View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Aristotle explains that the complication accomplishes what?

2. Aristotle explains that the complication in plot leads to what?

3. What type of tragedy does Aristotle say does NOT require impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators?

4. 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?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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?

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

4. Why does Aristotle consider a failed action in a tragedy where the character was aware of the circumstances then failed to follow through to be a poor development in the plot?

5. 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.

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

7. Based on Aristotle's reasoning, what type of main character should a poet choose and why?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 985 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample