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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. Why does Aristotle believe that a failed action by a character that is unaware is more effective than a failed action by a character that is aware?

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

3. To Aristotle, what type of recognition is considered superior to any other kind?

4. 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?

5. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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.

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

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

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

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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.

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

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

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

Based on Aristotle's teachings, with what type of actions does tragedy concern itself? How does tragedy accomplish its goals of inspiring certain emotions in the audience? What is the foundation of good poetry writing according to Aristotle?

Essay Topic 2

Like any art, poetry is a kind of imitation, as Aristotle asserts. Aristotle differentiates arts from one another in three ways: medium, the objects, and the manner of imitation.

1) Define the three ways in which art is differentiated.

2) Compare poetry to prose.

3) Give an example of how poets may differ in how they represent the objects.

Essay Topic 3

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?

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