is to be performed, what does Aristotle say the poet should ensure and why?

4. 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.

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

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

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

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. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following options to write about:

1) Discuss "Recognition" as defined by Aristotle and provide an example from "Poetics".

2) Discuss "Reversal of Situation" as defined by Aristotle and provide an example from "Poetics".

3) Based on Aristotle's teachings, explain how complex actions may effectively uses these devices.

Essay Topic 2

What reasons does Aristotle give regarding why the poet should be careful in picking the content for his poem? What types of stories are better fit for epic poems? Would you attempt to put Homer's "Iliad" in the format of a tragedy? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The goal of tragedy, as explained by Aristotle, is to construct a plot that successfully inspires what in the spectator or reader? How should the actions depicted in the plot be chosen? How can the poet effectively inspire certain emotions to a great scale?

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