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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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) His own creation.
(b) Poor fortune.
(c) His mother.
(d) A bad attitude.

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

3. What example does Aristotle provide of recognition occurring through the will of the poet?
(a) A character is revealed when the poet announces it.
(b) One character may reveal himself to another for no reason.
(c) The main character reveals himself to the antagonist when the reader least expects.
(d) There is no such thing as recognition through the will of the poet.

4. What does Aristotle say occurs at the beginning of a tragic story?
(a) Simplicity.
(b) The unraveling.
(c) The foreshadowing of tragic actions.
(d) The complication.

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

6. Aristotle says that simply doing what well leaves a mediocre piece of art?
(a) Writing a complication and unraveling.
(b) Giving the reader a sense of suspense.
(c) Infusing irony just at the beginning.
(d) Developing a main character that does not have a close friend.

7. 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 morals of the character that is unaware remain intact, and the first situation inspires more fear.
(d) The second situation inspires more fear, but less pity.

8. In a tragedy, which of the following would Aristotle consider to be false?
(a) The action is more tragic when a person who is aware of the circumstances does not perform the action.
(b) The action may be done unknowingly.
(c) The action may be done knowingly.
(d) An action can either be done or not done.

9. When an evil character of a tragic story is suddenly thrust into misfortune, it has been said that this satisfies the moral sense of the audience, but Aristotle asserts that the misfortune does not inspire what?
(a) Anger.
(b) Fear.
(c) Joy.
(d) Pity.

10. Why does Aristotle say that Homer's "Iliad" is not a tragedy?
(a) The reader feels no pity.
(b) It has too many episodes and sub-stories to fit the format.
(c) It lacks irony.
(d) It is a happy story.

11. Aristotle explains that the complication in plot leads to what?
(a) The unraveling.
(b) The sequel to the story.
(c) The death of the main character.
(d) A tragic action.

12. What does Aristotle believe to be the goal of tragedy?
(a) To inspire fear and pity.
(b) To inspire anger.
(c) To inspire pity.
(d) To inspire fear.

13. What other name does Aristotle give to the conclusion of a tragedy?
(a) The unraveling.
(b) The turning point.
(c) The climax.
(d) The big tragic event.

14. In depicting his main character, Aristotle says that the poet should always accomplish four things. Of the following, which is NOT one of these four things?
(a) The main character should be portrayed consistently.
(b) The poet should make the main character good.
(c) The poet should make the main character perfect.
(d) The goodness of the character should be appropriate.

15. 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) The least impressive type of action.
(b) Reconsideration.
(c) Reversal of Situation.
(d) Recognition.

Short Answer Questions

1. What would Aristotle say about the following action: a man is about to kill his brother, thinking him to be his enemy, but discovers his identity and therefore spares his life?

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

3. In a tragedy, Aristotle says that the main character cannot be what?

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. Aristotle warns that a tragedy poet should be careful with what?

(see the answer keys)

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