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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, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?

2. What does Aristotle believe to be the goal of tragedy?

3. Aristotle says that an action that is failed to be performed in a tragedy by the person who is aware of the circumstances is what?

4. What does Aristotle say about Homer's "Iliad"?

5. As Aristotle states, what ways are epic poems different from other poems, specifically tragedies?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. 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.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

How would you develop an episodic plot as defined by Aristotle? What type of poets does Aristotle say are known to use this form of storytelling? Why do other types of poets use this form?

(see the answer keys)

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