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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. When an evil character of a tragic story is suddenly thrust into misfortune, it has been said that this satisfies the moral sense of the audience, but Aristotle asserts that the misfortune does not inspire what?

2. Based on Aristotle's "Poetics", great tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to what?

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

4. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a person who is aware of the circumstances is considered to be of a certain quality?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to write about:

1) Discuss epic poetry and the ways in which it's similar to and different from tragic poetry, as Aristotle explains.

2) Explain "heroic" meter, when it's used and why it's important based on what you learned from "Poetics".

3) Discuss the essence of poetry and poetic charm through Aristotle's teachings.

4) Compare two forms of art: the more refined and the less refined. Explain why Aristotle prefers one to the other.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the three options to write about:

1) Explain why men are drawn to write poetry based on Aristotle's "Poetics".

2) Explain how different types of poetry emerged based on Aristotle's "Poetics".

3) Compare comedy, tragedy, and epic poetry through the teachings of Aristotle.

Essay Topic 3

Based on Aristotle's "Poetics", how does poetry differ from history according to Aristotle? Why is poetry considered a higher pursuit than history to Aristotle? How does Aristotle define the "laws of probability and necessity"?

(see the answer keys)

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