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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Aristotle believe that the main character of a tragedy ought to be a certain way?
(a) People take pity on weak characters.
(b) A main character can become strong.
(c) Because the character's weakness ought to be the cause of his misfortune.
(d) Because no one is perfect.

2. 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) Joy.
(b) Fear.
(c) Pity.
(d) Anger.

3. Based on Aristotle's teachings about tragedy, how can the poet unify the plot?
(a) Use complete sentences.
(b) Use more verbs.
(c) Establishing clear relationships between actions the rest of the plot.
(d) Develop characters who behave in a believable manner.

4. 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) An action can either be done or not done.
(d) The action may be done knowingly.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Aristotle say that a well-crafted tragedy has?

2. Aristotle explains that tragedies should have what that other poems do not?

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

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

5. 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?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. 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?

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

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

9. 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?

10. Define the ways in which Aristotle divides the plot of a tragedy.

(see the answer keys)

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