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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section II.

Multiple Choice 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?
(a) They are equally effective.
(b) They are equally ineffective.
(c) The second situation inspires more fear, but less pity.
(d) The morals of the character that is unaware remain intact, and the first situation inspires more fear.

2. 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?
(a) Poor fortune.
(b) His own creation.
(c) His mother.
(d) A bad attitude.

3. What does Aristotle say about the element of surprise in a tragedy?
(a) It helps inspire pity.
(b) It keeps the reader guessing and interested.
(c) It helps inspire joy.
(d) It helps inspire sadness.

4. What is the third type of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) One that occurs from a bad dream.
(b) One that occurs through divine intervention.
(c) One that occurs through the awakening of some memory or latent emotion.
(d) One that occurs from a good dream.

5. Men are drawn to write poetry for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons Aristotle provides?
(a) There is a natural attraction to rhythm and harmony.
(b) Man enjoys learning.
(c) Man is naturally attracted to imitation.
(d) Man is naturally attracted to beauty.

Short Answer Questions

1. Per Aristotle, the unity of plot is what to the unity of a character's actions?

2. Aristotle explains that tragedy is not only concerned with the depiction of just any action, but of actions that inspire what?

3. According to Aristotle, how does tragedy achieve the emotion it inspires?

4. Aristotle states that poetry depicts what?

5. What type of stories does Aristotle identify as more fit for epic poems than tragedies?

(see the answer key)

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