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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

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

2. According to Aristotle, why do the greatest tragedy poets always choose characters that belong to such groups?
(a) An educated character is more believable.
(b) A fall from such a great height will impress the spectator.
(c) A moral character is more believable.
(d) A character with few friends is more interesting.

3. How does Aristotle characterize tragedies with happy endings?
(a) He calls them great tragedies.
(b) He says they are Greek poetry.
(c) He says they are Roman poetry.
(d) He calls them comedies.

4. Into how many parts does Aristotle say a language can be divided?
(a) Two.
(b) Infinite.
(c) Several.
(d) Three.

5. What example does Aristotle use to demonstrate his point of epic vs. tragedy formats?
(a) His own personal work.
(b) The success of many poets who attempted to make an epic poem a tragedy.
(c) The failures of many poets who attempted to make an epic poem a tragedy.
(d) Homer's "Iliad".

6. In a tragic story, a mother who is about to kill her son--and she is aware that it is her son--does not carry out the action. Aristotle uses this as an example of what?
(a) Recognition.
(b) The least impressive type of action.
(c) Reversal of Situation.
(d) Reconsideration.

7. Based on Aristotle's teachings, why do some tragedies use certain effects when performed on stage?
(a) Because they are "silent" tragedies.
(b) To justify higher ticket prices.
(c) To impress their spectators.
(d) To express language visually.

8. 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.

9. In addition to a sign, what is the second kind of recognition as identified by Aristotle?
(a) A bad dream.
(b) One that occurs simply by the will of the poet.
(c) Divine intervention.
(d) A psychic reading.

10. What type of tragedy does Aristotle say does NOT require impressive visual effects when performed on stage to impress their spectators?
(a) An episodic tragedy.
(b) An unusual tragedy.
(c) A superior tragedy with a strong plot.
(d) A complex tragedy.

11. In a good tragedy, Aristotle explains that the misfortune the main character experiences is usually caused by what?
(a) Misguided love.
(b) The character's weakness.
(c) The character's arrogance.
(d) Stupidity.

12. What type of stories does Aristotle identify as more fit for epic poems than tragedies?
(a) Stories with happy endings.
(b) Stories that give true historical accounts.
(c) Stories of considerably greater length and scope.
(d) Stories that are shorter and to the point.

13. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?
(a) Choosing ironic events.
(b) Writing the middle, as it is the most important part of a tragedy.
(c) The poet should be careful not to write a happy ending.
(d) Picking the content for the poem.

14. What does Aristotle identify as a poet's medium?
(a) Language and passion.
(b) Spiritual inspiration.
(c) Language and heart.
(d) Language.

15. If the characters conquer the problem, how does Aristotle say the tragedy ends?
(a) It ends too soon.
(b) Happily.
(c) Sadly.
(d) Without pity.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a good tragedy as defined by Aristotle, why wouldn't you see two evil men fighting and killing one another?

2. Into how many parts does Aristotle divide the plot of a tragedy?

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

4. Concerning what Aristotle says about the conclusion of a tragedy, which of the following statements is FALSE?

5. Based on "Poetics", how will the effect of a sad plot of a tragic story be magnified?

(see the answer keys)

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