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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, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?

2. When is a sign considered to be poorly used in the plot device of recognition according to Aristotle?

3. If the problem conquers the characters, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?

4. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?

5. What does Aristotle identify as a poet's medium?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Aristotle divides the plot of a tragedy into two parts: the complication and the unraveling.

Part 1) Discuss the complication.

Part 2) Discuss the unraveling.

Part 3) Provide examples of each.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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