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

2. What is the third type of recognition as identified by Aristotle?

3. What does Aristotle say occurs at the beginning of a tragic story?

4. According to Aristotle, what happens in a legitimate tragedy?

5. Based on Aristotle's teachings, if the main character of a tragedy is totally without fault, his fall would not be due to his own fault, but rather what?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The goal of tragedy, as explained by Aristotle, is to construct a plot that successfully inspires what in the spectator or reader? How should the actions depicted in the plot be chosen? How can the poet effectively inspire certain emotions to a great scale?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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